HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-24 Public Comment - J. Aaron - Forward Montana - Strengthen Bozeman's Affordable Housing Ordinance!!From:Jacqueline Aaron
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL][SENDER UNVERIFIED]Forward Montana - Strengthen Bozeman"s Affordable Housing Ordinance!!
Date:Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:31:33 AM
Attachments:Forward Montana - Strengthen Bozeman"s Affordable Housing Ordinance!!.pdf
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City of Bozeman Commissioners and Staff,
Forward Montana works hard to create a political home for young people in Montana.We
talk to thousands of young voters each year -we hear their hopes,dreams,and worries for
the future.Year after year young people raise the lack of affordable housing and increased
rent costs as a top concern.This is backed by recent polling we conducted.59%of young
Montanans choose “high cost of housing”as the top issue.
We have seen first hand the impact the housing crisis has on mental health and
well-being,hiring and retaining staff,and civic engagement rates.40%have considered
moving away from Montana in the last year (compared to only 24%of those 36 and older).
When asked what makes them consider moving away,75%of young Montanans cite lack of
affordable housing.These are young people who lead to the vibrant Bozeman we love and
provide many vital services in our community.What would happen if the people who actually
work within Bozeman are unable to live here?In 2021 we experienced a taste of what a
worker shortage will do to businesses and the community.
We also know that young Montanans embrace multiple solutions to the housing crisis.
●76%of young Montanans support allowing apartment buildings to be built in all
commercial areas and within walking distance of transit stops.
●73%of young Montanans support expanding the availability of starter homes by
removing the existing requirement that limits single-family homes only to very large
lots.
●69%of young Montanans support allowing affordable housing to be built without
requiring a special vote of city council or other city boards or commissions.
The Bozeman City Commission must strengthen the Affordable Housing Ordinance to
continue delivering affordable units for working class families and community members.
Bozeman’s Affordable Housing Ordinance has done well to build attainable community
housing without a significant commitment of taxpayer dollars.With more than 1,600
permitted units in the pipeline,this ordinance is helping to chip away at Bozeman's gap in
affordable housing options.These income targeted,long-range,deed restricted units are
what we need,and the Commission must double down,not retreat.Protect the AHO,keep
what is working,and take opportunities to improve the ordinance to better meet the needs
of working households and those on fixed incomes in Bozeman.
Thank you for your consideration and continued service to our community.
Best,
Forward Montana Staff -Bozeman