The Yellowstone County Commissioner Meeting held on April 25, 2023, focused on the ongoing development of the Safe Routes to School Plan, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing student safety during commutes to educational institutions. The meeting began with a presentation by the active transportation planner from the Billings Yellowstone County Metropolitan Planning Organization, who provided an update on the second phase of the project.

The planner emphasized that this phase expands the scope beyond elementary schools within School District 2 to include middle schools and private schools in the urbanized area of Yellowstone County. This broader approach aims to address the safety needs of older students, who have historically been overlooked in previous assessments.

Consultant Aaron Claunch from Sanderson Stewart presented the project's progress, highlighting key findings from the first phase, which focused solely on elementary schools. He noted the introduction of a "walking audit" concept and an infrastructure toolbox designed to address various safety concerns. Claunch explained that the current phase is crucial for developing comprehensive safety measures for all school-aged children, particularly as they transition to greater independence during their middle school years.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to return for further discussions and recommendations regarding the plan's adoption, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the project's progression. The next steps will involve continued collaboration with the community and further analysis of the proposed safety measures.