City outlines parking plan and public-private partnership amid downtown developments

The City of Bozeman's Downtown Business Improvement District Board made significant strides in addressing parking challenges and enhancing community engagement during their meeting on June 18, 2025. A key highlight was the announcement of a $5 million allocation from the downtown Urban Renewal District (URD) aimed at developing a public-private partnership to improve parking infrastructure and management.

Ellie, a board member, reported that the parking management team has begun collecting data to better understand usage patterns. This data collection is expected to provide insights by early July, which will inform future decisions regarding parking strategies. The team is also working on a vision and action plan that will outline both short-term and long-term goals for parking improvements, with a draft expected by the end of summer.

In addition to parking updates, the board discussed recent community events, including a successful Art Walk that drew significant crowds downtown. The upcoming Music on Main series, starting July 3, is anticipated to further boost local engagement and business activity.

Financial updates revealed that the board is nearing the end of the fiscal year with stable revenue from mobile vending fees and flower sponsorships. However, there were concerns about rising insurance costs, particularly with the addition of two trucks to their coverage.

The meeting also touched on community beautification efforts, including graffiti removal, which has been more cost-effective than anticipated, with recent charges coming in at $750.

Overall, the board's proactive approach to parking management and community events reflects a commitment to enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. As they move forward with their plans, the board aims to foster greater collaboration with the community and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of their initiatives.