Bozeman workshops prioritize housing density and sustainability strategies

The City of Bozeman's Sustainability Board meeting on April 9, 2025, showcased a strong community engagement effort, with a notable turnout of six participants—four in person and two online. The board emphasized the importance of accessibility, having strategically held workshops across various city locations to encourage public participation.

During these workshops, residents were asked to prioritize their concerns, leading to valuable insights into community interests. The results highlighted key themes: neighborhood character, housing affordability, density, building transitions, transportation, and environmental issues. These topics will guide future discussions and workshops, ensuring that community voices shape the city's development strategies.

The board also discussed the state mandate requiring the city to implement tools for generating housing. Two primary strategies emerged as community favorites: allowing mixed-use developments and zoning for areas near transportation hubs and employment centers. This feedback will inform the city's planning and zoning decisions moving forward.

In addition to the workshops, the board has developed five community toolkits to facilitate ongoing discussions within neighborhoods. These resources aim to empower residents to engage with local issues actively.

As the board prepares to present findings to the city commission, they remain open to additional input from advisory boards and the public. The meeting underscored a collaborative approach to sustainability, with a focus on integrating community feedback into actionable plans for Bozeman's future.