HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-26 Public Comment - E. Talago - Public Comment for TIF Board 2_19_26 Agenda I. From: Emily Talaao
To: Bozeman Public Comment;Alison Sweeney; David Fine
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment for TIF Board 2/19/26 Agenda I.
Date: Thursday,February 19,2026 11:45:59 AM
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Members of the Board and liaising Commissioner Sweeney,
Thank you for stepping forward to serve. SB3 established this board to strengthen oversight
and ensure urban renewal districts remain aligned with statutory purpose and community
benefit. I appreciate the experience represented here and your willingness to take on this
responsibility.
Given that this is only the Board's second meeting, I respectfully suggest that approval of the
annual work plans and budgets is premature as an action item. At the prior meeting, it was
indicated that these documents will move into the City's broader budget process in May. That
timeline suggests there is space, and value, in using this meeting, and at minimum also the
March meeting, as work sessions rather than action items.
Urban renewal can be a powerful financial tool. Before approving annual plans, I encourage
the Board to take time to:
• Review the state's intent and purpose for urban renewal law.
• Consider why the Legislature adopted SB3 and the governance issues it was meant to
address.
• Examine how increment growth is evaluated relative to broader market appreciation.
• Request an outcomes-based review. What have been the measurable successes of our
URDs? Where have there been gaps? What lessons should inform future investments?
• Approach the role as a community liaison, not simply a program conduit, ensuring
district decisions reflect broader public interest.
Specific to the North 7th URD:
• Please review the North 7th Design and Connectivity Plan and Midtown Urban Renewal
Plan. It reflects prior public engagement and should meaningfully inform current
budgeting decisions.
• The North 7th corridor is unique within our community and warrants intentional,
coordinated strategy. That raises important questions about staffing capacity and
whether additional structural support is needed. Consider whether allocating funding for
a contracted executive director to shepherd both the district and the BID could restore
coordinated leadership and long term direction.
• Engagement with MDT must be early and consistent. Last season's Knife River work
highlighted how coordination gaps can affect safety and public trust.
• If amending an Urban Renewal Plan is a six month process requiring strong
justification, it is worth discussing what qualifies. The emerging concentration of tax
exempt housing and proliferation of cannabis dispensaries, combined with
disproportionate motor vehicle accidents, and diminished QOL for residents proximate
to the ELM, does not reflect the vision articulated in any adopted Plans or the broader
economic development goals for the corridor-to create former mayor Krauss's vision of
block faces of commerce that are in service of the adjacent neighborhoods. When on the
ground outcomes diverge from adopted plans, that is precisely when course correction
should be considered.
• Finally, as you consider engagement strategy, reviewing public comments and survey
results from the recent UDC update may provide useful context on neighborhood
priorities.
This Board has an opportunity at the outset to establish a deliberate and analytical approach to
its advisory role. Taking time now for work sessions would strengthen the credibility of future
approvals.
Thank you for your service.
Emily Talago
Bozeman Resident