HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-25 Public Comment - R. Brey - Neighborhood AssociationsFrom:Ron Brey
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Neighborhood Associations
Date:Sunday, April 20, 2025 4:53:35 PM
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> The city commission and the public have both expressed a desire to increase and improve opportunities for citizen
engagement. There is an opportunity to really respond to this desire in a charter.
>
> Both the city of Helena and the city of Great Falls have had official citizens councils for decades that are
extremely involved and have stood the test of time. In Helena, it used to be the case that election to the citizens
council was practically a prerequisite for running for a seat on the commission. The councils played a significant
role in local government.
>
> I remember in Great Falls when a controversial highway project was being considered, it was a requirement that
MDOT meet and reach some sort of accord with the citizens council before bringing the project before the city
council.
>
> For the most part, our current neighborhood program serves as a means for the city to impart information to the
neighborhoods without giving them an effective means of participating in decisions. Please confirm this with
members of the INC.
>
> I have attached the link to Helena’s program and will try to send a link for Great Falls under separate cover.
>
> Thank you again for your service.
>
> Ron Brey
>
>
> https://www.helenamt.gov/Government/Helena-Citizens-Council
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From:Ron Brey
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Neighborhood Associations
Date:Sunday, April 20, 2025 4:55:17 PM
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recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
https://greatfallsmt.net/neighborhoodcouncils/our-councils