Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in environment
Story Mill and East Gallatin Landfill Monitoring
The city signed on to help the state redo the river's pollution limits after a 2025 state law changed how water quality standards work. The city's wastewater plant will do most of the technical work, with $300k budgeted.
Urban Forest Management Plan Update
The final work session on the updated urban forest plan covered public comment themes: a heritage tree program, stronger protections for mature trees during development, and making the long document more readable. Final revisions are due November 12 and the plan goes to the City Commission on December 8.
Green Power Program implementation
The city adopted the Lead Community Agreement with NorthWestern Energy in July, and the joint tariff filing goes to the Public Service Commission next week. A public info session with Citizens Climate Lobby is set for September 24.
Municipal solar and fleet electrification
New solar arrays at the library and water reclamation facility will cut city electricity use, and a new DC fast charger supports the city EV fleet. The utility's demand charges are expensive, and staff wants a time-of-use rate.
2026-2027 Sustainability Work Plan
New solar arrays at the library and water reclamation facility will cut city electricity use, and a new DC fast charger supports the city EV fleet. The utility's demand charges are expensive, and staff wants a time-of-use rate.
Valley Center Lift Station and Force Main Project
Award of the Valley Center lift station and force main construction to Sime Construction, Inc. at a base bid of $1,892,731.72 was on the consent agenda.
Water Conservation / Drought Strategy
Bozeman is pushing free irrigation audits and conservation tools as part of its long-term drought plan. If you pay a water bill or mess with sprinklers, that means free help to cut waste—and maybe save money. Why care? Small yard fixes can add up when drought tightens supply.
Mandeville Creek corridor and public realm planning
A resident floated ideas for restoring Mandeville Creek through the North Park site and connecting it to trails, and staff flagged a $100,000 Midtown action plan update that could include a trail along Mandeville Creek behind the Oak/Baxter hotels. The City Commission adopted the board's recommended urban renewal budgets and shifted parking garage design money into that planning effort.
Bozeman Creek corridor condition
Commissioners walked Bozeman Creek and found trash, graffiti, a mystery drainage pipe and no signage naming the creek — all feeding into the ongoing creek vision plan, with a public event June 2.
Water Shortage
Bozeman is facing its worst water shortage yet, and city officials may impose restrictions or conservation measures. That means your household water use could be directly affected soon.
Tree Cutting on Middle Creek Ditch
A resident raised concerns about trees being cut down along the Middle Creek Ditch; commissioners asked staff to follow up and several flagged it for further discussion.