The Yellowstone County Commissioners convened on November 7, 2023, for their seventh meeting, where they addressed several key issues impacting the community. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous session, followed by a significant presentation regarding the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Boundary Map Amendment.

Laura, a representative from the planning organization, explained that the amendment process is typically initiated following the decennial census. This review assesses urbanized areas to determine if boundary adjustments are necessary based on housing density and proximity to major traffic generators, such as the newly established Costco. The proposed changes to the boundary map indicate a reduction in the urban area, particularly on the northeast side, which is currently characterized by rural and vacant land.

A notable point of discussion was the area around King Avenue West, where initial proposals suggested removing a small section from the urban boundary. However, after consultations with county and city public works departments, it was determined that this area should remain included due to its rapid development potential, with projections indicating the addition of numerous apartments in the near future.

The commissioners unanimously approved the new boundary map amendment, which will now be forwarded to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) for final approval. This step is crucial as it allows for the official signing of the MPO boundary map by both the county commissioners' chairman and the mayor.

The meeting underscored the importance of adapting urban planning strategies to accommodate growth and development in Yellowstone County, particularly as the region continues to evolve in response to demographic changes and infrastructure developments. The next steps will involve the PCC's review and potential endorsement of the proposed boundary adjustments, setting the stage for future urban planning initiatives.