The Bozeman Study Commission voted 4‑0 on June 5 to adopt an engagement plan intended to guide public outreach and research for its work through 2026.

Jan (Study Commission member) moved adoption of the engagement plan and Deanna (Study Commission member) seconded; the motion carried 4‑0. Commissioners described the plan as a living document that will be refined as the new public‑relations contractor joins and as research and public input shape priorities. ‘‘It will weave in communications, best practices research and our study plan,’’ Jan said.

Commissioners discussed adding a discrete summer preparation phase focused on survey design, best‑practice research and internal review so the commission can bring more informed public engagement to fall and winter town halls. Jan proposed a summer checklist that would include drafting a city/study survey for distribution in late August or September and performing targeted best‑practice research. Mike (staff member) confirmed the RFP includes survey‑creation services and that the public‑relations contractor would assist with implementing the engagement plan.

Members also laid out a two‑phase study approach: Phase 1 will examine how current city processes operate (for example, the budget process, inter‑neighborhood structures and advisory boards) and identify changes that can be implemented without altering the city charter. Phase 2 will address questions that require changes to form, power or structure — for example, strong‑mayor versus weak‑mayor governance or the election of certain officials. Commissioners agreed the commission should first document issues that can be resolved under existing authority and then consider structural changes as needed.

Commissioners scheduled a budget process overview for the June 25 meeting and confirmed a joint meeting with the Inter‑Neighborhood Council on July 10. They asked staff and the incoming contractor to prepare topic summaries after each presentation so the commission can compile a final report that links research, public input and any recommendations.

The engagement plan was approved by motion and second; the record shows a 4‑0 vote in favor. Commissioners instructed staff to treat the plan as a working document and to have the RFP vendor help operationalize the timeline.