The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee approved Amendment Number 1 to the fiscal year 2026 Unified Planning Work Program at its June 24 meeting. The amendment, which passed 6-0, reallocates $20,800 from reserve funds to the Long Range Transportation Plan to cover approximately $53,000 in additional consulting expenses. These costs stem from GIS work completed during a staff vacancy, land use projection verification across hundreds of transportation analysis zones, and expanded community engagement efforts. MPO Manager Jeff Butts explained the amendment will be funded through staffing savings and cost reductions, including limiting national conference attendance to one representative rather than multiple attendees and minor work program reductions. The amendment had been recommended for approval by the Technical and Tactical Advisory Committee.
During the meeting, the committee also discussed sustainability of the MPO's current office arrangement within Bozeman city administration. Commissioner Brown questioned whether county dollars should support rent paid to the city and offered unused county office space as an alternative. Butts noted annual office and operational costs total approximately $50,000, which may strain the roughly $390,000 annual budget available for staffing and planning work after state revenue contributions. The discussion underscores ongoing questions about the newly formed MPO's operational structure as it establishes long-term arrangements among member jurisdictions.
Public commenter Jen McFarlane, a researcher at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute, urged the committee to strengthen policy language ensuring safe passage for all transportation modes through active construction zones. She cited her own experience navigating bicycle routes blocked by construction on Huffvine Road and requested the MPO prioritize clear pathways for non-automobile users in future construction standards.