HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-23 Public Comment - A. Woods - Vote NO on Ordinance 2149From:Alanna Woods
To:Agenda
Cc:Alanna Woods
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Vote NO on Ordinance 2149
Date:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 9:03:16 AM
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Dear City Commission,
I am writing in opposition to Bozeman Ordinance 2149- please vote no on this unnecessarymeasure.
While I understand the need for more affordable housing in Bozeman, there is NO DATA
supporting this measure as a potential solution. Most STRs do not qualify as "affordablehousing" and will not become viable options to those who need it. The EPS study
commissioned last summer explicitly states this. The study also states that short-term rentalscomprise about 2.5 percent of the city’s overall housing stock. To quote the study findings:
"This suggests that restrictions on STRs may affect only a small portion of the housing supply
and suggests that if these units were not permitted to be rented as STRs, they would notbecome affordable long-term rentals or homes for sale without additional subsidy or support."
Besides the fact that this measure will be ineffective in accomplishing the City's goals, it will
negatively impact local community members and those in the tourism industry who relyon STR income, either directly or indirectly. Some rely on STR income to afford their own
homes. An STR can be a better option than a hotel room for visiting families.To quote the EPSstudy again:
"So, while hotel rooms still make up the majority of Bozeman’s bed base, STRs play an
important role in the ability of the city to accommodate visitors."
I would encourage the City Commission to explore other measures that will actually make adifference, and not hurt the local economy. STRs bring tax revenue that could be used to
create affordable housing, with the right partnerships. Please consider developing a realsolution for the housing crisis that will serve the city long-term. This measure is not the
answer.
Thanks,
Alanna Woods
EPS STR Final Report:https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/2093796/EPS_-
_STR_Analysis_08-01-23.pdf