Explore every episode of the podcast The Bozeman Brief

The Sustainability Board welcomed Commissioner Emma Bode and dug into Bozeman's water future, explored a new emissions tracking tool, and debated whether sustainable housing and affordable housing can work together. Key topics included water supply alternatives, the ClearPath 2.0 emissions dashboard, and the board's two-year work plan. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:27 Welcome Back, Commissioner Bode 00:01:07 Bozeman Cleanup Week Updates 00:01:35 Water Supply Alternatives Debate 00:04:45 ClearPath 2.0 Emissions Tool 00:06:00 Making the Tool Engaging 00:06:28 Two-Year Work Plan Discussion 00:06:55 Sustainability and Affordability 00:08:01 Looking Ahead

The Gallatin Valley MPO Transportation Technical Advisory Committee gathered March 11th, 2026 for their annual pre-construction roundtable. Representatives from Streamline Transit, Bozeman, Belgrade, Gallatin County, MSU, and MDT shared updates on transit expansions, road projects, and major infrastructure coming to the valley—particularly a transformative stretch of Belgrade construction from 2027-2030. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Annual Pre-Construction Roundtable 00:00:35 Streamline Transit Expansion Plans 00:01:18 Belgrade Projects and Funding 00:02:11 MDT Construction and Bids 00:03:13 Bozeman's Major Planning Initiatives 00:03:55 MSU and Community Updates 00:04:13 Public Comment and Action Items

The Bozeman City Commission approved a community engagement plan for updating the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District design guidelines and reviewed the five-year Capital Improvements Plan. The meeting featured substantial public comment on zoning and development, commission debate on survey methodology and consultant involvement, and an emotional discussion about pedestrian safety following a recent traffic fatality. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:34 Opening Remarks and Reflections 00:01:20 Public Comment: Zoning and Development 00:02:10 NCOD Design Guidelines Engagement 00:03:35 Survey Methodology and Representation 00:04:20 Commission Debate on Amendments 00:05:25 Capital Improvements Plan Updates 00:06:16 Pedestrian Safety Conversation 00:06:59 Closing Items and Recap

The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board meets to discuss City Commission priorities, a controversial B-3 zoning height decision, and ambitious plans to expand the district to include the federal building for a potential parking garage with affordable housing. The board also reviews its first TIF infrastructure assistance grant application and previews the 2027-2028 budget. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 City Commission Priorities 00:00:40 B-3 Zoning Height Dispute 00:01:28 Federal Building & URD Expansion 00:02:05 Parking & Affordable Housing 00:02:25 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:03:10 Budget Preview & Priorities 00:03:52 Looking Ahead

The Bozeman Board of Ethics kicks off a comprehensive review of the city's ethics code for the first time in its history. The board approves the 2025 annual report, explores whether vague standards of conduct serve a purpose, examines complicated gift policies, and divides up homework assignments for deeper code review ahead of a May meeting. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:39 Minutes and Annual Report Approved 00:01:40 Charter Context and Constraints 00:03:07 Standards of Conduct: Vague or Valuable? 00:05:06 The Complex Gift Provision 00:06:21 Code Review Assignments and Next Steps 00:06:38 Ethics Training Program Updates

The Economic Vitality Board met on March 4, 2026, to approve the Belonging in Bozeman work plan and discuss where board members want to engage with economic development and housing initiatives. The meeting featured public comment about the Innovation Campus's ties to the Israeli military, detailed discussions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds, and updates on the Fowler Housing Project. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:07 Public Comment on Innovation Campus 00:01:38 Belonging in Bozeman Work Plan 00:02:38 Equity Tool & Community Positions 00:04:08 Economic Development & Housing Plans 00:05:05 Community Development Block Grants 00:06:18 Fowler Housing Project Update 00:06:47 Commission Priorities & Closing

The Urban Parks and Forestry Board met on February 26th to discuss major updates on the Bikeville community bike park project and launch of the Urban Forest Management Plan. Public commenters raised wildlife habitat concerns, survey results showed strong community support for conservation priorities, and the board began planning its 2026-2027 work plan. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:16 Meeting Overview and Agenda 00:00:38 Bikeville Project Update 00:01:46 Wildlife Habitat Concerns 00:03:24 Community Survey Results 00:04:39 Urban Forest Management Plan 00:05:58 Tree Canopy and Environmental Resilience 00:06:43 Board Work Plan and Next Steps

The Bozeman Transportation Board met on February 25th without a quorum, but Director Nick Ross delivered substantial updates on major upcoming projects including street maintenance, the North 27th Avenue project, and the new neighborhood traffic calming program. Commissioner Jenn Madgic was introduced as the board's new commission liaison, and the board got a preview of the Transportation Master Plan process coming in March. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:58 No Quorum Explained 00:01:35 Safety Plan & North 27th Project 00:02:37 Street Maintenance & Paving Plans 00:03:45 Traffic Calming Contracting Strategy 00:04:15 Traffic Calming Program Uptake 00:05:28 Bicycle Boulevard & College Avenue 00:06:39 New Commission Liaison Introduced 00:07:39 Transportation Master Plan Ahead

