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.
City Commission
24 articles
Commission approves behavioral health resolution 5-0, splits narrowly on downtown design standards
The Bozeman City Commission backed a tri-jurisdictional agreement with Belgrade and Gallatin County on behavioral health but divided sharply over how to manage the mass and scale of downtown buildings. A series of close votes on step-backs, setbacks and landscaping left some proposals unresolved.
Bozeman Commission approves police camera contract despite hour of public opposition on surveillance risks
The Axon body-camera contract for the Bozeman Police Department passed 5-0 on the consent agenda after extensive public comment and commissioners expressing mixed views on artificial intelligence and technology policy. Commissioners directed staff to develop a new surveillance technology policy and report quarterly on police technology use.
City Commission signals housing and transit as top ballot priorities for 2027, defers fire station and library asks
In a work session dominated by public testimony on affordable housing, transit and community amenities, Bozeman commissioners indicated they will focus on a housing levy and potential transit funding measure for fall 2027, while deferring larger capital projects like a new fire station and library branch to future commissions.
Bozeman backs 25-year bond to repay MSU Innovation Campus developer, directs staff to explore limits on military contractor tenants
The Bozeman City Commission approved bonding to fulfill a 2022 development agreement with the South Bozeman Technology District, extending tax increment financing to 25 years. About twenty commenters, many MSU students, opposed the move, citing tenant involvement in Gaza military technology.
Commission unanimously adopts clarifying findings on 2023 Shady Glen denial after court remand
The Bozeman City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt additional findings from the former commissioners who denied the Shady Glen planned unit development in 2023. A district court had remanded the case, finding the original denial findings insufficient for judicial review.
Commission adopts 3.25-mile Cattail Creek corridor master plan on 5-0 vote, approves Olympic torch relay agreement
Bozeman's City Commission voted to adopt a comprehensive parks plan for a trail corridor connecting northwest neighborhoods while addressing community concerns about native grasses, invasive weeds, and public engagement. The same meeting saw commissioners authorize participation in the 2028 Olympic torch relay, with questions remaining about fiscal impacts and staff resources.
Commission unanimously removes two submittal requirements from wetland code, signals interest in reviewing development timeline
The Bozeman City Commission voted 5-0 to streamline the city's wetland and watercourse code by removing two outside-agency submittal requirements that staff said were no longer practical. The decision opens discussion about whether wetland delineation reports should be required earlier in the development review process.
Commission retains 90-foot B-3 height limit on 3-2 vote, directs staff to strengthen zone edge transition standards
The City Commission voted to keep the 90-foot maximum height adopted for the B-3 downtown district last December, rejecting calls to reduce it to 60 or 70 feet. The commission directed staff to develop setback and landscaping standards to soften transitions between high-density and residential zones.
Commission levies maximum property taxes, adopts utility rates and four special assessments totaling 5.5% annual increase
Despite a decrease in city property taxes driven by state legislative changes, commissioners voted to levy the maximum statutory mill authority and adopt rate increases for water, sewer, stormwater and four special assessment districts, with one commissioner voting no on all assessment increases over equity concerns.
Commission directs staff to explore local sales tax advocacy, pre-approved building plans, and new revenue mechanisms to address $350,000 per-unit affordability gap
After a two-and-a-half-hour housing work session, commissioners outlined priorities ranging from state legislative advocacy for a local option sales tax to exploring pre-approved building plans and potential revenue bonds. Staff also presented data showing 394 people experiencing homelessness in Gallatin County—down from 523 the prior year—attributed to expanded shelter capacity, new affordable units, and coordinated services.
Commission signals skepticism of overlay district approach to controlling building size, seeks landmark-based alternative
At a lengthy work session on Bozeman's historic preservation program, commissioners rejected using the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District to regulate building height and setbacks, instead favoring an evolution toward tailored landmark districts that would apply regulations neighborhood-by-neighborhood. The shift could reshape how the city protects older neighborhoods.
