HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-25 Public Comment - C. Anders - Thursday City Study Commision MeetingFrom:Chase Anders
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Thursday City Study Commision Meeting
Date:Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:37:56 PM
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As a Bozeman resident and taxpayer, I urge you not to approve the additional funding
requested by your out-of-state Working Ventures consultant. Here are the reasons to deny thisfunding:
The Study Commission approved a $50,000 budget for this work.
Working Ventures presented itself as a team of experts in municipal engagement and civicresearch.
They submitted a detailed proposal for $48,000+ and signed a contract agreeing to deliver thefull scope of work outlined in the RFP.
A local firm — with extensive experience in Montana municipal government — submitted acompeting proposal for $25,000 plus time and materials, not to exceed $50,000. TheCommission chose to hire Working Ventures instead, trusting their stated expertise.
To date, Working Ventures has held three public engagement events, with a total attendanceof only 17 people.
Now, despite that track record, the firm is asking taxpayers to fund their learning curve.
In their own words, they are seeking money to conduct research that will “explore key areasof municipal governance to inform potential updates to the City Charter and ensure alignmentwith best practices, state law, and community needs.” — exactly what they were hired andpaid to do in the first place.
Working Ventures has also identified twelve “community partners” they plan to meet withduring their December 4–6 engagement events. Not one conservative organization identifiedin prior meetings is included, while Forward Montana — a well-known activist group — isbeing given two special engagement sessions.
Why This Matters:
Bozeman taxpayers already paid for this expertise. Paying more to complete the same work isfiscally irresponsible.
Every dollar spent here is one less available for essential city needs.
Rewarding poor performance undermines public confidence and accountability.
Local voices warned early on that this out-of-state firm lacked understanding of Bozeman’slocal dynamics. The results confirm it.
Representation in community outreach should reflect all viewpoints, not just one side of thepolitical spectrum.
Accountability matters. The firm claimed expertise in community engagement and localgovernment review. Performance to date shows they over rated themselves and now expecttaxpayers to pick up the slack.
I would prefer you hire Andrew Thomas now rather than giving this firm more money. LISTEN TOTHE TAXPAYING RESIDENTS.
Best Regards,
Chase Anders