[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6178190,"mediaKeyId","5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393","parentId",5325419,"title","Bozeman commission prioritizes outreach, advisory boards and a better public‑comment response system","audioSeconds",3960,"startMs",6000000,"endMs",9960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393&start=6000&end=9960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393/thumbnail_6000000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6178190/Bozeman-City/Gallatin-County/Montana/Bozeman-commission-prioritizes-outreach-advisory-boards-and-a-better-publiccomment-response-system","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178190-dfa0ea5c8ac15d47ec89057efb157851/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196639&Signature=CuHoUeIDix1Hb9uTOCGtlU97YkBCDvQIaCQY0Fdja5HfLMGy3ZXaCBIML97eztPdq~XARn2cpeyURnoByHn0zQFbNjXaaFHp~K86jPEO1ZoFj8MEgTfJN4ZXiuQ7w423Y1jMAY2uZRzTPNozAFvN1V-wOPJvpRuc4cg-c2pQZlQPq8mHBXIp-FP1jfpOCzLEhpB-oGQb4XtacVK370m0lc99-zBJLvRKa3hdndcMiuLYWb6680g4vBT3eCcXoaG-Jsd3FW1dd-NPfS05-t7uGKW-5eWlTdaXCzj7RZ57gsrDbr7aI11CHVgiuZjlkP0BcnuY9d7GZAxEAXVarj2qLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / City of Bozeman ","date","2025-06-13T00:00:00Z","article","The commission devoted lengthy discussion to the priority of strengthening public trust and increasing two‑way engagement between residents and city government.

Commission priorities and tactics: Commissioners highlighted ongoing efforts — rotating ‘coffee with a commissioner,’ state‑of‑the‑city presentations in neighborhoods, joint meetings with Gallatin County and Belgrade, and targeted outreach to seniors and community groups. The commission said those tactics are intended to make residents feel heard and to avoid the perception that projects are presented fully formed with no public input.

Advisory boards and citizen engagement: Commissioners advocated revitalizing citizen advisory boards and giving those boards actionable assignments tied to city priorities. Several commissioners said reconstituted boards could serve as community ambassadors and provide measurable indicators of increased engagement, such as appointment numbers and completed assignments.

Public‑comment responsiveness and technology: Staff and commissioners described challenges routing public comments across multiple channels (emails, phone calls, 3‑1‑1, online forms). Staff said a consolidated tracking/dashboard approach is under development; the commission asked staff to propose measurable response goals, such as acknowledgment and routing protocols, and to demonstrate improvements with an executive dashboard showing pending items and response metrics.

Neighborhood and stakeholder outreach: Commissioners discussed targeted outreach to specific constituencies — seniors, students (MSU), landlords, and neighborhood associations — and suggested rotating meeting times and locations to reach different demographics.

Next steps: Staff will continue to refine a consolidated intake system for public comments, propose response‑time targets and return to the commission with a dashboard or other reporting tool. Commissioners said they will nominate stakeholder names to help staff convene small advisory groups for high‑priority items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bozeman City Commission June 13, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners reviewed a set of outreach tools — rotating 'coffee with a commissioner', state of the city events, boards and advisory‑board revitalization — and directed staff to improve how public comments and constituent inquiries are routed and tracked.","taxTitle","Bozeman City, Gallatin County, Montana","taxId",48745,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178195,"Bozeman moves to phase two of preservation study; tree protections and urban forestry plan remain under review",1320,10800000,12120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393&start=10800&end=12120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393/thumbnail_10800000.jpg","/articles/6178195/Bozeman-City/Gallatin-County/Montana/Bozeman-moves-to-phase-two-of-preservation-study-tree-protections-and-urban-forestry-plan-remain-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178195-54b07eb03e0666d9f658e178a3d7fdac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196639&Signature=AKlPZikxuvUKGC5kC2-OW7QZW6waZ5s9LiswajWY1DbtH~TN~hfPz8vpUZkiPSGKodc2~kjbIY2cQQKo-tiUjXo1p3-vZz-L8YTLDDBbmBTuykAv9N7~miLlXBLlxkhB9ySpDU~QlxGnIbUoa9s20kKPBDDdxqNF4gSlovZR3l2N2Qo~6UnBxsvDHdy3hMM0ukEFdNudn2r2dTyl7pHjF8xRFEpinxXDwzmrG5d0hGWJxFmquXOM3sUhOQBzn4P7WWLTEJckOlRMocIADBcEFi2V7zKTlp35WtzkzsCKmUhOTRmWhwzk6w-E5FjLRoFVYQMhASBjld7bXsfvPh4B1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told commissioners that the historic preservation baseline report (phase one) was adopted on May 13 and that phase two — code amendments and design‑guideline updates — will move forward with consultant help.

