The Bozeman Brief

The Gallatin Valley MPO's Technical Advisory Committee hears from emergency management on disaster coordination, approves the fiscal year 2027 work program, and digs into concerns about how the Long Range Transportation Plan's project scoring methodology treats regional versus urban transportation needs.

The Sustainability Advisory Board heard a proposal to streamline the city's wetland and watercourse code by removing two submittal requirements that proved impractical in implementation. The board then voted unanimously to recommend the Green Power Program LEED Community Agreement with NorthWestern Energy, a partnership to develop utility-scale renewable energy in Montana.

The Urban Parks and Forestry Board heard updates on Sunset Hills Cemetery's expansion and long-term capacity, and reviewed preliminary data from consultants drafting the city's updated Urban Forest Management Plan. Key topics included a recommended 12% canopy cover goal over 20 years, strategies for reducing Bozeman's ash tree population ahead of potential emerald ash borer arrival, and gaps in pu...

The Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board discusses the future of the Bozeman High School residential parking permit district, hears updates on the city's transportation master plan consultant selection, and learns about the region's first long-range transportation plan from the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Gallatin Valley MPO Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee approved a budget amendment and debated the sustainability of their office costs housed with the City of Bozeman. Members also reviewed a report on the Valley Center Spur, a complex bike-ped crossing under I-90 that sits in BNSF right-of-way and involves multiple jurisdictions.

The June 23rd City Commission meeting packed major decisions into one evening: commissioners approved a $689 million biennium budget with a surprise $76 million City Shops complex, debated a federal Opportunity Zone designation for downtown Bozeman, and removed $19 million in fire station funding pending further discussion. Utility rates and final tax numbers return in August.

The Bozeman City Study Commission held its second required public hearing on June 18, 2026, to gather community input on a proposed amended city charter ahead of the November election. After extensive public testimony, commissioners approved $65,000 for voter education and identified key areas requiring further refinement before final adoption in August.

The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board reviewed scoring criteria for the Poolyard Urban Renewal District, with detailed discussion on environmental protection language. The board also examined a $2.5 million pilot lending program designed to support affordable homeownership in the Midtown district through low-interest loans to nonprofit developers.

The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board met on June 17, 2026, to advance a new Local Landmark Program and review the city's demolition regulations. The board refined designation criteria, discussed survey gaps in historic properties, and established a subcommittee to work on code revisions. It was also the final meeting for outgoing Chair Chelsea Holling after a decade of service.

On June 16th, Bozeman commissioners unanimously updated the city's wireless facilities code for the first time in nearly 30 years to comply with federal law. The meeting also featured a work session on the city's public engagement framework, with commissioners debating how to help residents feel heard and exploring higher levels of community participation in city decisions.

The Bozeman Community Development Board recommended allowing Type 2 short-term rentals outright in the RA zoning district, expanding beyond staff's initial proposal. The board also addressed parking standards in downtown's B-3 district and heard updates on the city's public engagement framework.

The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization's Transportation Technical Advisory Committee reviewed 116 scored transportation projects for the region's first Long Range Transportation Plan. The June meeting also covered a budget amendment, the fiscal year 2027 work program, and a background report on the Valley Center spur connection.

The Sustainability Advisory Board discusses a proposed Green Power Program that would allow Bozeman residents and businesses to subscribe to utility-scale renewable energy through NorthWestern Energy. Staff outlined the program's guiding principles, pricing structure, and timeline, while board members pressed on market pricing mechanisms, subscription limits, and project feasibility.

The Bozeman City Commission held its second budget work session on June 9th, focusing on the general fund and special revenue funds totaling $137.8 million. Commissioners debated police staffing levels, explored alternative public safety investments, and voted unanimously to update EMS transport rates for the first time since 2022.

The Bozeman City Study Commission made final edits to their charter report ahead of a June 18th public hearing. The meeting featured public comment from Mayor Joey Morrison on neighborhood associations, an introduction to the ballot education consulting firm, and extensive charter amendments addressing commissioner compensation, advisory board appointments, and financial oversight.

The Bozeman Economic Vitality Board held its June meeting focused on safety training for board members. Officer Breanne Sanders from Bozeman PD led the board through an "Avoid, Deny, Defend" framework, while board members discussed de-escalation procedures and online threats directed at volunteers. The board also heard updates on upcoming housing initiatives and the city's biennial budget.

The Bozeman City Commission kicked off its 2027 biennium budget process with a $609 million spending plan focused on enterprise funds and special assessments. The commission also heard from residents about historic preservation and downtown tax incentives, adopted a Pride Month proclamation, and received presentations on school resource officers and the library's summer reading program.

The Community Development Board, acting as Planning Commission, reviewed the city's first comprehensive update to wireless facility regulations in nearly 30 years. The update incorporates federal requirements for processing applications and facility categories, while board members debated aesthetic standards for equipment shelters in residential neighborhoods, ultimately passing an amendment requi...

The Urban Parks and Forestry Board presents a draft master plan for the Cattail Creek Corridor, a 3.5-mile trail and park project serving a quarter of Bozeman's population. The plan emphasizes native vegetation, safe street crossings, and inclusive park design while navigating funding constraints and neighborhood concerns.

The Bozeman City Study Commission reviews its first draft tentative report and works through proposed charter amendments. Most amendments fail for lack of a second, while the commission approves changes to the preamble and public engagement language, and endorses a new recommendation on neighborhood impact statements.

The Bozeman City Study Commission continues deliberating charter amendments, voting on changes to the preamble, neighborhood governance, judicial independence, and public engagement provisions. Commissioners also discuss how to structure ballot suboptions for ward-based elections and commission size ahead of the June election.

The Downtown Urban Renewal District Board approves its first infrastructure grant for sewer improvements tied to a boutique hotel development, while also hearing from MSU's strategic planning consultant and previewing the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan. The meeting highlighted ongoing community debates about housing, affordability, and public investment priorities.

The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board reviews draft scoring criteria for evaluating future development projects in the North Park industrial district. URD Program Manager David Kamp explains why infrastructure investment is weighted most heavily in the evaluation matrix, while board members debate whether service businesses and riparian corridor preservation deserve higher priority scores.

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board tackles a sequencing puzzle: how to advance three overlapping projects—a new local landmark program, updated design standards, and code revisions—without getting stuck waiting for decisions that depend on each other. The board settles on a phased approach and digs into draft landmark criteria.

The Bozeman City Study Commission debates how to present ward and commission expansion options on the upcoming charter ballot. After multiple failed motions, commissioners settle on three sub-options for voters: at-large versus wards, how ward commissioners are elected, and expanding from four to six commissioners. The commission also approves a new compensation board proposal for setting mayor an...