Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning with low priority
Board of Ethics Code Review
The Board has spent two years, off and on, reviewing the city's ethics code. Members concluded the current policy is sound and only a technology/AI update may be needed, which is on hold until a city staff committee led by Assistant City Manager John Henderson finishes its work.
Preamble and 'human rights' language
Commissioners debated whether the words 'human rights' belong in the charter preamble, and asked the city clerk to bring back information on the vote history of that language.
Wetlands and Watercourses Text Amendment
A procedural cleanup of the wetlands and watercourses rules is headed to a public hearing August 17. The changes fix timing conflicts between city review and state/federal agency review — not the substance of the standards.
Neighborhood Impact Statements for neighborhood associations
The commission recommended an optional program letting neighborhood associations and the Inter-Neighborhood Council co-create Neighborhood Impact Statement forms with the city, modeled on Los Angeles. It's a communication tool, not a mandate, aimed at giving neighborhoods a clearer way to weigh in on proposals.