HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Interest and Qualifications_Hannah Van WetterDear Mayor Andrus, Commissioners Wallner, Pomeroy, and Cunningham:
I care deeply about the city of Bozeman. My passion for our community, our residents, and our
possibilities for sustainable growth increases daily. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered
for City Commissioner.
2020 has presented a unique time for Bozeman. The COVID-19 pandemic threw our community
into lockdown, and since has brought an unprecedented number of remote workers into our
community. As a result, we are in the midst of an affordability crisis for housing and a growing
public health emergency unlike anything our valley has seen. Globally, the planet is warming in
a way that will require dedication, creativity, and resiliency to combat. The circumstances
surrounding the resignation of Mayor Mehl have cast a shadow over the City Commission that
will require careful navigation to restore faith in the established public processes. Traditional
election campaigns, as you all know, are arduous, expensive, and can present insurmountable
barriers to entry for those without the necessary logistical and financial resources. This is an
opportunity to add a new voice and new perspective to the Commission as we chart our course
as a community. The median age of Bozeman residents is, like me, 28 years old. A young
person with tailored skills and experience serving in this position would present possibilities that
the Commission has never seen. I can be that Commissioner.
I am a young professional in the business of affordable housing. I spend my days thinking about
how to build a future for myself and for all of our residents. If you select me to join you on the
City Commission, I will lead our city by focusing on inclusion and opportunity for a diverse
population. I will encourage participation and engagement in our democratic processes from all
constituents. As demonstrated in my work as a project manager overseeing complex
construction builds, I am experienced at seeing projects through, and skilled at follow-through
and implementation. I thrive in environments where I can engage in productive conversations
about big ideas, and will utilize the relationships I’ve cultivated to ensure that everyone is
represented in the future of our City.
Housing
I currently serve on the NextGen Advisory Board of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and our
organization recognizes that great communities do not happen by accident. This is especially
true as Bozeman rapidly grows.. The groundwork has been laid through documents such as the
Community Plan, the Climate Plan, the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment, and the
Strategic Plan, yet it will take collaboration and resources to implement the recommendations
these plans lay out. I recently launched Foothold, a company that is combating the lack of
supply for affordable housing in our community. My experience working for commercial and
residential general contractors has helped me navigate this industry and my new venture has
afforded me an intimate look into the nuances surrounding one of the most pressing issues
facing our community. Two barriers exist to the long-term viability of accessible and affordable
housing. Firstly, the economics of our current cash-in-lieu payment structure for inclusionary
zoning and second, zoning and design restrictions that prevent infill from both ADUs and
high-density structures. The City Commission plays a crucial role by reviewing land use
planning, approvals, and zoning to ensure that housing is affordable and accessible for all
members of our community, and I want to be a part of that.
Climate Change
Bozeman faces a particular set of climate challenges as our planet warms. The City has created
a strong framework by updating the Climate Plan to outline our solutions for a more resilient and
equitable climate future. I share the vision that Bozeman can continue to be a leader in our
region for mitigation and resilience in a changing climate. A key element of the Climate Plan is a
transportation plan, as growth means more drivers, more traffic congestion, an increase in
community emissions, and decreased safety and security for cyclists and pedestrians. In order
to successfully implement the Climate Plan, I will work hard to ensure that businesses and
individuals are informed and empowered to participate in the shared goals for the City and for
sustainable growth in our neighborhoods, natural environment, energy supply, buildings, and
transportation.
Since the day I arrived in this beautiful, special place, I have strived to weave the fabric of our
community together. I contribute smiles on trails, ideas at the dinner table, visions for an
equitable future for housing, and connections through volunteer work with local nonprofits such
as HAVEN, GVLT, and HRDC. I have a wide network of friends and colleagues and am proud of
my ability to listen and foster these relationships. I am a leader among my peers and my
community. I believe that embedding teamwork into all aspects of my personal and professional
life is vital to forming and maintaining meaningful connections. My work with GVLT’s NextGen
Board has shown me the value of young people bridging the established population of Bozeman
and newly-arrived potential. I believe that I can be such a bridge from the public to our electeds
by filling a seat on the City Commission.
I am proud to be building my life in Bozeman. I am proud to be starting a business that will
create dignified housing for deserving people. I am excited at the opportunity to bring all this to
the forefront by serving on the City Commission. Thank you for taking the time to consider my
appointment. I would love to share my enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to our
community with you.
Hannah Van Wetter
hannah@buildfoothold.com
406-451-4139
1121 Holly Dr.
Bozeman, MT
59715