HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-26 Public Comment - D. Carty - Public comment_ March 4 Economic Vitality Board meetingFrom:Daniel Carty
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Brit Fontenot; David Fine; Douglas Fischer
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public comment: March 4 Economic Vitality Board meeting
Date:Wednesday, March 4, 2026 11:06:35 AM
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(Please distribute to all Economic Vitality Board members and place in the EVB folder in
time for the EVB's meeting tonight. Thank you.)
March 4, 2026; 11:10 a.m.
Dear Economic Vitality Board (EVB) members:
I am writing today to comment on Agenda Item F.1, which in part includes a discussion ofthe EVB's interests and involvement in the Economic Development component of the EVB's
2026 - 2027 work plan (as follows):
Specifically, I suggest that the Economic Development component be renamed the
Economic Vitality component because the EVB's founding resolution (Resolution 5329) is
all about economic vitality and not just about economic development. Also, I make thissuggestion because, by definition, economic vitality and economic development are not the
same thing:
Economic vitality is a broader, more sustainable state of a thriving, resilient community—emphasizing diversity, quality of life, and long-term viability. Essentially, economic vitality
focuses on the overall well-being and vibrancy of a community.
Economic development is narrower and focuses on structural improvements such as jobcreation, tax base growth, and business attraction. Essentially economic development is
the intentional process of growing and diversifying a community's economy. Arguably,economic development is only one part of economic vitality.
Resolution 5329 reads, "The purpose of the Economic Vitality Board is to cultivate policies
that enhance the economic vitality of Bozeman and to make advisory recommendations tothe City Commission and, if requested by the City Manager to the City Manager, regarding
policies that promote a strong and diverse economy." (my italics). One example of
economic vitality that is part of Resolution 5329 and that should be—but is not yet—
included in the EVB's 2026-2027 work plan is:
"Public Art. The Economic Vitality Board will advise the City Commission, and as requestedby the City Manager to the City Manager, on policies related to the development and
implementation of public art programs. In doing so, the Board must be cognizant the Cityrecognizes public art is an indicator of Bozeman’s economic and community vitality. The
Board will also assist the City in conducting the City’s annual Beautification Awards." (myitalics)
In conclusion, I reiterate my request that the Economic Development component of the
EVB's 2026 -2027 work plan be renamed the Economic Vitality component. Also, I ask that
Public Art and the annual Beautification Awards be added to the EVB's 2026 - 2027 work
plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Daniel Carty
213 N. 3rd Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
cc: Director of Economic Development Brit Fontenot, Urban Renewal Program ManagerDavid Fine, and Deputy Mayor and EVB Liaison Douglas Fischer