Urban Parks Board reviews comprehensive Bozeman Creek flood mitigation and park development plan, fields questions on financing and sequencing
City staff presented an ambitious vision for the Bozeman Creek corridor aimed at reducing flood risk while creating new public parks and green space downtown. The plan, developed with the grassroots See Bozeman Creek group, targets a 1,250 cubic feet per second flow capacity to prevent downtown flooding from rain-on-snow events.
Board reviews community plan for 3,000-acre growth area, debates e-bike and e-scooter policies
The Bozeman Transportation Board held a work session on a draft community plan for a large growth area northwest of the city, discussing how to balance a street network with wetland protection. The board also began preliminary discussions on updating city policies to regulate the growing use of electric bikes, scooters, and e-motorcycles in public rights-of-way.
Sustainability Board
5 articles
Sustainability Board hears drought management update and city infrastructure progress
The Bozeman Sustainability Advisory Board received detailed presentations on the city's drought management strategy, recent water conservation successes, and major renewable energy projects during its September 9 meeting. Board members discussed drought response measures, communication challenges for renters and commercial properties, and upcoming city sustainability initiatives.
City proposes streamlining wetland code by removing two requirements
The Sustainability Advisory Board heard a proposal to remove submittal requirements for Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional determinations and Gallatin Conservation District watercourse status assessments, saying the processes are unworkable in practice while environmental protections remain intact. The changes address conflicts discovered since the city's wetland code overhaul last October.
Sustainability Board hears Green Power Program update after seven-year development
The proposed utility-scale renewable energy program would let Bozeman customers subscribe to wind or solar power through a special rate on their bills, with an initial 50-megawatt phase potentially launching in three to five years. Staff said the program would cost non-participating customers nothing and adhere to three guiding principles ensuring fairness and genuine renewable additions.
Sustainability Board approves two-year work plan focused on solar and EV charging
The advisory board unanimously endorsed a plan prioritizing municipal solar projects, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and high-performance building standards for city facilities. The plan aligns with City Commission priorities and encompasses ongoing initiatives including the Urban Forest Management Plan and Bozeman Creek Vision Plan.
City launches student seats on advisory boards, expands urban forestry plan
The Sustainability Advisory Board heard that the City Commission approved non-voting student positions on all major advisory boards, with terms aligned to the academic calendar. The board also received updates on the Branch Out Bozeman program, which has planted 783 trees since 2021, and learned about a new Urban Forest Management Plan shifting focus to citywide canopy cover goals.