Board provides extensive feedback on Urban Forest Management Plan preliminary draft, focuses on canopy goals and implementation details
The Urban Parks and Forestry Board spent much of its July 23 meeting reviewing a 100-plus-page preliminary draft of the city's 10-year Urban Forest Management Plan, pressing consultants and staff on how aggressive canopy coverage goals would be funded and implemented, and whether the plan adequately addresses tree protection in new development.
Commission settles on 10 percent population threshold for ward redistricting, pushes implementation to 2029
The Bozeman City Study Commission spent most of its July 23 meeting refining proposed Section 7.04 of the charter, which would govern how voting wards are drawn and adjusted if voters approve a ward system. The commission removed partisan language from the ward advisory board, clarified the redistricting process, and set a 10 percent population change threshold to trigger boundary reviews between census cycles.
Bozeman City Study Commission
12 articlesCommission settles on 10 percent population threshold for ward redistricting, pushes implementation to 2029
The Bozeman City Study Commission spent most of its July 23 meeting refining proposed Section 7.04 of the charter, which would govern how voting wards are drawn and adjusted if voters approve a ward system. The commission removed partisan language from the ward advisory board, clarified the redistricting process, and set a 10 percent population change threshold to trigger boundary reviews between census cycles.
Study Commission revises charter sections on compensation and mayoral succession
The Bozeman City Study Commission debated conflict-of-interest concerns while refining rules for a new Compensation Board and clarifying how the city replaces an outgoing mayor. The commission will continue reviewing the draft charter at its July 23rd meeting.
Bozeman Study Commission advances charter overhaul ahead of November vote
The commission approved $65,000 for voter education on proposed changes including a four-year mayoral term, elimination of the deputy mayor position, and a new compensation board for elected officials. Public hearings and a July 15 refinement meeting precede an August 6 charter adoption deadline.
Study Commission finalizes charter edits, sets public hearing for June 18
The Bozeman City Study Commission completed revisions to the amended city charter on Wednesday, moving the proposal toward a public vote. A hearing scheduled for June 18th will allow residents to weigh in before the charter advances further.
Study Commission advances charter draft ahead of June 18 public hearing
The Bozeman City Study Commission reviewed its first draft tentative report May 28th and approved two charter amendments, with the full document scheduled for voter presentation next month. A ballot education consultant will join the commission to develop public messaging before the official hearing.
Study Commission adds human rights to charter preamble on 4-1 vote
The Bozeman City Study Commission voted to insert "human rights" as a core value in the charter's preamble, positioning it between representative democracy and professional management. The move reflects commissioners' view that human rights protections underpin the entire document.
Study Commission settles on two-part ward election question for charter ballot
After debating how to present voting options to residents, the Bozeman City Study Commission approved a dual-question approach asking voters first whether to adopt wards, then how ward commissioners would be elected. The commission also advanced plans to expand the city commission to six members and create an independent salary-setting board.
Study Commission advances amended charter, defers election system decision
The Bozeman City Study Commission approved corrections to the city charter and agreed on a plan to publish both the amended and existing versions alongside detailed edit worksheets. The commission postponed a final decision on ward-based versus at-large city elections until May 20th.
Study Commission creates independent Municipal Court in charter
The Bozeman City Study Commission unanimously approved separate charter language for the Municipal Court to recognize it as a judicial branch independent from the city's legislative and executive functions. The commission also revised neighborhood association rules to expand membership and remove caps on the number of associations.
Commission votes to release survey data in scrambled format
The Bozeman City Study Commission approved releasing raw survey responses to the Gallatin Valley Sentinel with demographic information separated from individual answers to protect respondent privacy. The 4-to-1 vote balances the public's right to know against confidentiality promises made to survey participants.
Study Commission reschedules May meetings, hires ballot education firm
The Bozeman City Study Commission shifted its May 7th meeting to May 13th and added a May 20th session to accommodate commissioners' travel conflicts while advancing draft charter language. The commission also unanimously approved Missoula-based Dane Geld to provide ballot education services and began prioritizing charter revisions for neighborhood associations.
Study Commission examines whether advisory boards adequately connect residents to city
A panel of former and current city leaders told the Bozeman City Study Commission that the city's 2015 consolidation of advisory boards may have weakened community connections. The commission will continue exploring potential charter changes to improve resident engagement at an April 24th meeting.