Memorandum
REPORT TO:
City Commission
FROM:
Takami Clark, Communications & Engagement Manager
SUBJECT:
Authorize the City Manager to sign a Professional Services Agreement with Strategies 360 for Tenants Right to Counsel Communications Services
MEETING DATE:
September 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Agreement - Vendor/Contract
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to sign the PSA
STRATEGIC PLAN:
BACKGROUND:
In Bozeman, over half the residents of our community are tenants. Nationally and locally, tenants are far less likely to have legal representation in proceedings related to their housing in comparison to landlords. In an effort to assist tenants in negotiating resolutions with landlords and avoid formal eviction proceedings, the Bozeman City Commission, as part of its Strategic Plan to foster a safe and welcoming community, adopted Ordinance 2025-11 (creating a Tenant’s Right to Civil Counsel and Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program), and Resolution 2025-77 (establishing Commission Goals for a Tenant’s Right to Counsel Program and Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program). These two documents establish the Tenant's Right to Counsel Program.
The program operates like a three-legged stool, with the pillars being mediation, right to counsel, and education. The city has brought on firms for mediation and counsel services and has now selected a firm to help with the education effort. The education effort will involve increasing awareness within the public about the program and what it is, as well as how to be a good landlord/renter and what to look for prior to needing these services. We anticipate starting on this project quickly, as mediation and counsel services are currently being set up, and residents can expect to see further communications on this program this fall.
Included in the attachments are the winning proposal from our RFP and a draft contract.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
None
ALTERNATIVES:
None
FISCAL EFFECTS:
$30,000 to be paid out of the general fund.