HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-26 Public Comment - C. Lee - Maintain or strengthen the role of neighborhood organizations.From:Craig Lee
To:Bozeman Goverment Study Commission
Cc:NENABozeman@gmail.com
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Maintain or strengthen the role of neighborhood organizations.
Date:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 10:55:40 AM
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Dear Members of the Study Commission,
I write in strong opposition to any effort to remove or weaken the language in the City Charter
recognizing Neighborhood Associations and the Inter-Neighborhood Council.
As a native of Bozeman, I have watched for decades as rapid growth, uneven planning, and a
revolving door of city leadership have steadily eroded many of the qualities that once madethis community distinct. Too often, residents feel that major decisions affecting neighborhoods
are made with insufficient regard for the people who actually live in them. In that context,Neighborhood Associations and the INC represent one of the few remaining mechanisms
through which citizens can collectively and constructively engage with city government.
Removing explicit recognition of neighborhood organizations from the Charter would neither
strengthen public trust nor civic engagement; it would weaken both. If anything, the Cityshould be looking for ways to further empower neighborhood organizations and improve
meaningful public participation, not diminish it. Neighborhood groups are often far moreconnected to the day-to-day realities of the community than shifting administrative staff or
elected officials operating at a broader scale.
I urge the Commission to retain the Charter language recognizing Neighborhood Associations
and the Inter-Neighborhood Council and to reaffirm the importance of transparent andresponsive local governance.
Sincerely,
Craig Lee
322 N Tracy Ave 59715