During the week of October 12, the Bozeman Sustainability Advisory Board met to review two long-range planning initiatives affecting the city's growth and environmental priorities. The Historic Preservation Advisory Board did not provide meeting information for the period.
The Sustainability Board heard a presentation on the draft Northwest Bozeman Area Plan, which covers 3,000 acres within the city's community planning boundary. Senior planner Chris Naumann said the plan is intended as a supplement to the 2025 Community Plan and provides guidance for potential northwestern growth should property owners choose to annex land. The plan identifies natural resources—including streams, wetlands, and riparian corridors—as the primary framework element and proposes adjustments to some residential and commercial zoning to align with proposed street corridors. Board Chair Kristin Blackler asked whether the city had analyzed infill development capacity before planning for annexation and expressed concern about a proposed Gooch Hill connection that would cut through major wetland complexes. Board member Jesse questioned whether growth could be accommodated through infill instead. Naumann responded that annexation remains voluntary and future planning processes would apply additional protections. The draft plan is undergoing multi-board review, with a public event planned for November 9 and City Commission consideration targeted for December 15.
Assistant City Manager John Henderson presented the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan, which aims to address flood risk, improve ecological health, and increase public access along the creek corridor from Ice Pond Road to its confluence with the East Gallatin River. Engineering analysis found that a 100-year-plus flood event accounting for climate change impacts could cause close to $1 billion in property damage. The city proposes diverting approximately 750 cubic feet per second through Mill Ditch while upgrading downtown structures to carry 500 cubic feet per second within Bozeman Creek itself. Henderson said the approach requires no private property acquisition. The plan includes three major parkland projects: a redesigned Rouse Street section with bifurcated creek channels, a braided channel in front of City Hall with parking lot removal, and modifications to Bogert Park. Board members expressed strong support for the vision. Blackler suggested using lessons from the project to inform future waterway planning and raised questions about temperature impacts from channel bifurcation. A public open house is planned for November 9, with City Commission consideration targeted for December 15.