Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in roads
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.
Passenger Rail Feasibility Proposal
A resident pitched a single rail/tram line connecting Belgrade, the airport, downtown Bozeman, and 19th Avenue, arguing it would connect business districts and reduce car dependence. He asked the committee to consider a feasibility study.
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.
MDT I-90 and Kagy intersection project
The New Hyalite View Neighborhood Association was set to share information about Montana Department of Transportation meetings on the I-90/Kagy interchange, a project that affects traffic around a busy south-side intersection.
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.
Gallagator Trail crossing of Kagy Blvd
Residents want the city to secure right-of-way for a future pedestrian crossing of Kagy Blvd connecting the Gallagator Trail to the Museum of the Rockies, before surrounding development closes off the option. Kids crossing to Sacajawea Middle School face growing traffic danger.
Safe passage through construction zones
The Babcock Street project is wrapped up, with new pedestrian ramps and curb extensions the URD helped fund. One board member flagged a mismatched sidewalk grade at a corner and wants the city to feather it in. Pedestrian lighting is also going in along the north side of Main Street, possibly extending toward Wilson School and Third.
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.
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.
Pedestrian safety improvements at three crossings
A new $67,660 design and construction task order funds flashing crossing beacons and ADA upgrades on South Willson at Dickerson and South 3rd at Arnold and Westridge, plus better pedestrian visibility at Oak Street by the Regional Park.
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.
Streamline transit 20th anniversary
Mayor Morrison proclaimed August 2026 as Streamline Bus Appreciation Month for the fare-free service's 20 years connecting workers, students, and seniors.
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.
Travel demand model update shows 2050 congestion even with all projects built
Modeling all 45 capacity-expanding projects shows they ease but don't eliminate future congestion — by 2050, with 25 years of population and job growth, much of the network is still over capacity. A final model run will test just the affordable project package.
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.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths Construction Contract
A consent item would let the City Manager sign a contract with Elevation Excavation to build the Bozeman Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths Transportation Alternatives Project.
Regional transportation performance targets
The MPO must either adopt the state's transportation performance targets or develop its own. Some members worry the state's targets are too weak on safety and road reliability, and the two-year term keeps the door open for local, more ambitious targets later.
Transit service improvements
The transit district's portion of the work program funds short-term service upgrades: better Belgrade route service including airport trips, late-night service with ASMSU, an extension to Billings Clinic, and a new rider app for alerts.
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.
Street name changes: Thomas Drive and East Graf Street
Two renames approved for safety and address clarity — Thomas Drive becomes North 27th Avenue (33 addresses, one objector) and Graf east of Tracy becomes East Graf Street (160 addresses, residents requested it). Real cost: every resident updating licenses, banks, and insurance.
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.
Multimodal safety funding and projects
The budget doubles the multimodal fund to $300,000 annually — about 10% of the streets capital budget — and the city will begin its first comprehensive safety action plan and transportation master plan update, following a recent fatal child pedestrian accident.