HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-26 Public Comment - W. Kilian - Keep Article VII - Role of Public Engagement in Local Governance in the City CharterFrom:Wren Kilian
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Keep Article VII - Role of Public Engagement in Local Governance in the City Charter
Date:Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:36:11 PM
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Dear Study Commission:
Please keep the 5/13 draft language in Article VII, which codifies neighborhood associations
and the Inter-Neighborhood Council and incorporates input from INC reps. The existence andpurpose of neighborhood associations and INC need to remain in our city charter.
Neighborhood associations have democratically elected officers, including their representative
on INC. INC is the only city advisory body that is not appointed by the City Commission,providing a crucial neighborhood perspective and voice.
At least three new neighborhood associations have recently formed or been revived. This is
emblematic of INC playing catch-up in our rapidly growing city. The more neighborhoodassociations there are in INC, the more valuable INC becomes.
Please keep the language of Article VII that defines and protects the institutional structures of
public engagement. This issue should not even be up for debate: the commissioners and mayorserve the people and avenues to give the people a stronger voice in how their neighborhoods
are governed is a key to our democratic values.
Thank you for your consideration,Wren Kilian