HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-30-26 Public Comment - E. Talago - Public CommentFrom:Emily Talago
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment
Date:Thursday, April 30, 2026 11:58:50 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Feedback for study commission on draft Public Participation article:
High level comments:
-Consolidate abstract/aspirational/philosophical info to 7.01-Remove redundant language to avoid conflicting interpretation
-Reorganize for better flow:
7.01 Philosophy on Public Participation 7.02 Broad Principles of operation (and specifics as described in subsections of this article)
(a) Institutional Structures Required list mandated minimum structures (b) Institutional Structures as Necessary list enabling language to create other structures
7.03 Required Institutional Structure: Neighborhood Associations
(a) Purpose/Role
(b) Standards for Recognition
7.04 Required Institutional Structure: INC
(a) Purpose/Role
(b) Composition/Responsibilities Currently, there is an internal conflict with the earlier
composition logic. If you are mandating that the city get divided up and every resident
is a member of an association, that conflicts with the membership eligibility language.
The mandate of aspiration to include all residents is contained in the INC language
below about encouraging and supporting NAs where they currently don't exist.
(c) Governance/Bylaws
(d) Operations (meetings and outputs)
(e) City response obligations/recourse defined This needs some work. What process
are you saying must exist? And what, if anything, are you prescribing must be
included in the process?
(f) Vacancies
7.05 Required Institutional Structure: Board X Are there any structures you want to mandate?ie a budget commission, ethics board, etc. (a) (b), etc Here is where you would detail how a required board must or may function.7.06 Institutional Structures as Necessary
(a) (b), etc Here is where you would detail minimum requirements for the City to establishinstitutions as they deem necessary. ie by ordinance-- and ordinance must define purpose,
powers, compensation, term limits, etc.
Granular/Specific language recommendations:
Purpose of Neighborhood Associations:
The City of Bozeman values the contribution neighborhoods make to the governance
of the city. This section seeks to strengthen neighborhood participation where it exists
and to encourage and support such participation where it does not. The City
must support Neighborhood Associations to serve as inclusive, deliberative, advisory
bodies that promote communication and early participation in city planning and policy
affecting the areas they represent, while fostering community leadership,
transparency, and trust. In this capacity, neighborhood associations build
relationships, create agency, and may provide information, opinions, advice, and
recommendations to the City Commission, City Manager, and other City advisory
bodies on matters affecting their neighborhoods.
Recognition of Neighborhood Associations- minimum standards required
There shall be a City program that supports the creation and maintenance of resident-
led Neighborhood Associations .The Inter-Neighborhood Council shall recommend, and the City
Commission shall establish by ordinance, minimum recognition standards for neighborhood associations.
Such standards support inclusive participation, effective communication, and transparent organizational
practices and shall include, but not be limited to:
1.) Clear geographic boundaries;
2.) Definition of membership eligibility that is inclusive and reflects the range of stakeholderswithin the neighborhood including residents, property owners, businesses, and other
organizations located within the association’s boundaries;
3.) Adherence to established minimum by-laws that are filed with the city and that ensuredemocratic, deliberative voting procedures, continuity of governance, and provide voting
capabilities by a Neighborhood Association’s selected Inter-Neighborhood Councilrepresentative;
4.) Periodic meetings, including an annual meeting;
5.) Demonstrating that it has a means of regular, accessible, and two-way communication
with members of the Neighborhood Association;
6.) Capacity to develop and transmit reasoned advisory input on neighborhood and citywideissues.
Thanks for all your work and consideration!
-Emily Talago