HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmily Talago
May 22nd, 2024
Emily Talago
416 W. Short Street
Bozeman, MT 59715
484-866-0029
emilytalago@gmail.com
Bozeman City Commission
c/o Bozeman City Clerk
121 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
To the Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to express my interest in the recently announced City Commission vacancy. With a background rich in
community involvement, a professional career rooted in scientific and analytical disciplines, and a strong commitment to
public service, I believe I possess the qualifications and vision necessary to contribute positively to our city's governance.
Understanding Complex Systems- Cultivating Community Benefit
Growing up in a large family, I learned early on the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. My father, a third-
generation nurseryman and landscape contractor, instilled in me a deep appreciation for built and natural environments
that nurture living things. This background, coupled with my career in biomedical research, has allowed me to master a
keen ability to look closely at and comprehend the intricacies of dynamic systems. Using this perspective, I’m able to
identify critical points where system intervention can lead to significant improvements, all while understanding the
tradeoffs and benefits associated with such actions.
Professional Experience
Scientific Research, Sanofi Pasteur, Marywood University, Montana State University:
o My work in research involved managing multifaceted projects, from grant writing and resource
acquisition to overseeing pre-and post-award activities. Drafting and negotiating agreements, managing
daily research operations, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations required meticulous
attention to detail and a thorough understanding of complex systems. These skills are directly
transferable to the role of City Commissioner, where analyzing data, making informed decisions, and
navigating regulatory frameworks are crucial.
Freelance Consulting, TLD West:
o As a consultant, I performed needs assessments, creatively leveraged existing resources, and helped
clients achieve their project goals efficiently. This role demanded the synthesis of project budgets and
narratives, identification of funding opportunities, and composition of competitive applications to
secure funding. These tasks required a strategic and analytical mindset, which I believe will be
invaluable in making well-informed decisions for the benefit of our community.
Cashman Nursery and Landscaping:
o At Cashman Nursery, I wore many hats including customer service, outreach event coordination, and
marketing. Building relationships within the community, curating seminar series, and organizing
promotions were key aspects of my role. I facilitated ongoing communication with customers and
developed data-driven applications to streamline operations. These experiences honed my ability to
connect with people, understand their needs, and foster a sense of interconnectedness—skills that are
essential for a City Commissioner.
Community Involvement
My dedication to Bozeman is reflected in my extensive community involvement:
Midtown Neighborhood Association:
o I formed the Midtown Neighborhood Association and served as a representative to the
InterNeighborhood Council. In this role, I received presentations from staff and community
organizations, provided feedback and guidance on planning and policy, and held positions such as
secretary and vice-chair. This experience underscored the importance of active listening, collaborative
decision-making, and representing community interests.
Candidate for Bozeman City Commissioner
o Campaigning for city commission, I honed my skills in networking with various community stakeholders,
engaging in meaningful conversations with constituents, and delving deep into the intricacies of local
government processes. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the dynamics of civic
engagement and the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of diverse communities.
Midtown Urban Renewal Board:
o As a member of the citizen advisory board, I advised on work plans and budgets to realize the goals of
the North Seventh Design and Connectivity Plan and the Midtown Urban Renewal Action Plan. My work
involved evaluating proposals, understanding their implications, and advocating that public investments
were protected and leveraged effectively.
Community-Based Architecture Studio:
o I participated in a project with the City of Bozeman Planning Department and MSU School of
Architecture, that designed infill Accessory Dwelling Units for neighborhood scale densification. Working
with talented students and learning about urban planning deepened my understanding of the
challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable and inclusive communities.
Vision for Bozeman
I am committed to ensuring our local government is responsive to the needs of its citizens. My professional and
community roles have instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and service. I believe in the importance of balancing
interests to generate prioritized, clear deliverables and maintaining accountability in all endeavors.
Key Skills and Attributes:
Analytical Decision-Making: Identifying required information, gaps thereof, and aggregating data to inform
decisions through the lens of maximized community benefit.
Responsibility and Hard Work: Opting into responsibilities to grow personally and professionally, balancing
various interests, and delivering clear, prioritized outcomes.
Communication and Accountability: Articulating decision-making criteria, addressing unintended consequences,
and holding myself and others accountable for deliverables.
My application for the City Commission seat is driven by a genuine desire to serve and improve the community I deeply
care about, and am lovingly vesting in. I bring a unique combination of scientific rigor, practical experience, and a proven
track record of community involvement. I am prepared to leverage my skills and experience to guide decisions that secure
and promote the general public welfare of Bozeman.
Thank you for considering my application, it would be an honor to serve with you.
Sincerely,
Emily Talago