HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Christopher CoburnCHRISTOPHER
COBURN , MPH
September 25, 2020
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
This letter is to inform you, and the Bozeman community, that I am interested in being appointed to the
office of City Commissioner. My interest is rooted in a deep respect of, connection to, and appreciation for
this city and the folks who get to call this place home. I’m from Montana and care deeply about ensuring our
communities are strong, healthy, and equitable. Personally, to advance this work, I’ve found that I prioritize
cultivating trust-based, reciprocal relationships. Professionally, I’ve been called to positions rooted in service
to others. I’m confident I have the passion, experience, integrity, and drive to meaningfully serve as a City
Commissioner – working towards an equitable future for all my neighbors.
Public Health Background. I focused my undergraduate and graduate education learning the tenets of
community and public health. Through this lens, I’ve come to see growth, zoning, community planning and
policy as crucial determinants of health. I’m excited by the intricate detail of policy and the long-range
nature of strategic planning because they come together to create systems and communities that work. As a
public health professional, I’m uniquely prepared to both respond to the threat of COVID-19 and work with
intention to plan for healthy communities.
Proximity to the Issues. Like many of my neighbors in Bozeman, I rent. I have student loans and often
worry about being able to retire. I’m personally impacted by one of the biggest issues facing our community
– affordable housing. Through the work I’ve done, I’m also passionate about and connected to many of the
other major issues in our community – including affordable childcare, climate change, and mental health. As
a City Commissioner, I’ll leverage my lived and professional experience to collaborate on workable solutions.
Demonstrated Community Leadership. I care about my community, and this presents itself as active
involvement. I sought appointment to the City-County Board of Health and have helped to both support and
lead our informed response to COVID-19. I’ve served as a leader on boards spanning diverse sectors –
including local banking, small non-profit, and regional community foundations. I also help with local efforts
that are vital to our community. I served on the Design Advisory Council for Haven as they worked to imagine
their new facility, am on the planning committee for a supportive housing program that HRDC is leading, and
sit on the steering committee for Elevating Behavioral Health – a local collaboration of leading community
organizations working to improve behavioral health services and awareness.
I don’t do the work for the awards, but I have been acknowledged for my leadership. I was selected by
Bozeman Daily Chronicle as one of their 20 Under 40 award recipients, was identified as a Health Hero by Eat
Right Montana, and was chosen to participate in the Chamber’s Leadership Bozeman Program. All I’ve ever
known is community service, and I intend to grow my impact as a City Commissioner.
christopherdcoburn@gmail.com Linkedin.com/in/christophercoburn
Focus on Equity. Discrimination and oppression are real – my lived experience has taught me that.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. We have the power, knowledge, and heart to create a different
outcome. I understand and appreciate the immense influence policy has on correcting inequities and
injustices. As a City Commissioner, I’ll continue to advocate for gender and racial equity - bringing us closer
towards collective justice and thriving communities that work for everyone.
Commitment to Work. I have been accused of working too much. Maybe it’s true, but the only way I know
to accomplish something is to work hard. I take my involvement in collaborative efforts seriously because I
know the value of follow-through and that trust is the most important thing we can foster. It is possible to
contribute to multiple projects or priorities at once. To do this, I’ve found one has to be disciplined, skilled
with time management, and clear about boundaries – both to care for oneself, and to be present for others.
I honed these skills while completing my graduate degree and also working a full time job; I intend to use
them to be successful as a City Commissioner.
I’m excited about the opportunity to continue my service to Bozeman by serving as a City Commissioner.
There are many great candidates for this position – a testament to the true strength of our community. That
said, I’m confident I will be the best partner as we work towards the attainment of a future aspired to in the
Bozeman Community Plan, the Bozeman Strategic Plan, and the Bozeman Climate Plan. I have the training,
experience, and technical understanding to do the job. More than that, I have the passion, commitment and
collaborative spirit needed to truly engage this community. I’ve worked to cultivate authentic connections
across Bozeman, and have taken every opportunity to lead, support, and collaborate on projects and
initiatives that improve quality of life.
This community means a lot to me, and I’m passionate about stewarding it into a successful future. As a
Montanan, I suppose it’s in my DNA. I thank you for your consideration – it would be an honor to serve.
With appreciation,
Christopher Coburn
Pronouns: He / Him