HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-26 Public Comment - E. Talago - Public Comment on H.7. Midtown URD From: Emily Talago
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment on 1-1.7. Midtown URD
Date: Tuesday,May 12,2026 11:05:59 AM
Attachments: Public Comment H.7.Midtown URD.odf
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Hello,
Please file the attached public comment in prep for this evening's meeting.
WIth gratitude,
Emily Talago
May 12, 2026
Hello Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioners, and Staff,
I appreciate the work that has gone into preparation of the FY2027—FY2028 Midtown Urban Renewal
District Work Plan and Budget. While many of the proposed infrastructure investments are worthwhile, I
believe the proposed allocation of discretionary funding under the FY2027 "Other" category
($2,500,000) and FY2028 "Other" category($1,373,800) should be substantially revised to prioritize
long-term implementation capacity,governance,transportation planning, and cohesive district
development.
I recommend reallocating these discretionary funds toward the following initiatives:
Proposed Initiative FY27 FY28
Midtown Task Force, Organizational Study, and RFP development for a $150,000 $150,000
Midtown-focused improvement district/management structure
Stakeholder engagement, facilitation, organizational $250,000 $150,000
development/personnel, and public process support
Midtown Design and Transportation Summit focused on multimodal $400,000 $350,000
redesign of North 7th and district connectivity
Zoning and code alignment project to reconcile overlapping plans, $500,000 $300,000
establish implementation standards, and develop zoning tools/design
standards aligned with adopted Midtown vision documents
Strategic acquisition of easements and small parcels for public realm $1,000,000 $500,000
cohesion, multimodal connectivity, and placemaking
Urban design, economic analysis, and implementation framework — $123,800
development using established placemaking and redevelopment metrics
TOTAL $2,500,000 $1,373,800
These investments would better position Midtown for long-term success than maintaining large
undefined discretionary categories for future opportunities.
Specifically, Midtown urgently needs:
• A dedicated implementation and organizational structure comparable to the Downtown model;
• Alignment between adopted plans, zoning, and development standards;
• A coordinated strategy for transforming North 7th from an urban highway condition into a
connected multimodal corridor;
• A stronger focus on placemaking, employment, neighborhood-serving businesses, and cohesive
public realm improvements.
The district currently contains overlapping plans, fragmented implementation tools, and zoning
standards that do not consistently reflect the adopted vision for Midtown.A focused code and zoning
alignment effort is necessary to create predictable standards that support walkability, human-scale
urban form, multimodal transportation, and coordinated redevelopment outcomes.
Likewise, if Midtown is to function as a true mixed-use district rather than a collection of disconnected
projects,the City must again proactively acquire strategic easements and small parcels necessary to
create cohesive pedestrian connections, public spaces, and infrastructure continuity. While not
addressed in the proposed reallocation above,we should also assess RRFBs as appropriate or adequate
safety infrastructure over multi-lane roads or whether a revised approach is more prudent.
Midtown has reached a stage where success depends less on isolated capital expenditures and more on
coordinated governance, implementation capacity,transportation redesign, and public realm strategy. I
respectfully urge the Board and Commission to revise the FY2027 and FY2028 Work Plan and Budget to
prioritize these foundational investments.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your deliberation this evening.
Sincerely,
Emily Talago