Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues with critical priority
Amended city charter on November 3 ballot
Bozeman voters will decide in November whether to adopt an amended city charter with three sub-options (commission size, ward elections, and ward voting method). The Study Commission has now approved all the materials it will use to educate the public — flyers, brochures, digital ads, talking points and an updated website — before that vote.
FY27 Annual Operating Budget and 2027 Biennium Budget
The commission adopts a roughly $610 million two-year budget June 23. Big open questions: whether to fund upstream mental health response instead of only police, and whether to ask voters for a ~$19-20 million west-side fire station.
Northeast TIF Assistance Program Affordable Housing Criteria
Staff wants to update the NEURD TIF application's housing criteria to match the city's affordable housing ordinance (60-70% AMI rentals). Board members questioned whether for-sale affordability points make sense in a high-land-cost district and suggested boosting the character and public-engagement criteria.
November 3 charter amendment ballot
The final report and amended charter go to the County Election Office for the November 3, 2026 ballot, along with three sub-options on commission size (4 or 6), ward-based elections, and residency requirements. Sub-options only take effect if the amended charter passes.
FY2027–2028 city budget and taxpayer impact
The city's operating budget is about $137.8 million, with an estimated 4.7% hit to the typical homeowner's city rates, fees and taxes — but nobody really knows until August when the state certifies taxable values. The budget adds police, library security, and housing money while drawing down reserves.