HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-25 Public Comment - J. Becker - Support Right to CounselFrom:Jake Becker
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support Right to Counsel
Date:Thursday, May 8, 2025 2:59:57 PM
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Dear City Commission,
My name is Jake Becker. I’ve seen many sides of housing stability,
instability and eviction. Through my experiences of being a tenant,
realtor, general contractor, and now a landlord I would like to think I can
provide a unique view about the topic of right to counsel for tenants
facing eviction. The right to counsel is not only a benefit for the tenants
and landlords involved, but also a necessity for the city.
It’s important to note that the following is true: this is not a red or blue
issue, housing stability affects the individual first, but it ripples and like
a wave gets bigger and impacts our community at large.
Growing up I faced housing instability and eviction. Strong social
safety nets and support from my community allowed me to
become stabilized, and eventually a homeowner and landlord. With
the foundation of housing security I’ve been able to pursue
entrepreneurship and provide housing security for the ones I care
about.
While I was the president of the Bozeman Lions club I created a festival
based fundraiser involving nonprofits and businesses from across the
valley which raised funds for HRDC’s blueprint program. We gave
money to benefit youth experiencing homelessness and while that's well
and good, preventative policy is better than retroactive donations.
Systemic change versus damage control.
I am an owner and property manager of a multi family building. I’ve had
tenants go non payment, some clearly going through crisis. I’ve been in
situations where I’ve connected them to social services, or made
payment plan options. Sending an eviction notice is my last option.
Ultimately eviction notice and sometimes eviction has to happen, but I
believe in the contracts I agree to and if I’m in the wrong I’m not
opposed to a lawyer advising a tenant that they’re in the right. My hope
would be that if my tenants were to receive an eviction notice and have
the right to representation
1.
I would have already done what I could in order to ease
the situation for everyone.
2.
That I would know the rules of the contract I made,
advertised, was legally advised on, and signed. So that
I wouldn’t feel the least bit nervous about my case in a
courtroom.
3.
I could deal with legal counsel and the tenant could
be advised to make a settlement, leave property in
good condition, or otherwise be connected to social
services properly so both parties can have a
streamlined process.
I’m a businessman and I pay property taxes. I care where my local
money goes. The ask of $314,000 for a lawyer, legal assistant, and an
office from an annual city budget of $243 Million is a sensible
investment. It costs money to transition people into and out of housing.
It's good business to prevent unjustified evictions. Evictions and housing
instability cost everybody. Cost money, cost employment, cost of
mental, physical health, cost relationships, and the cost of safety.
Having a professional 3rd party service will act as a safeguard for those
involved directly and truly everyone who lives here.
-- Jake Becker406 920 0938JakeKBecker@gmail.com
Becker Real EstateBozeman Beach BenefitBeacon Contracting