What the work will include: Phase two will address code language for the historic overlay, draft updated design guidelines and coordinate with the UDC (Unified Development Code) and other code changes so the documents do not conflict. Staff said the design‑guideline update will likely require a separate consultant with historic‑architecture experience.

Trees and landmark nominations: The commission discussed whether the city can designate landmark trees on private property. Staff said private‑property landmark nominations would require property‑owner permission; the city cannot unilaterally impose a landmark designation on private land without the landowner's consent. Staff noted heritage‑tree programs in other jurisdictions have legal and administrative complexity, including fees and enforcement mechanisms, and recommended starting with public‑property protections and the parks/urban forestry plan.

Urban forestry and timing: Parks staff plan to update the city’s urban forest management plan beginning this summer; that process will create appropriate policy options for public trees and right‑of‑way trees and could lead to future regulatory proposals. Commissioners asked that public engagement be built into the process and requested a future work session on trees in coordination with UDC topics.

Next steps: Execute contract amendments to carry the preservation consultant into phase two, draft a scope for the design‑guideline update and coordinate urban forestry updates with UDC schedule; staff will return with code amendment materials and public engagement opportunities.","Staff reported phase‑one adoption of a baseline historic‑preservation report and said code and design‑guideline updates will be carried into phase two; commissioners discussed landmarking options for trees, limitations on private‑property regulation and an upcoming urban forest management plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178199,"Bozeman and regional partners push a shared strategy for shelter, transitional housing and funding",360,9000000,9360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393&start=9000&end=9360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393/thumbnail_9000000.jpg","/articles/6178199/Bozeman-City/Gallatin-County/Montana/Bozeman-and-regional-partners-push-a-shared-strategy-for-shelter-transitional-housing-and-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178199-a5fd54c496073f1dfa6e85ebe2ce5b78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196639&Signature=O1gczDFWaOg5abOt-x5OrF47tvBOHcbKih5X881yuE48fcQ-ad0kHE12-yJ4KJPu6vpEdl3b6UtMUG2jeRrDyZYnIGkrU9~HUWqrt37-CjQf19ETNITD3R8j4j0X7X5LF0w2kBuumlNYTHMd8laT64P-996cVW5tqaJO0Q6p99fw8aZGIhjIBJfUUWu2s~vJvTHyH5geJCkz4HUiF6nRGEuXqdl2W36zQmgauRpGb~4F-FCilyDNpPerpmjdSP8WGjcCL1Aw-QCVG2ciJyaF~5RXXYkxRzGUXFb5iTF65opfQUX1DyE-r5Wnjg5ihiCjsGrY-9yfQbyvq0K1zP~r9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bozeman commissioners reviewed a regional strategy for homelessness coordinated through the Regional Housing Coalition and a working group tasked with expanding shelter capacity, funding transitional housing and identifying longer‑term support mechanisms.

Funding and scope: Staff reminded commissioners that the city budget includes a roughly $500,000 annual allocation for shelter services and transitional efforts; staff said additional transitional housing funds are being scoped and that CDBG is generally better suited to project‑based funding rather than ongoing operations. County and nonprofit partners were described as critical to scaling capacity.

Regional coordination: Commissioners and staff emphasized the regional nature of shelter demand: people who are unsheltered in neighboring jurisdictions often use Bozeman services. Commissioners discussed the need for a regional funding approach so the city is not the sole long‑term payer for services used by county residents.