The Bozeman City Study Commission held a four-hour marathon session on March 5th, 2026, debating charter revisions with significant disagreements about public input and process. Key votes confirmed keeping the commissioner-city manager structure, required annual city manager reviews, and rejected designating the mayor as full-time—though a recommendation for defining mayoral roles will move forward. The commission also began planning its next phase on wards, districts, and neighborhood representation. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:56 Draft Charter Language Review 00:01:51 Deputy Mayor Debate 00:02:48 City Manager Structure Vote 00:03:25 City Manager Oversight Discussion 00:04:34 Full-Time Mayor Debate 00:06:10 Compensation Tabled for Later 00:06:46 Public Comment & Concerns 00:07:29 Next Steps: Wards & Districts 00:08:15 Episode Recap & Disclaimer

The Bozeman City Commission opens March 3rd with grief over two community tragedies, then tackles affordable housing rates, brings MSU students onto city boards, and locks in its two-year priorities. Expect a work session on road safety and watch the city manager turn broad goals into concrete action plans. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:00 Community Tragedies and Road Safety 00:00:00 Affordable Housing Cash-In-Lieu Rates 00:00:00 MSU Students Join City Boards 00:00:00 Commission Priorities for 2026-2027 00:00:00 Episode Recap and Key Takeaways

The Bozeman City Commission holds a nearly five-hour hearing on a controversial commercial development in the Sundance Springs neighborhood. After extensive debate over PUD documents, zoning code interpretation, and design standards, commissioners close the record and continue deliberations to March 24th. Also covered: commissioner updates on design guidelines and TIF boards, plus a sobering presentation from the Police Department's Special Victims Unit. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:43 Commissioner Updates & FYIs 00:01:58 Police Special Victims Unit 00:03:01 Sundance Springs Appeal Overview 00:04:16 Master Plan & Binding Documents 00:05:50 Code Versions & PUD Constraints 00:06:53 Block Frontage & Lighting Issues 00:07:48 Public Comment & Concerns 00:08:31 Decision to Defer & Next Steps

The Bozeman Community Development Board receives comprehensive training on how they'll evaluate zone map amendments and hear appeals under Montana's new land use law, MLUPA. City planner Chris Saunders and city attorney Greg Sullivan walk the board through the procedural changes, decision standards, and the critical importance of public engagement and robust written findings. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:32 Agenda & Housekeeping 00:01:15 MLUPA & New Framework 00:01:57 Zone Map Amendments Explained 00:03:31 Substantial Compliance Standard 00:04:30 Public Comment & Findings 00:05:11 Appeals as Judicial Review 00:06:03 Ex Parte & Judicial Mindset 00:06:22 Appeal Standards & De Novo Review 00:07:46 Key Takeaways

The Bozeman BID Board discusses a proposed 5% budget increase for fiscal year 2027 while grappling with bigger strategic questions about the district's future as the Tax Increment Financing sunsets in seven years. Updates include holiday light repairs, flower basket solutions, and significant progress on Bozeman Creek, downtown parking, and the federal building site. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:42 Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal 00:01:57 New Line Items and Safety Programs 00:03:19 Strategic Vision Beyond the Budget 00:04:23 TIF Sunset and Long-Term Planning 00:05:11 Holiday Spiders and Flower Baskets 00:06:37 Major Project Updates 00:07:19 Downtown Parking and Federal Building 00:08:14 Next Steps and Closing

The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board meets for the first time to review their inaugural TIF assistance request from Light Conversion USA, a growing photonics company. The board also discusses proposed budgets for the Midtown and Northeast urban renewal districts, shaped by neighborhood input and ongoing concerns about conflicts of interest. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:45 Conflicts of Interest Concerns 00:01:52 Light Conversion USA TIF Request 00:03:02 Board Questions and Analysis 00:04:08 Midtown District Budget Highlights 00:05:18 Public Engagement and Timeline 00:05:36 Northeast District Projects 00:06:57 Bozeman Yards and Quiet Zone 00:08:00 Next Steps and Recap

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board heard passionate public testimony about tall buildings, developer pressure, and enforcement of historic preservation rules, then welcomed the Lakota Group consulting firm to present their approach to updating Bozeman's neighborhood design guidelines. The board voted to adopt a community engagement plan with amendments prioritizing walking tours and surveys. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:54 Public Comment: Development Concerns 00:01:56 Are Guidelines Enforceable or Optional? 00:03:40 Meet the Lakota Group Consultants 00:04:31 Preservation and Economic Growth 00:05:23 Advisory Board Power and Authority 00:06:03 Community Engagement Plan Vote 00:07:32 Height Limits and Next Steps

The Bozeman Study Commission revised its timeline for putting charter amendments on the November ballot, approved hiring a ballot education firm, and decisively rejected special elections as a method for filling city commissioner vacancies. County elections officials explained the legal and logistical barriers, while commissioners debated whether the current appointment process adequately serves the public. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:26 Revised Charter Timeline 00:01:23 Ballot Language vs. Charter Text 00:02:27 Hiring a Ballot Education Firm 00:03:50 Can Montana Allow Special Elections? 00:04:36 Election Office Logistics 00:05:17 Option A: Improved Appointments 00:06:00 Incumbency and Representation 00:06:52 Public Comment and Next Steps

