Urban Parks Board reviews comprehensive Bozeman Creek flood mitigation and park development plan, fields questions on financing and sequencing
City staff presented an ambitious vision for the Bozeman Creek corridor aimed at reducing flood risk while creating new public parks and green space downtown. The plan, developed with the grassroots See Bozeman Creek group, targets a 1,250 cubic feet per second flow capacity to prevent downtown flooding from rain-on-snow events.
Board reviews community plan for 3,000-acre growth area, debates e-bike and e-scooter policies
The Bozeman Transportation Board held a work session on a draft community plan for a large growth area northwest of the city, discussing how to balance a street network with wetland protection. The board also began preliminary discussions on updating city policies to regulate the growing use of electric bikes, scooters, and e-motorcycles in public rights-of-way.
Advisory Board Roundup
9 articlesAdvisory boards debate historic preservation rules, e-device regulations, and creek flood plan
During the week of September 21, the Community Development Board, Transportation Board, and Urban Parks and Forestry Board addressed significant policy matters ranging from how to regulate demolitions of older structures to managing electric bikes and scooters in the city's public right-of-way. The parks board also advanced a comprehensive plan to increase Bozeman Creek's flood-carrying capacity while creating public amenities.
Advisory boards weigh fire station affordability, demolition protections, and downtown growth
Four Bozeman boards met the week of September 14-17 to review downtown development activity, historic preservation regulations, and tax increment financing. Discussion centered on new businesses opening downtown, negotiations around affordable housing at Fire Station 1, and significant revisions to how the city regulates demolition of older structures.
Sustainability Board hears updates on drought management, renewable energy projects
The Sustainability Advisory Board reviewed the city's 2022 drought management plan and heard from staff on renewable energy installations and water conservation efforts during its September 9 meeting.
Economic Vitality Board offers feedback on city decision-making tool aimed at ensuring equal access
The Economic Vitality Board reviewed the Belonging in Bozeman Decision-Making Tool during a work session, providing recommendations on how the framework should guide city policy decisions. Board members raised concerns about data availability, tool complexity, and the need for clear implementation standards.
Transportation Board weighs valet parking rules and $5.5 million capital funding gap
During the week of August 24, Bozeman's Transportation Board and Urban Parks and Forestry Board tackled major policy questions. The Transportation Board held work sessions on valet parking regulations and a five-year capital improvement plan facing significant funding pressures, while the Parks Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of a comprehensive master plan for the Cattail Creek Corridor greenway.
Advisory boards split on downtown building heights while backing wetland code streamlining
Six city advisory boards met during the week of August 17, with the Community Development Board unanimously backing wetland regulations changes and the Historic Preservation Board recommending a reduction in B-3 height limits from 90 to 70 feet. The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board voted to retain the current 90-foot standard, while the Downtown Business Improvement District declined to take formal action.
Bozeman Study Commission unanimously approves amended charter, plans fall ballot campaign
The Bozeman City Study Commission voted 5-0 to approve its final charter proposal Thursday, clearing the way for voters to decide in November whether to adopt changes to how city commissioners are elected and how the city structures public engagement. The commission simultaneously formed a political committee to conduct a fall education campaign across community events and neighborhood groups.
Study Commission Nears Charter Vote; Development Board Backs 90-Foot Heights; Housing Plan Approved
The Bozeman City Study Commission refined ballot language ahead of an August 6 adoption meeting and appointed a campaign treasurer to begin voter education for the November charter measure. The Community Development Board recommended retaining the 90-foot height limit in downtown's B-3 zone with additional setbacks, while the Economic Vitality Board approved a $355,712 federal housing plan focused on transitional units and eviction prevention.
Parks Board Grapples With Tree Canopy Goals, Budget Questions for Urban Forest Plan
The Urban Parks and Forestry Board spent its July 23 meeting reviewing a draft Urban Forest Management Plan that aims to guide the city's forest strategy over the next decade. Board members raised concerns about whether proposed canopy coverage targets are achievable without significant budget increases and questioned whether the plan adequately addresses tree protection in new developments.