The Economic Vitality Board heard a wide-ranging presentation on the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan, a generational project designed to address downtown flooding risks while enhancing public access, water quality, and economic vitality along the city's namesake creek.
Assistant City Manager John Henderson detailed engineering studies that have identified 36 bottleneck locations along Bozeman Creek and Mill Ditch where constriction from culverts, bridges, and other structures limits water flow. Using updated modeling techniques, engineers estimate potential damage exceeding $1 billion in a rain-on-snow flooding event beyond typical 100-year floodplain projections. The city is pursuing a strategy to divert approximately 750 cubic feet per second down Mill Ditch while maintaining 500 CFS through the main creek channel, a solution that Henderson said could effectively resolve downtown flooding if implemented successfully.
Major Projects and Park Improvements
The plan proposes three signature projects, all using publicly-owned land. The most discussed initiative involves abandoning Rouse Avenue from Main to Olive streets and relocating part of the creek flow through that corridor and Seroptim Park, creating a public gathering space. A second project would bring the creek back above ground in front of City Hall, removing the existing parking lot and establishing a civic plaza potentially suitable for music venues or gathering. The third project would expand the 2014 demonstration work at Bogert Park, meandering the creek more naturally and relocating park amenities like the Anderson Pavilion and Fred Wilson Bandshell.
Policy and Connectivity Recommendations
Henderson outlined sweeping policy changes including tiered setback systems for creek-adjacent development, enhanced landscaping codes favoring native plantings, and routine water quality monitoring specific to Bozeman Creek. The plan also addresses public access opportunities through abandoned right-of-way segments and dead-end streets, though Henderson emphasized the city will not construct a continuous trail system like those in Bend or Boise—a project started decades earlier in those communities.
Partnership and Funding Strategy
The city is formalizing a partnership with See Bozeman Creek, a grassroots organization led by Steve Noble and Jim Madden of Mountain Time Arts. Henderson indicated the relationship would likely be formalized through a memorandum of understanding, similar to existing library foundation partnerships. Henderson declined to specify total project costs, characterizing the effort as a 20- to 30-year initiative requiring "tens and tens of millions of dollars." He identified federal FEMA grants as the likely primary funding source, supplemented by philanthropy, Downtown Urban Renewal District funds, city enterprise bonds for stormwater and parks maintenance, and possible private partnerships. He explicitly stated general-purpose tax dollars would be unlikely given competing community needs.
Board Questions and Public Input
Board members pressed Henderson on property acquisition strategies, water rights issues at Mill Ditch, feasibility timelines, and governance structures for the long-term partnership. Henderson affirmed that none of the major projects require property acquisition but acknowledged that future water quality and public access improvements may involve willing property owners. He noted that any acquisition efforts would be led by See Bozeman Creek rather than the city, which lacks mandate for such activities.
See Bozeman Creek co-leader Steve Noble provided public comment emphasizing the organization's commitment to ensuring community benefits, citing successful creek revitalization projects in other cities. He credited city staff collaboration and stated the organization has been pursuing this work for roughly six years.
The board approved minutes from August 5 and September 2 meetings unanimously before the presentation. The plan is scheduled for public review at a November 9 open house at City Hall, with commission consideration targeted for December 15, 2026.