HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-25 Public Comment - S. Higgs - Community Development Board Written Public Comment, 5_5_24From:Shaden Higgs
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Community Development Board Written Public Comment, 5/5/24
Date:Monday, May 5, 2025 10:01:32 AM
Attachments:Public Comment 5_5.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Community Development Board Written Public Comment, 5/5/24
To: Community Development Board
My name is Shaden Higgs and I grew up as a resident of Bozeman. I have recently begun
organizing for affordable housing and the priorities of young people and renters as they
relate to the UDC and city policy. Based on feedback from myself and other young
people engaging with housing at events such as Forward Montana’s Housing Happy
Hours, I strive to find achievable ways to deliver our affordable housing needs while
fostering community and limiting the impact of housing on the beautiful environment
we call our home.
Our housing crisis is messy, full of nuance, and lacking a “perfect” solution that many
of us seek. What has become clear to me, however, is the desire of young people for
more abundant and diverse housing options. Rezoning is helpful, but can only go so far.
New development takes time, and is often contentious among different groups of
Bozemanites. We exist in the world of imperfect interventions, resource limitations,
and polarization. Changing the housing code which permits no more than four
unrelated people to reside in a single dwelling unit is accessible, and would contribute
to our housing supply, a necessary ingredient in reducing rent hikes, protecting our
environment, and providing affordable housing for those who need it most.
I know first hand the importance of the ability to form and maintain a diverse
household; both for affordability and a strong sense of safety and community. Growing
up in a house with a single mom was nurtured by the presence and support of our
30-year-old roommate - unrelated by blood, but a fundamental part of our success.
The Community Development board has stated that the four-person rule has been in
effect for more than 30 years and is meant to limit the “intensity of use” at a property
and conflicts with neighbors1. I believe that there is no difference between an
1
https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/housing-group-says-bozeman-ordinance-discriminates/arti
cle_7c23b1af-d070-5da7-9e3b-6ac8fd434974.html
2 https://www.scribd.com/doc/22676726/Fair-Housing-Complaint
“unrelated” and “related” resident of a single dwelling unit significant enough to
warrant this policy.
The Montana Human Rights Bureau has also found “reasonable cause” to believe that
this Bozeman housing ordinance illegally discriminates against people with disabilities
and on the basis of age2. The ordinance prevents Montana State University students,
people with disabilities, and otherwise unmarried or unrelated folks from living
together to offset costs1.
Exceptions may be granted through a conditional-use permit or the classification of a
cooperative household, but I believe that providing young people, renters, college
students, and community members with disabilities the chance to access intentional
and affordable housing and community is a fundamental right.
Neither Missoula nor Billings have ordinances restricting the number of unrelated
people who can occupy a home. Former Missoula City Attorney stated that the city
repealed a similar requirement more than 15 years ago after a similar investigation by
the Human Rights Bureau1. Our community wants to minimize the impact of sprawl,
wants to access housing that truly works for them, and wants to see a change in this
out-dated, unnecessary, and discriminatory policy.
Thank you for the time, energy, and care this commission spends addressing the
housing needs of our community.
Shaden Higgs
2