Commission tackles five-year advisory board review, advances green tariff with NorthWestern Energy
After a five-hour work session, commissioners signaled major changes to board governance—including striking rules limiting individual voices and removing a commissioner voting seat from development board. The city also authorized pursuing a novel renewable energy program that would be Montana's first of its kind.
Commission approves code fixes, renames two city streets
The City Commission unanimously advanced two Unified Development Code amendments addressing parking standards and short-term rental rules, while also approving the renaming of Thomas Drive to North 27th Avenue and Graf Street east of Tracy Avenue. Commissioners also reviewed the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan, a major initiative addressing flood mitigation and park improvements.
Commission approves $689M budget, narrowly backs Opportunity Zone
The City Commission unanimously adopted a two-year operating budget that includes a $76.1 million City Shops complex for maintenance operations. Commissioners voted 4-1 to endorse a federal Opportunity Zone designation for Census Tract 6, with one commissioner opposing the tax incentive program on moral grounds.
Commission updates wireless regulations for first time since 1998
The city unanimously approved comprehensive changes to its telecommunications code, establishing federal review timelines and new exemptions for wireless facilities. The update also requires new installations to use architectural materials compatible with surrounding areas.
Commission approves EMS rate increase, debates police staffing priorities
The City Commission voted unanimously to raise ambulance transport rates for the first time since 2022, with annual adjustments tied to inflation. The decision came during a budget work session where commissioners questioned whether increased police staffing should compete with mental health and housing investments.
City Commission approves $609 million budget with rate hikes across utilities
Bozeman's spending plan for the 2027 biennium includes a 9% water rate increase, 3% wastewater increase, and 15% stormwater increase, with key infrastructure projects including $17 million for tank rehabilitation. A commissioner raised concerns about simultaneously raising rates while drawing down fund reserves.
Commission approves six tax district budgets, amends Midtown priorities
The City Commission unanimously approved spending plans for tax increment financing and urban renewal districts on May 12, with significant amendments to the Midtown Urban Renewal District redirecting $100,000 toward updating the district's action plan and clarifying that $2.5 million would prioritize affordable housing loans. The commission also approved a new traffic circle and heard calls for stronger zoning protections in historic neighborhoods.
City Commission annexes Hanson Lane property, splits on zoning
The Commission voted unanimously to annex a 10-acre parcel near Durston Road but divided 3-1 over whether to zone it for higher-density or lower-density residential development. Commissioner Sweeney opposed the higher-density designation, arguing the city should prioritize affordable starter homes.
Commission declines to advance interim zoning for conservation overlay
Commissioners expressed concerns about pausing development in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, with Deputy Mayor Fischer and others citing predictability and lack of documented public health threats. The discussion occurred during public remarks rather than a formal agenda item.
Bozeman approves partnership with Ukrainian city Kupchynske
The City Commission unanimously approved a non-binding international cooperation agreement with Kupchynske, Ukraine, authorizing Mayor Joey Morrison to sign the partnership through the Cities for Cities initiative. The agreement establishes collaboration in economic development, governance, education, and veteran services, growing from volunteer relationships formed after Russia's 2022 invasion.
Commission backs doubling traffic safety funding after pedestrian crashes
All four commissioners expressed support for increasing the Multimodal Improvements Fund from $150,000 to $300,000 annually, prompted by recent pedestrian incidents. Deputy Mayor Fischer and City Manager Winn also addressed community concerns about the Fowler Avenue housing project, clarifying that no final decision has been made.
Commission unanimously approves Bikeville Community Bike Park after 14 years
The eight-acre park project, backed by $1.2 million in city investment and over $800,000 in private donations, will feature progressive skill-building trails for all ages and abilities. The master plan approval clears the way for subsequent site plan applications for parking and grading.
Commission restores 90-foot downtown height limit in code rewrite vote
The city's comprehensive Unified Development Code passed unanimously on December 16th after commissioners reversed a recent decision to cap building heights at 70 feet in the B-3 downtown district. The rewrite, which takes effect February 1st, concludes a two-year development process.