The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board approved its inaugural infrastructure grant on May 26, allocating $372,000 for sewer line improvements tied to the Bozeman Hotel project at 302 East Mendenhall Street. The gravity-fed line will replace over 100-year-old infrastructure and serve nine additional properties beyond the hotel. Two public commenters opposed the grant, questioning public benefit and suggesting funds be directed toward flood reduction along Bozeman Creek, but the board voted unanimously in favor. Vice Chair Tony Renslow emphasized that utility upgrades require private development projects as windows of opportunity, while the developer noted the city had requested the line be upsized for future capacity beyond the hotel's immediate needs.
The board also heard from Kate, a consultant hired by Montana State University's new president to develop the university's first strategic plan, expected in November. Board members focused extensively on housing, with Chair Jake Van Dusen describing it as "the elephant in the room" and urging intentional planning for students, graduate students, staff, and faculty. Board Member Douglas Fischer noted that off-campus MSU students comprise roughly 20 percent of Bozeman's population, creating housing market pressure. The consultant acknowledged housing concerns have emerged consistently across campus listening sessions and mentioned MSU plans to construct new graduate housing on existing dormitory sites.
Additionally, the board received an update on the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan, with a public open house scheduled for June 2 at Soroptimist Park from 4 to 7 p.m. The consultant team will present 12 preliminary ideas, and a draft vision plan is expected by late August or September.