HomeMy WebLinkAboutMark EggeMark Egge
1548 South Grand Avenue
Bozeman, Montana, 59715
November 16, 2023
Madam Mayor, Mr. Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners—
I write to apply to be appointed to Commissioner Pomeroy’s vacated seat. By this letter I
present my experience and qualifications.
Professionally, I work in transportation planning, producing information and digital tools that
improve decision making among the public sector agencies that build and maintain
America’s roads.
Locally, I’m a frequent volunteer in the community, including as a longstanding volunteer with
GVLT. I served as the outgoing chair of the Bozeman Parking Commission and as a member
of the Planning Board during the drafting and adoption of the current 2020 Bozeman
Community Plan. I currently serve as a member of the Governor’s Housing Task Force and
chair the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (Streamline) board.
My vision for Bozeman is to be a sustainable city with hard edges, surrounded by functioning
open lands, where all are welcome and where individuals of all economic circumstances can
remain and thrive.
My application to join the City Commission is supported by a track record of consistent—and
contributing—involvement to the city’s policy making. Examples where I claim meaningful
contribution in current or proposed city policies include, but are not limited to:
● Separating Type 2 Short-Term Rentals between occasionally rented primary-
residences (Type 2a) versus standalone dwellings such as ADUs (Type 2b);
● Re-envisioning of the future of Kagy Boulevard from a high-speed car thoroughfare to
a multi-modal grand boulevard;
● Simplification (in the draft UDC) of parking requirements for commercial areas and
creating surface lot parking maximums;
● Strengthened language in the Bozeman Climate Plan regarding compact
development and promoting walking, biking, and use of transit; and,
● Increasing the capital funding for annual bike path improvements (STR20) from
$50,000 to $100,000.
As a conservationist, I have consistently advocated for policies that reduce Bozeman’s
environmental impact by a) expanding transportation choices to reduce-vehicle related
emissions; b) promoting compact development to reduce water and energy use while
creating and preserving housing that meets the needs of Bozeman’s middle and working
classes; and c) preventing sprawl while supporting walkable neighborhoods and avoiding
land conversions that contribute to expedited carbon loss.
The strength of any public body is built upon its diverse and representative make-up.
Housing policies are strengthened under the current commission, which represents both
homeowners and renters; similarly, better transportation policy will result from greater
representation of an active transportation perspective. For years I have made bicycling,
walking, and Streamline my primary means of transportation for in-town travel both as a
values-driven choice to reduce my climate and congestion impact and—as an experiential
learner—to develop a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities in
navigating Bozeman by bike, foot, or bus. The city’s planning documents are unanimous in
their call for more participation in active transportation. My lived experience speaks to two
demographics in Bozeman: those who already live a car-light lifestyle, and those who would if
active modes were safer and more convenient.
Progress is often achieved through coalitions of unlikely allies. As an advocate for better
transportation options, greater housing choices, and a more resilient community, I have
worked with Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Socialists, and know the efficacy of
such collaboration. Our present challenges require the creativity and ingenuity of smart
individuals across our community and I’m proud to point toward my track record of working
effectively with those who hold different world views from my own.
If appointed, I promise:
● I will do the work. I will arrive at the commission meetings prepared, including seeking
input where there are gaps in my knowledge or understanding.
● I will treat each person with whom I interact as a member of this body with respect and
kindness.
● I will commit to strengthening participatory local decision making. I understand that
policymaking and change is driven by the values and vision of the community and is
often a slow and deliberative process. I commit to supporting the process, which is
every bit as important as the outcome.
● I will engage with and learn from community members who have different
perspectives and experiences from my own and my views will change as a result.
● I will improve in each of these pledges with experience and your mentorship.
I am aligned with and prepared to work on the commission’s remaining identified strategic
priorities. Renewable energy, sensitive lands, wetlands (I recently co-wrote a policy paper for
Nebraska DOT on compensatory mitigation strategies), water conservation, and
development rules are all topics of importance and interest to me. As someone who works
with MPOs on a daily basis, I can help guide the establishment of an effective MPO.
I chose to live in Bozeman in part for its strong connection to the natural world. In my
personal life I enjoy endurance-oriented outdoor pursuits and have managed podium
finishes at regional events including the Bridger Ridge Run, the Crazy Mountain 100
ultramarathon, the Butte 100 mountain bike race, and the Shedhorn ski mountaineering race.
I mention these accomplishments to illustrate part of the “why” behind my deep connection
and commitment to the region and the environment but also as evidence of my ability,
passion, and excitement to set goals and put in the disciplined work necessary to achieve
them. These endeavors require hard work and a measure of grit—I expect no less of service
on the commission, and plan to bring my all.
Three weeks ago, the Urban Land Institute presented a clear message to Bozeman, Belgrade,
and the county: “Stop planning. Start doing.” The Advisory Services panel praised the quality
of our existing adopted plans—and urged action to implement the plans them. If selected as
your peer, I believe I can help the commission accomplish more in the next two years,
benefitting from my existing relationships, knowledge of and alignment with the city’s
adopted plans, and understanding of the policy making process. I'm ready to help push
implementation into high gear and offer my time, energy, and passion for this community in
support of this timely and important work.
Sincerely,
Mark Egge