HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-25 Public Comment - T. Davis - Support Right to CouncelFrom:Tessa Davis
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Support Right to Councel
Date:Monday, May 12, 2025 6:58:08 PM
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.
Dear City Commission,
My name is Tessa Davis. I’ve lived in Bozeman since 2017, and I work as a film editor, coach,and volunteer at Haven. I also own two residential rental properties here in town, and my two
sons (ages 16 and 13) and I rely on the income from those rentals to support ourselves.
Through my weekly volunteer work at Haven, I’ve seen firsthand how the housing crisis
directly impacts people trying to escape domestic violence. The lack of housing options cantrap survivors in dangerous situations. That’s why I support the Right to Counsel initiative. It
ensures that people facing eviction aren’t left vulnerable to exploitation during some of themost desperate moments of their lives.
Tenant representation benefits everyone—it brings clarity and calm to an often emotional andtense process. When people are scared and act out of desperation, it can lead to costly
consequences for landlords, neighbors, and the broader community. Dignity matters, and whenpeople feel seen and supported, our community becomes stronger.
Before moving to Bozeman, I lived in Venice Beach. Over the ten years before we left, myfamily watched our neighborhood struggle with skyrocketing housing costs and a growing
unhoused population. During that time, I created films for a youth homeless shelter called SPYand came to understand just how complex and layered the issue truly is. There is no single fix
—but early intervention makes a difference.
Right to Counsel gives Bozeman a chance to avoid the same crisis we experienced in Venice.
When people are treated with disrespect and disregard, the outcomes can be dangerous. Wehave the opportunity now to create a safety net for our neighbors facing eviction—one that
ensures they are heard, represented, and treated with dignity.
Finally, like many others, I’m feeling the burden of high and rising property taxes. It’s painful
—but I’m fortunate to still be getting by. I believe that investing in tenant representation nowwill save the city money in the long term. Keeping people housed is far less costly than
dealing with the fallout of homelessness and crisis response.
Thank you for your time, and for your service on the City Commission.
Sincerely,Tessa Davis