HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-26 Public Comment - M. Thomas - Current Housing CrisisFrom:Matthew Thomas
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment 4/28
Date:Tuesday, April 28, 2026 4:29:18 PM
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Dear Commissioners,
My name is Matthew and I am a constituent here in Bozeman. Myself, other community
members, and you as city representatives are all aware of the current housing crisis and
the inability for renters specially to have more access to affordable housing.
According to a city, vacancy rates for apartments built 2024-2025 are at 44%, which shows
we have the supply but no one can afford it. I personally know and have met plenty of folks
who wish they could and yet can’t stay in this beautiful part of Montana.
Alongside current efforts being driven through HRDC and the city (such as the Fowler
project), it would be great to see the city consult with bond counsel on the use of revenue
bonds to build affordable housing. The city could allocate more money for said housing
without raising taxes through these bonds. If cities can use revenue bonds to build various
public projects, why can’t we do the same to build or preserve affordable housing?
Thank you for your time.