We feel Title 9.30 already gives the city of Missoula a tool for enforcement in regards to sound that is out of compliance. Adding one specific to the parks isn't necessary as it is already in place. 

The city of Missoula (dubbed a music city for years) has begun to move away from that title. Not only would this create more barriers for musicians in a time that is already incredibly challenging to play out, but it would create further disparity by charging a population of artists who already face the reality of not making enough through their music. 

A solution to this would either to stop this ordinance or extend the deadline from April 12, 2021 so that Missoulians would be given ample time to respond.

Below comment from an established musician of Missoula in regards to this proposed sound ordinance:

"I oppose this law. If the issue is really noise, then simply charging a fee to make the noise will not solve it. But this really seems to be about discrimination against the poorest Missoulians, who are trying to make a few bucks. Musicians are part of the cultural backbone of Missoula. I make a substantial portion of my income playing for tips. I am a single mother and that extra little bit of money I can get on a summer day in the park can make a world of difference to keep my son in decent shoes, pay the electric bill, etc. Locations like Caras Park have traditionally been open to musicians, who politely use small amplification systems. We police ourselves and each other very effectively. Audiences gather and LOVE it. It is a valuable addition to the parks and part of what makes us human. For example, I have a battery pack that I can use to operate my small speaker. My voice is very light, and so people cannot hear me at all unless I use a microphone. I have learned I can't make any money busking unless I use this mic and a small amount of volume. This law would effect me greatly. Musicians who are on the street or at parks busking are often doing it because they desperately need the money. Charging $48 will be very prejudicial to the poorest Missoulians. Also, I fear that using it as an "enforcement" tool will disproportionately impact people of color, the poor and other groups that have a history of being persecuted by police. How can the police know whether someone has called in a noise complaint simply because the person with the boom box is Black? Or because they don't like a specific genre of music? The slippery slope here towards discrimination is dangerous. You have many other tools on the books (such as disorderly conduct) to deal with bad actors. You don't need to penalize the whole city and most especially the artist who make our town what it is.