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Bozeman Commission approves nonbinding cooperation agreement with Kopchinski, Ukraine
Summary
The Bozeman City Commission voted 5–0 April 21 to approve a nonbinding international cooperation resolution with Kopchinski, Ukraine, a knowledge-exchange partnership organized through Cities for Cities that will focus on economic development, governance, education and veteran services.
The Bozeman City Commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Joy Morrison to enter a nonbinding international territorial cooperation agreement with Kopchinski, Ukraine, through the Cities for Cities program.
The resolution, moved by Commissioner Sweeney and seconded by Economic Development Director Britt Fontenot, frames the partnership as a low-cost, relationship-driven “model and mentor” effort that would pair Bozeman institutions with counterparts in Kopchinski to share practices on economic development, governance, schools and veteran services. The commission’s vote was 5–0.
Fontenot said the agreement stresses exchange rather than large financial commitments. “This is not about the money; it’s about relationships — low cost, high impact,” Fontenot said in his presentation, noting prior volunteer ties between Bozeman residents and Kopchinski and the gift of a Jim Dolan sculpture already placed in Kopchinski’s town square.
Bogdan Kalachawi, who introduced himself during a remote appearance as mayor of Kopchinski, thanked Bozeman for ongoing volunteer connections and said his community is already seeking cooperative projects. “It is a great honor to be here with you to share this moment,” he said.
City staff described the memorandum as nonbinding and emphasized that any delegation, exchange or specific projects would be negotiated later. Fontenot said planners are working toward a possible delegation visit from Kopchinski this fall and that the agreement’s structure allows either community to withdraw.
Before the vote, commissioners praised the initiative’s educational and civic opportunities. Deputy Mayor Douglas Fisher and Commissioner Bodie both highlighted schools and community partnerships as likely areas of immediate exchange. Mayor Morrison said the measure was a first step toward more practical collaboration beyond ceremonial support.
The commission’s action followed a public presentation and a short opportunity for public comment; no members of the public spoke for or against the resolution during the allotted public-comment period. The resolution passed by voice vote recorded in the meeting minutes as 5–0 in favor.
