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.
City Commission
14 articles
Commission signals skepticism of overlay district approach to controlling building size, seeks landmark-based alternative
At a lengthy work session on Bozeman's historic preservation program, commissioners rejected using the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District to regulate building height and setbacks, instead favoring an evolution toward tailored landmark districts that would apply regulations neighborhood-by-neighborhood. The shift could reshape how the city protects older neighborhoods.
Commission tackles five-year advisory board review, advances green tariff with NorthWestern Energy
After a five-hour work session, commissioners signaled major changes to board governance—including striking rules limiting individual voices and removing a commissioner voting seat from development board. The city also authorized pursuing a novel renewable energy program that would be Montana's first of its kind.
Commission approves code fixes, renames two city streets
The City Commission unanimously advanced two Unified Development Code amendments addressing parking standards and short-term rental rules, while also approving the renaming of Thomas Drive to North 27th Avenue and Graf Street east of Tracy Avenue. Commissioners also reviewed the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan, a major initiative addressing flood mitigation and park improvements.
Commission approves $689M budget, narrowly backs Opportunity Zone
The City Commission unanimously adopted a two-year operating budget that includes a $76.1 million City Shops complex for maintenance operations. Commissioners voted 4-1 to endorse a federal Opportunity Zone designation for Census Tract 6, with one commissioner opposing the tax incentive program on moral grounds.
Commission updates wireless regulations for first time since 1998
The city unanimously approved comprehensive changes to its telecommunications code, establishing federal review timelines and new exemptions for wireless facilities. The update also requires new installations to use architectural materials compatible with surrounding areas.
Commission approves EMS rate increase, debates police staffing priorities
The City Commission voted unanimously to raise ambulance transport rates for the first time since 2022, with annual adjustments tied to inflation. The decision came during a budget work session where commissioners questioned whether increased police staffing should compete with mental health and housing investments.
City Commission approves $609 million budget with rate hikes across utilities
Bozeman's spending plan for the 2027 biennium includes a 9% water rate increase, 3% wastewater increase, and 15% stormwater increase, with key infrastructure projects including $17 million for tank rehabilitation. A commissioner raised concerns about simultaneously raising rates while drawing down fund reserves.
Commission approves six tax district budgets, amends Midtown priorities
The City Commission unanimously approved spending plans for tax increment financing and urban renewal districts on May 12, with significant amendments to the Midtown Urban Renewal District redirecting $100,000 toward updating the district's action plan and clarifying that $2.5 million would prioritize affordable housing loans. The commission also approved a new traffic circle and heard calls for stronger zoning protections in historic neighborhoods.
City Commission annexes Hanson Lane property, splits on zoning
The Commission voted unanimously to annex a 10-acre parcel near Durston Road but divided 3-1 over whether to zone it for higher-density or lower-density residential development. Commissioner Sweeney opposed the higher-density designation, arguing the city should prioritize affordable starter homes.
Commission declines to advance interim zoning for conservation overlay
Commissioners expressed concerns about pausing development in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, with Deputy Mayor Fischer and others citing predictability and lack of documented public health threats. The discussion occurred during public remarks rather than a formal agenda item.
Bozeman approves partnership with Ukrainian city Kupchynske
The City Commission unanimously approved a non-binding international cooperation agreement with Kupchynske, Ukraine, authorizing Mayor Joey Morrison to sign the partnership through the Cities for Cities initiative. The agreement establishes collaboration in economic development, governance, education, and veteran services, growing from volunteer relationships formed after Russia's 2022 invasion.
Commission backs doubling traffic safety funding after pedestrian crashes
All four commissioners expressed support for increasing the Multimodal Improvements Fund from $150,000 to $300,000 annually, prompted by recent pedestrian incidents. Deputy Mayor Fischer and City Manager Winn also addressed community concerns about the Fowler Avenue housing project, clarifying that no final decision has been made.
Commission unanimously approves Bikeville Community Bike Park after 14 years
The eight-acre park project, backed by $1.2 million in city investment and over $800,000 in private donations, will feature progressive skill-building trails for all ages and abilities. The master plan approval clears the way for subsequent site plan applications for parking and grading.
Commission restores 90-foot downtown height limit in code rewrite vote
The city's comprehensive Unified Development Code passed unanimously on December 16th after commissioners reversed a recent decision to cap building heights at 70 feet in the B-3 downtown district. The rewrite, which takes effect February 1st, concludes a two-year development process.