Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in roads with high priority
Long Range Transportation Plan fiscally constrained project list
The valley's first long-range transportation plan sets goals, policies and investment priorities for roads, safety, sidewalks, bike routes and transit through 2050 across Bozeman, Belgrade, Four Corners and parts of Gallatin County. It was shaped by community surveys, workshops and input from over 900 candidate projects. The committee's recommendation starts a 30-day public review before the final adoption vote.
Draft FFY 2027-2031 Transportation Improvement Program
The five-year TIP directs about $170.9 million in federal, state and local funding to road, bridge and transit projects across the MPO area, including Belgrade Main Street and Bozeman's Kagy reconstruction. Comments are due October 20 and adoption is required by December 26.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 2026 results
The city has formalized its citizen-initiated traffic calming program. Applications are open through March 6 for temporary and seasonal treatments on local streets, with screening based on crashes, speeds, volumes, and proximity to schools and parks. Arterials and collectors like Highland, Grand and South Third aren't eligible yet, but staff are working on that.
First Long-Range Transportation Plan
The region's first Long-Range Transportation Plan — two years in the making — sets goals, a ranked project list, and policies like complete streets. It goes to a November 5 recommendation vote, then 30 days of public review before December 16 adoption.
Kagy Boulevard Reconstruction Agreement
The biggest transportation project in city history just got faster: a design-build team plans to substantially finish the Kagy reconstruction in one season, with a three-month closure between 11th and 7th starting next May and a detour down 19th, Graf and South Third.
Fowler Avenue Connection Right-of-Way
The city awarded the Fowler Avenue Segment 1 contract to CK May Excavating for $4.02 million — about $1.5 million under the engineer's estimate — building the section between Oak Street and Durston with paths, boulevards, utilities and a roundabout.
Downtown Bozeman Parking Vision Plan
A new data-heavy study found most downtown parking citations go to locals (likely employees), the garage is underused, and misinformation is rampant. Board members Veselik and Rucinski argued the commission must finally confront paid parking, saying free on-street spots while the garage charges is backwards economics.
Kagy Boulevard Construction Update
Figgins-area reps pressed for a safe bike/pedestrian crossing of Kagy and a continuous trail linking Museum of the Rockies to trails north and south, and the commission will give a Kagy 30%-design update July 21.
Transportation Safety in the Strategic Plan
The city kicked off its once-a-decade transportation plan update with an approved engagement strategy that pairs the plan with the Safe Streets for All safety action plan. Commissioners pushed for visionary thinking, more safety-focused engagement, and better coordination with Belgrade and the airport.
Bicycle Friendly Community status and path to Gold
Bozeman kept its Silver bike-friendly rating through 2029. To reach Gold, staff say the city needs a bigger low-stress bike network, better winter maintenance of bike facilities, and driver education — a point board members tied to recent pedestrian fatalities.
2027 Transportation Master Plan Public Engagement
The city picked its consultant team for the decade-defining Transportation Master Plan update and shared its community engagement plan with the board. The TMP will set standards for how future streets get built as Bozeman grows.
Valley Center Spur corridor safety and connectivity
The short but critical I-90 underpass connection has been stabilized for cars since 2019 signals went in, but still has no sidewalks or bike facilities. A near-term pedestrian signal at Frontage Road and a longer-term feasibility study are the leading next steps.