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.
Advisory Board RoundupParks 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.
Economic Vitality Board
3 articlesEconomic Vitality Board approves backlog of meeting minutes, receives safety training
The board unanimously approved four months of previously unprocessed minutes on June 3rd due to staffing delays. Board members also participated in emergency response training led by the Bozeman Police Department's Community Resource Officer.
Economic Vitality Board hears fiber network's $135M impact, explores affordable housing models
The city's Yellowstone Fiber Network has generated over $135 million in economic activity and more than 1,400 jobs since launching in 2012, while the board also examined community land trusts as a strategy for permanent housing affordability.
Economic Vitality Board discusses affordable housing ordinance updates
The board held its first discussion on proposed changes to Bozeman's 2025 Affordable Housing Ordinance, including separate provisions for rental and for-sale housing and a new cash-in-lieu formula. Board members raised concerns about whether current incentives adequately encourage developers to build affordable units.