HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-26 Public Comment - B. and J. Moeckel - Student representation on advisory boards does not guarantee good policyFrom:Juliet Moeckel
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Student representation on advisory boards does not guarantee good policy
Date:Sunday, March 1, 2026 11:13:28 AM
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Dear City Commission:
As MSU rapidly grows, the City of Bozeman and MSU should do more to coordinate on
policy to address growth.
We need a new board made up of representatives from MSU faculty, staff, and the electedASMSU student body, as well as planning and facilities folks from both the City and MSU
planning departments to discuss issues and make sure there is communication betweenrespective decision-makers.
If MSU students get to have a special seat on boards that advise the City Commission on
policies in Bozeman, the student should have to live off-campus, within Bozeman city limits,and be in Bozeman year-round to be eligible. Only 1 in 3 students live on campus, but these
students do not pay taxes to the City like renters normally do through their rent (since MSU istax-exempt). Many students go home for the summer, while others commute in from outside
of Bozeman.
MSU students are able to apply for city boards and submit comments like anyone else. If thegoal is to empower students to engage in city issues, perhaps a member of the City
Commission should be appointed to ASMSU as a non-voting member to keep studentsapprised of issues being discussed by the City Commission or different boards and explain
how or why students can make their voice heard.
Thank you for your consideration,
Bill and Juliet Moeckel (former MSU students ) Bozeman residents over 50 years