The Bozeman City Commission unanimously approved a non-binding international cooperation agreement with Kupchynske, Ukraine on April 21st, authorizing Mayor Joey Morrison to sign the partnership through the Cities for Cities initiative. The agreement, presented by Economic Development Director Britt Fontenot, establishes four pillars of collaboration: economic development, governance, education, and veteran services. The partnership grew from relationships formed after Russia's invasion in 2022, when Bozeman residents—architects, engineers, and health professionals—traveled to volunteer in Kupchynske. Mayor Bogdan Kalichavy of Kupchynske joined the meeting remotely at 3 a.m. local time to address the commission.
The meeting also featured presentations on the economic impact of Yellowstone Fiber, the nonprofit open-access fiber network the city helped establish in 2012. Grace Galbreath reported the network generated over $135 million in total economic activity and supported more than 1,400 jobs, with over 80 percent of the value remaining local. City Manager Chuck Winn announced that Bozeman will install over 400 stop signs at 328 currently unsigned intersections, beginning in neighborhoods north of Montana State University. The project is expected to continue through 2029 based on current staffing levels. Winn also disclosed a turbidity monitoring violation at the water treatment plant involving a sensor left in calibration mode for 28 hours and said new training protocols have been implemented.
During general public comment, several residents addressed the commission on topics including airport expansion, wetland enforcement, and affordable housing. Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar requested the city send a letter to federal energy regulators by April 30th regarding Colstrip power transfer rates. The commission could not act immediately but directed staff to review the request.