The Bozeman City Commission meeting from February 3rd, 2026 focuses on planning for the city's western growth. The commission unanimously approved the Gooch Hill Sub Area Plan, a major step in proactive planning before development happens. Plus, the mayor announces a new city podcast, and Bozeman's first splash pad is coming to Story Mill Park this spring. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:59 Mayor's Podcast Launch 00:01:43 Traffic Calming & Police Academy 00:02:15 Consent Agenda: Splash Pad 00:02:46 Public Comment: B3 Zoning Height 00:03:32 Gooch Hill Sub Area Plan Overview 00:05:22 Environmental & Planning Approach 00:06:49 Growth & Inter-City Planning 00:07:21 Community Engagement Timeline 00:07:43 Key Takeaways & Next Steps

The Gallatin Valley MPO Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the vision, goals, and objectives for the region's Long Range Transportation Plan. But first, there was an interesting debate about Vision Zero safety language—is it realistic to promise zero traffic deaths? Plus, an announcement about next month's in-person meeting in Belgrade. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:49 What is the MPO? 00:01:50 Document Revision Process 00:02:16 Key Changes to Plan 00:02:55 Vision Zero Safety Debate 00:04:00 Alternative Language Proposal 00:05:14 Land Use and Transportation 00:06:35 March Belgrade Meeting Announcement 00:07:07 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

The Gallatin Valley MPO Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee workshopped the draft vision, goals, and objectives for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. The committee debated safety targets, system preservation priorities, and coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation on speed limits, while also tabling the election of a new chair until February. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:00 Committee Leadership and Quorum 00:00:00 Long Range Transportation Plan Overview 00:00:00 Community Engagement and Feedback 00:00:00 Safety Goal Debate and Edits 00:00:00 Speed Limits and MDT Coordination 00:00:00 System Maintenance and Preservation 00:00:00 Additional Goal Refinements 00:00:00 Next Steps and Timeline

The Bozeman City Commission delivers a clean financial audit, approves a small annexation near Bridger Creek Golf Course, and appoints a new member to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board. Deputy Mayor Fischer uses the annual report as a forward-looking tool for city growth, while commissioners debate the timing of discussions on B-3 zone height limits. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:27 Meeting Agenda Overview 00:00:51 FYIs and Disclosures 00:01:55 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 00:02:48 City's Financial Position 00:03:52 Program Revenues and Growth Trends 00:05:02 Deputy Mayor's Forward-Looking Vision 00:05:40 Annexation and Zoning Amendment 00:06:51 B-3 Height Limits Discussion 00:07:57 Closing Items and Next Meeting

The Community Development Board held their annual ethics training on February 2nd, 2026, walking through five real-world scenarios involving conflicts of interest, disclosure, and board governance. Chair Ben Lloyd and board members debated the gray areas of ethics — from financial conflicts to perception problems — while staff emphasized the importance of transparency, consulting the city attorney, and remembering that decisions should serve the whole community, not individual interests. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Meeting Overview and Agenda 00:00:53 Annual Ethics Training Requirements 00:01:41 Scenario 1: TIF Board Member Conflict 00:03:02 Scenario 2: Speaking on Behalf of Board 00:03:55 Scenario 3: Board Chair Hotel Competition 00:04:45 Scenario 4: Nonprofit Employment Interest 00:05:46 Scenario 5: Family Employment Disclosure 00:06:41 Key Takeaways and City Attorney Guidance 00:07:09 Upcoming February 23rd Meeting Preview

The Bozeman Transportation Board welcomed new leadership and tackled a comprehensive two-year work plan in this January 2026 meeting. With the neighborhood traffic calming program now live, a major Transportation Master Plan update on the horizon, and debates brewing over paid parking and e-bike policy, the board has a full agenda ahead. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:48 New Board Leadership & Updates 00:01:08 Traffic Calming & Safety Programs 00:02:22 Ethics Training Scenarios 00:03:53 Nonprofit Conflicts & Impartiality 00:05:27 Transportation Master Plan Update 00:06:36 Capital Projects & Parking Policy 00:08:20 Looking Ahead

The Community Development Board approves the Bridger Creek Golf Course annexation and zoning just before Bozeman's new development code takes effect. Board members debate whether R1 or a denser zoning is more appropriate for long-term neighborhood planning, and the city shares striking new data on housing vacancy rates hitting a 16-year high. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:37 Meeting Agenda Overview 00:00:51 Bridger Creek Golf Course Proposal 00:02:20 New Zoning Code Timing 00:02:47 Board Debate on Density 00:04:29 Spot Zoning Concerns 00:05:21 Vacant Housing & Market Data 00:07:11 Housing Types Mismatch 00:08:26 New Board Members 00:08:59 Key Takeaways