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.
Sustainability Board
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City proposes streamlining wetland code by removing two requirements
The Sustainability Advisory Board heard a proposal to remove submittal requirements for Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional determinations and Gallatin Conservation District watercourse status assessments, saying the processes are unworkable in practice while environmental protections remain intact. The changes address conflicts discovered since the city's wetland code overhaul last October.
Sustainability Board hears Green Power Program update after seven-year development
The proposed utility-scale renewable energy program would let Bozeman customers subscribe to wind or solar power through a special rate on their bills, with an initial 50-megawatt phase potentially launching in three to five years. Staff said the program would cost non-participating customers nothing and adhere to three guiding principles ensuring fairness and genuine renewable additions.
Sustainability Board approves two-year work plan focused on solar and EV charging
The advisory board unanimously endorsed a plan prioritizing municipal solar projects, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and high-performance building standards for city facilities. The plan aligns with City Commission priorities and encompasses ongoing initiatives including the Urban Forest Management Plan and Bozeman Creek Vision Plan.
City launches student seats on advisory boards, expands urban forestry plan
The Sustainability Advisory Board heard that the City Commission approved non-voting student positions on all major advisory boards, with terms aligned to the academic calendar. The board also received updates on the Branch Out Bozeman program, which has planted 783 trees since 2021, and learned about a new Urban Forest Management Plan shifting focus to citywide canopy cover goals.