HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - J. McCafferty - Bozeman Right to CounselFrom:Jered McCafferty
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Right to Counsel
Date:Sunday, November 30, 2025 7:30:52 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Jered McCafferty. I moved to Bozeman to study film at Montana State andexplore everything that makes the Bozeman area so special. In the six years since I moved
here, I’ve graduated from MSU, started my filmmaking career, and formed bonds withcountless people who are also proud to call Bozeman home. One group of folks I’ve been
especially blessed to find is Bozeman Tenants United. I feel very encouraged to be a part of aunion that is so serious about improving our circumstances as tenants in an increasingly
expensive town.
Right now, I’m fortunate to have good, dignified housing within my budget, but throughout
my time putting myself though school, I had to move several times due to rent increases orlandlords deciding to sell. As a kid, our landlord broke our lease to sell, and we were forced to
spend a harsh Wyoming winter in a camper trailer. I know how it feels to feel unstable in myliving situation, and so I understand how much of a God send that a Right to Counsel program
could be for the people of Bozeman.
I’m incredibly excited that we are on the precipice of leading Montana in tenant champion
policy, and I want to commend members of the Commission for bringing the Right to Counselissue this far with us.
I am encouraging you to pass a STRONG Right to Counsel Ordinance and help tenants thrivein this community that we all love.