HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-26 Public Comment - J. Blaser - OZ Letter of Support From: Mike Maas
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL]RE:OZ Letter of Support
Date: Tuesday,June 23,2026 8:10:27 AM
Attachments: image001.png
Symphony OZ LOS.pdf
Sent from my Whone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Brit Fontenot<Brit.Fontenot@bozemanmt.gov>
Date: June 23, 2026 at 5:11:23 AM MDT
To: Mike Maas <Mike.Maas@bozemanmt.gov>, Alex Newby
<tchambers@bozeman.net>
Cc: Jesse DiTommaso<Jesse.DiTommaso@bozemanmt.gov>
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL]RE: OZ Letter of Support
Public comment for Oz.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jacob Blaser<jacob@bozemansymphony.org>
Date: June 22, 2026 at 5:30:28 PM MDT
To: Brit Fontenot<Brit.Fontenot@bozemanmt.gov>
Cc: Jesse DiTommaso<Jesse.DiTommaso@bozemanmt.gov>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]RE: OZ Letter of Support
CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or
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Hi Brit,
Attached! Good luck!
Best,
Jacob
From: Brit Fontenot<Brit.Fontenot@bozemanmt.gov>
Sent: Monday,June 22, 2026 8:35 AM
To:Jacob Blaser<jacob@bozemansymphony.org>
Cc:Jesse DiTommaso<Jesse.DiTommaso@bozemanmt.gov>
Subject: Fw: OZ Letter of Support
Hi Jacob,
Just a reminder that while not necessary, it would be helpful to have
your letter of support by noon tomorrow. Thanks,
Brit
*Please note the change to my email address.
Brit Fontenot I Director of Economic Development
City of Bozeman 1 121 North Rouse Avenue I P.O. Box
1230 1 Bozeman, MT 59771
M: 406.579.1302 1 E: brit.fontenotCcDbozemanmt.gov W:
www.bozeman.net
From: Brit Fontenot<Brit.Fontenot(@bozemanmt.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2026 12:48 PM
To: Jacob Blaser<iacob(@bozemans)Imphony.org>
Cc:Jesse DiTommaso <Jesse.DiTommaso(@bozemanmt.gov>;
Norman Huynh <norman@bozemansymphony.org>
Subject: OZ Letter of Support
Hi Jacob,
Thanks for agreeing to consider a letter of support for the OZ
application. Attached is a final version we rec'd from the Montana
Chamber of Commerce and HRDC and a draft letter for your editing
from the Bozeman Symphony. Don't hesitate to call,406, 579-1302,
with questions.
Thanks again,
Brit
*Please note the change to my email address.
Brit Fontenot I Director of Economic Development
City of Bozeman 1 121 North Rouse Avenue I P.O. Box
1230 1 Bozeman, MT 59771
M: 406.579.1302 1 E: brit.fontenot(@bozemanmt.gov I W:
www.bozeman.net
BOZEMAN SYMPHONY
Norman Huynh,Music Director
June 22, 2026
Dear Governor Gianforte,
On behalf of the Bozeman Symphony, I am writing to express our strong support for the designation of
Census Tract 6 in Bozeman as a federal Opportunity Zone.
For nearly six decades,the Bozeman Symphony has served as one of Montana's leading cultural
institutions,enriching the lives of residents and visitors through music,education, and community
engagement.We recognize that a thriving arts sector depends upon a strong local economy,a stable
workforce,and communities where people can afford to live,work,and create. Opportunity Zone
designation for Census Tract 6 would provide an important tool to help advance these goals_
The Opportunity Zone program encourages long-term private investment in projects that strengthen
local communities. In Bozeman,this designation could help attract capitalfor workforce housing,
business expansion, infrastructure improvements,and redevelopment projects that support continued
economic vitality.These investments are critical to maintainingthe quality of life that has made
Bozeman one of Montana's most desirable places to live and work.
As an arts organization,we see firsthand the challenges that rising housing costs and workforce
shortages create for employers,educators, artists, and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.
Opportunity Zone incentives can help address these pressures by encouraging investment that expands
housing options and supports the businesses and industries that provide employment opportunities for
Local residents.A stronger and more stable workforce benefits every sector of the community, including
the arts.
Investment in Census Tract 6 also has the potential to strengthen the broader ecosystem of the region_
Thriving businesses,growing employment opportunities,and vibrant mixed-use development contribute
to communities where arts organizations can flourish, audiences can grow,and creative professionals
can build lasting careers.These outcomes enhance not only economic competitiveness but also the
cultural vitality that attracts talent, entrepreneurs,and visitors to Montana.
The Bozeman Symphony believes that Opportunity Zone designation for Census Tract 6 represents a
meaningful opportunity to encourage responsible investment, support workforce and housing needs,
and promote long-term community prosperity.We respectfully urge the State of Montana to support the
designation and help position Bozeman for continued economic and cultural success.Thank you for
your consideration and for your continued leadership on behalf of Montana communities.
Sincerel
Jacob Blaser
Executive Director
Bozeman Symphony