Programs and gaps: The working group identified three priorities: immediate funding to maintain shelter operations, development of transitional housing to bridge people into permanent housing, and identification of sanctioned parking/encampment management sites where appropriate. Staff said some federal funding streams are project‑based and not ideal for operating costs, and that philanthropic and county contributions will be necessary.

Next steps: Staff and the Regional Housing Coalition will continue to refine project proposals, pursue identified grant opportunities where feasible and work on a county‑wide financing strategy for shelter operations and transitional housing projects. Commissioners expressed support for continued regional governance through the coalition and for exploring project options that could utilize existing federal and state grants where appropriate.","Commissioners discussed the Regional Housing Coalition's homelessness plan, reaffirmed $500,000 in local funding for shelter services, and signaled support for regional cost‑sharing on shelter and transitional housing; staff said available federal sources are limited and regional coordination will be essential.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178203,"Bozeman plans public master plan for Bozeman Creek while flagging new flood‑risk findings",660,15300000,15960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393&start=15300&end=15960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393/thumbnail_15300000.jpg","/articles/6178203/Bozeman-City/Gallatin-County/Montana/Bozeman-plans-public-master-plan-for-Bozeman-Creek-while-flagging-new-floodrisk-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178203-f9c1d458a32875f623eb8096ca8d946d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196639&Signature=l5-VzQ8HijiLAVQ19Tn0B88BVbucG57LIMb48ZBjspU4y~ptb5oGytGbg02FHKISiMHu7mK2SO6kHIK8QtpaaHpBbtFDrjKgM5SKuBUL77VqcUmX~pplj6b7vJtN0GkcXuU3DOvWYhIS9wWeUXh4y9jDEPmhWSjb9czSirPLUVXiHxAlVIJYQCjz4LR9NqvePLFRF5TxlZ-TPMy89cgbAamMv9Pw1X2makZVsd6pte9vVXY3u-FL-Z-eSz3K4b9~bhXKTclf7tH8vxP3oTvK5bH2LD~K~EglkeTTorIL3D6xoA~5wyl7OsptClYvKvh46RP9v1ZU-ltxDLNxSbXL4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bozeman commissioners approved a staff plan to move forward with a Bozeman Creek master plan, a multi‑phased community visioning and technical study that will combine public engagement with updated hydrologic and structural analyses.

The process: Staff described $160,000 in preliminary funding from stormwater, parks and related funds to hire consultants this summer. The study will include community engagement led with local nonprofits, updated flood modelling that incorporates recent rain‑on‑snow scenarios, and LiDAR or tunnel scans for key downtown storm conveyances.

Why it matters: City leaders said the creek is a generational asset and that the master plan aims to increase public access, improve habitat and trail connectivity, explore flood‑resilience measures and address long‑standing infrastructure vulnerabilities. Staff cautioned that modern flood modelling shows greater frequency and scope of high‑water events, so technical findings may prompt difficult trade‑offs.

Technical findings and risks: Staff previewed findings that show more frequent intense runoff events and identified tunnels and undersized conveyances downtown that warrant further analysis. The city will continue to regulate according to existing FEMA requirements but said the updated modelling and LiDAR scans are intended to give the community better information about worst‑case scenarios so planners and residents can prioritize future projects.

Engagement and schedule: Staff said the initial community meeting (co‑hosted with the local creek group) will be held this summer, followed by a consultant‑led engagement campaign and a request‑for‑proposals to hire a consultant team. The resulting plan is intended as a long‑range road map rather than a single construction project; staff and commissioners described the effort as likely to unfold over years and to require partnerships and phased funding.

