Parks Board Launches PREP Plan Implementation; Ethics Board Approves New Training Format
Three city advisory boards met during the week of October 26, 2026, advancing initiatives ranging from park development code updates to employee ethics training and traffic calming program evaluation. The Urban Parks and Forestry Board, Board of Ethics, and Transportation Board each approved key staff proposals and discussed upcoming priorities.
Bozeman's Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program reports mixed results after first year of redesigned initiative
The city released a comprehensive evaluation of its revamped Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, which deployed 15 temporary and permanent projects in 2026. Data shows speed reductions at some locations but durability challenges and questions about effectiveness on high-volume streets.
Advisory Board Roundup
14 articlesParks Board Launches PREP Plan Implementation; Ethics Board Approves New Training Format
Three city advisory boards met during the week of October 26, 2026, advancing initiatives ranging from park development code updates to employee ethics training and traffic calming program evaluation. The Urban Parks and Forestry Board, Board of Ethics, and Transportation Board each approved key staff proposals and discussed upcoming priorities.
Community Development Board examines 3,000-acre northwest area plan and updated water rights fee
The Community Development Board heard presentations on a draft long-range plan for 3,000 acres northwest of Bozeman and an updated water rights cash-in-lieu fee that has not changed since 2008. Neither item faced a vote, with both scheduled for further action in coming weeks.
Sustainability Board examines Northwest Bozeman expansion and creek flood mitigation strategy
The Sustainability Advisory Board held an information meeting on October 14 to review two major planning initiatives: a 3,000-acre Northwest Bozeman Area Plan and a comprehensive Bozeman Creek Vision Plan designed to address flood risk and improve public access. Board members raised questions about infill capacity and wetland protection while expressing support for the creek project.
Two advisory boards weigh comprehensive Bozeman Creek flood mitigation and public access plan
The Community Development Board and Economic Vitality Board examined a major initiative to address downtown flooding risks while enhancing public spaces along Bozeman Creek. The plan, targeting City Commission review in December, proposes three signature projects and sweeping policy changes across roughly 30 years of implementation.
Board of Ethics unanimously dismisses complaint against five city officials
The Bozeman Board of Ethics voted to dismiss a complaint filed by resident Cindy Smith against five city officials, finding it lacked actionable claims and involved matters outside the board's jurisdiction. Smith had challenged how officials responded to her concerns about public funding oversight and access to city information.
Advisory boards debate historic preservation rules, e-device regulations, and creek flood plan
During the week of September 21, the Community Development Board, Transportation Board, and Urban Parks and Forestry Board addressed significant policy matters ranging from how to regulate demolitions of older structures to managing electric bikes and scooters in the city's public right-of-way. The parks board also advanced a comprehensive plan to increase Bozeman Creek's flood-carrying capacity while creating public amenities.
Advisory boards weigh fire station affordability, demolition protections, and downtown growth
Four Bozeman boards met the week of September 14-17 to review downtown development activity, historic preservation regulations, and tax increment financing. Discussion centered on new businesses opening downtown, negotiations around affordable housing at Fire Station 1, and significant revisions to how the city regulates demolition of older structures.
Sustainability Board hears updates on drought management, renewable energy projects
The Sustainability Advisory Board reviewed the city's 2022 drought management plan and heard from staff on renewable energy installations and water conservation efforts during its September 9 meeting.
Economic Vitality Board offers feedback on city decision-making tool aimed at ensuring equal access
The Economic Vitality Board reviewed the Belonging in Bozeman Decision-Making Tool during a work session, providing recommendations on how the framework should guide city policy decisions. Board members raised concerns about data availability, tool complexity, and the need for clear implementation standards.
Transportation Board weighs valet parking rules and $5.5 million capital funding gap
During the week of August 24, Bozeman's Transportation Board and Urban Parks and Forestry Board tackled major policy questions. The Transportation Board held work sessions on valet parking regulations and a five-year capital improvement plan facing significant funding pressures, while the Parks Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of a comprehensive master plan for the Cattail Creek Corridor greenway.
Advisory boards split on downtown building heights while backing wetland code streamlining
Six city advisory boards met during the week of August 17, with the Community Development Board unanimously backing wetland regulations changes and the Historic Preservation Board recommending a reduction in B-3 height limits from 90 to 70 feet. The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board voted to retain the current 90-foot standard, while the Downtown Business Improvement District declined to take formal action.
Bozeman Study Commission unanimously approves amended charter, plans fall ballot campaign
The Bozeman City Study Commission voted 5-0 to approve its final charter proposal Thursday, clearing the way for voters to decide in November whether to adopt changes to how city commissioners are elected and how the city structures public engagement. The commission simultaneously formed a political committee to conduct a fall education campaign across community events and neighborhood groups.
Study Commission Nears Charter Vote; Development Board Backs 90-Foot Heights; Housing Plan Approved
The Bozeman City Study Commission refined ballot language ahead of an August 6 adoption meeting and appointed a campaign treasurer to begin voter education for the November charter measure. The Community Development Board recommended retaining the 90-foot height limit in downtown's B-3 zone with additional setbacks, while the Economic Vitality Board approved a $355,712 federal housing plan focused on transitional units and eviction prevention.
Parks Board Grapples With Tree Canopy Goals, Budget Questions for Urban Forest Plan
The Urban Parks and Forestry Board spent its July 23 meeting reviewing a draft Urban Forest Management Plan that aims to guide the city's forest strategy over the next decade. Board members raised concerns about whether proposed canopy coverage targets are achievable without significant budget increases and questioned whether the plan adequately addresses tree protection in new developments.