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City seeks volunteers for Water Advisory Committee as commissioners weigh potential water adequacy ballot initiative
Summary
City staff announced recruitment for a Water Advisory Committee to support the Integrated Water Resources Plan and briefed the board on a citizen‑initiated water adequacy ballot measure in signature collection that could require developers to supply new water rights for projects of three or more units unless one‑third of units are affordable.
Brett (city staff) told the Economic Vitality Board the City of Bozeman is recruiting volunteers for a Water Advisory Committee to support the update to the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP).
Brett said Jessica Alstrom, who manages the city’s water conservation program, is coordinating the advisory group and expects the subcommittee to begin convening in August or September. Interested residents and board members were asked to contact Brett directly to be connected with Jessica.
Separately, a board member briefed the group on recent Bozeman City Commission discussion about a citizen‑initiated “water adequacy” ballot initiative that is in the signature‑collection stage. The draft initiative, as described to staff, would require new water rights for developments of three or more housing units, unless the developer provided one‑third of the units as affordable; the measure would restrict use of the usual cash‑in‑lieu option.
City staff earlier flagged multiple implications: staff said the requirement could increase housing development costs, potentially push projects outside city limits where the measure would not apply, and create complexities for permitting and water rights acquisition. Board members were directed to review the commission meeting materials if they wanted the full staff analysis.