Next steps: Launch outreach and consultant procurement; present draft vision and technical report to the commission and public; use the study to prioritize projects and identify funding approaches.","City staff and community groups will fund consultant work this summer to build a Bozeman Creek master plan and community engagement process; staff warned the data includes updated flood‑risk modelling and LiDAR scans that may surface complex questions about infrastructure and risk.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6178207,"Bozeman staff prepare tenant-rights pilot, seek landlord and tenant input before October decision",1305,4805000,6110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393&start=4805&end=6110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5325419-88173089f8dade2323681d5fc3729393/thumbnail_4805000.jpg","/articles/6178207/Bozeman-City/Gallatin-County/Montana/Bozeman-staff-prepare-tenant-rights-pilot-seek-landlord-and-tenant-input-before-October-decision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178207-5d8a3c1265446444e5b2bab427dc730c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196639&Signature=MszmeowIepaR22s1iP6IgjpcCiqHglC89x4B-cHZQVLAHbw8lFkGEvIoZdDHF5fkcLIyUB31A4q6wRjee6BCL6m~F9ui5zRJsp4wKlKFsA05IO1Iy3rMhnZ-ElqTDeVCxtqrLXFzleDYizk5H69noayHyBLrI06vrSHW8OZAwl5EjQycbZgOl77Y-qIc3MKKSLYboH-IRzN07uWxepz8KkeANQf91TctzDNJ~S0j7ViKw1weQ2VI9C5TpvXB5n-1tXi2hpK23~eHhgcF58FBKHiFFzqHxbCM5di95n9QU6RtTzEEFsI5LOJkULfZ7UqUtWncEioi1Oj7Cj-dfo9KjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bozeman commissioners and staff spent an extended work‑session block reviewing options to reduce evictions and to create an assistance program that would pair legal help with earlier eviction‑prevention interventions.

The city is developing a local pilot that municipal leaders described as focused on eviction prevention rather than an unconditional, court‑based right to counsel. Staff said they are studying models used elsewhere and plan further stakeholder outreach, including separate discussions with landlord representatives and tenant groups.

Why it matters: Commissioners said eviction prevention is a high‑priority local policy tied to housing stability, court workload and downstream social‑service costs. Several speakers urged the city to prioritize interventions that produce quick conversations between landlords and tenants before a filing occurs.

What staff described: Staff said a cross‑departmental team is drafting options that seek to 1) get legal assistance into the process earlier, 2) increase mediation and financial assistance options, and 3) reduce filings that proceed to possession. Staff reported recent technical conversations with court and legal stakeholders to better understand where earlier interventions can reduce formal filings.

Funding and near‑term resources: Staff told the commission that the city can use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public‑service allocation — roughly 15 percent of the local CDBG allocation — for supportive services. Staff said roughly $50,000 per year is available from that allocation and that, because of a CDBG rollover, the city could use up to $100,000 in the coming fiscal year for prevention services. Commissioners and staff also discussed potential philanthropic and regional funding sources but stressed those are not yet committed.

Stakeholder process and timeline: Commissioners asked staff to convene targeted stakeholder sessions: one focused on landlords, one on tenants and a later facilitated session with mixed representation. Staff proposed a public update in the fall and said they are aiming to return to the commission in October with proposed program parameters and implementation options so the commission can consider formal direction ahead of the next budget cycle.

Constraints noted: Staff and commissioners emphasized limits set by state law and court procedures; several commissioners said structural change at the state level would be required to change short statutory deadlines and other procedural constraints. Staff emphasized the pilot is being scoped to operate within current state statute while seeking to reduce filings through mediation, rental assistance and early legal advice.

Next steps: Staff will continue stakeholder outreach, refine program options, identify legal and operational requirements, and present recommended parameters to the commission in the October–November window. The commission asked staff to give commissioners suggested stakeholder names to populate an ad‑hoc advisory group.","City staff and commissioners discussed a proposed eviction-prevention program that blends earlier “right-to-counsel” concepts with eviction-prevention services; staff said limited federal and CDBG funds are available while more stakeholder outreach and legal work continue ahead of an October update to the commission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bozeman commission prioritizes outreach, advisory boards and a better public‑comment response system

Bozeman moves to phase two of preservation study; tree protections and urban forestry plan remain under review

Bozeman and regional partners push a shared strategy for shelter, transitional housing and funding

Bozeman plans public master plan for Bozeman Creek while flagging new flood‑risk findings

Bozeman staff prepare tenant-rights pilot, seek landlord and tenant input before October decision