Bozeman City Commission Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Bozeman City Commission held a regular meeting on May 12, 2026, starting at approximately 12:45 PM. The meeting covered a mayoral proclamation, multiple urban renewal district annual reports and work plans for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, public comments on various topics, and consent agenda items. Key discussions included support for the Equal Rights Amendment, urban renewal district budgets, an action plan for Midtown, and concerns about tenants at the MSU Innovation Campus.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved consent items F1 through F13 in a 5-0 vote. Items included a grant for a fully electric bucket truck and a fully voltaic system at the library, as highlighted by Commissioner Bodie, and a contract extension for a third traffic circle on West Olive and South Sixth Street, noted by the city manager.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Courtney Johnson, a former city planner, homeowner, and business owner, requested that the commission direct staff to place the Gallatin High Residential Parking District request on a commission agenda. She stated the process has stalled for nearly two years without formal response. The city manager committed to investigating and providing an answer.
• Dan Cardi, a Bozeman resident, urged the commission to immediately adopt an interim zoning ordinance (IZO) for the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) to pause major exterior construction and demolition until the NCOD update is complete.
• Nathan Stein, Executive Director of Headwaters Community Housing Trust, expressed strong support for the Midtown URD budget and the proposed $2.5 million land acquisition loan fund for affordable housing.
• Emily Talego, a Bozeman resident, advocated for a North Seventh traffic modality summit, a business improvement district for Midtown, and renewed focus on multimodal infrastructure. She also commented on the Pole Yard quiet zone, warning of long-term liability for the city.
• Julian Staggs, an MSU student and member of Students Against Genocide, opposed funding for the MSU Innovation Campus, citing tenants Reveal Technology and others that sell AI-powered military tech to the Israeli military. He asked the commission to withhold funding until a strong ethics policy is developed.
• Taylor Pynan, an MSU student and Bozeman resident, echoed these concerns, urging the commission to break or renegotiate the contract with the Innovation Campus.
• Skylar (MSU alum), Alana Selinger, Jackson Staggs, and William McLean also spoke against the Innovation Campus funding, describing the tenants' ties to genocide and urging the commission to vote no.
• Emily Talego also commented on the Pole Yard quiet zone, noting that railroads oppose quiet zones and that liability shifts to the city once compliant, and suggested the increment could be placed in the general fund.

Discussion Items

• Mayoral Proclamation: Mayor Morrison proclaimed support for the Equal Rights Amendment, citing ratification by 37 states and urging Congress to modify the deadline. The proclamation was shared with the community.
• Downtown Business Improvement District (BID): Emily Cope presented the FY27 work plan and budget ($295,000 assessment). The BID board unanimously approved. Commissioners praised the program for flowers, holiday spiders, and graffiti removal. Approved 5-0.
• Downtown Urban Renewal District (URD): Ellie Staley presented the FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget. Key projects include improvements to Seroptimus Park (including lead paint mural), parking garage maintenance, and preparation for the 2032 sunset. Commissioner Sweeney asked about police presence funding; Staley noted it may not be an allowable URD expense. Approved 5-0.
• Midtown Urban Renewal District: David Fine presented the FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget. The TIFF advisory board voted 6-0 to recommend, with an amendment to keep the "other" line item flexible. Discussion centered on a proposed $2.5 million loan fund for nonprofit housing land acquisition, an action plan update, and public comments calling for a new action plan. Commissioner Magic moved to approve with two amendments: (1) reduce parking garage design funding by $100,000 to fund an action plan ($50,000-$100,000 goal), and (2) adopt clarifying language for the "other" bucket prioritizing infrastructure, neighborhood planning, and a pilot loan program for affordable housing. Both amendments passed 5-0. The main motion passed 5-0.
• South Bozeman Technology District: David Fine presented the budget, which includes up to $3.6 million in bond reimbursement for the MSU Innovation Campus infrastructure. Public comment focused on tenants with ties to the Israeli military. Commissioners expressed sympathy but noted the city is contractually obligated to reimburse. They committed to exploring ethics policies and further meetings with students. Approved 5-0.
• North Park Urban Renewal District: David Fine described the district as a placeholder for future industrial development; no active projects. Approved 5-0.
• Pole Yard Urban Renewal District: David Fine presented the budget, primarily for a quiet zone project at Rouse Avenue crossing to allow trains to refrain from sounding horns. Commissioner Sweeney raised liability concerns and questioned whether the increment should go to the general fund. The public comment warned of long-term liability and insurance rate increases if compliance requirements change. Approved 5-0.
• Northeast Urban Renewal District: David Fine presented the budget, which includes Wallace crossing quiet zone improvements, a tree planting program, and Church Street right-of-way improvements for Bozeman Creek access. The Northeast Neighborhood Association was engaged. Commissioners noted the neighborhood's fingerprints on the plan. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (F1-F13) 5-0.
• Approved Downtown BID FY27 work plan and budget 5-0.
• Approved Downtown URD FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget 5-0.
• Approved Midtown URD FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget with two amendments (action plan funding and language clarification) 5-0.
• Approved South Bozeman Technology District FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget 5-0.
• Approved North Park URD FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget 5-0.
• Approved Pole Yard URD FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget 5-0.
• Approved Northeast URD FY27 and FY28 work plan and budget 5-0.
• The city manager agreed to investigate the status of the Gallatin High Residential Parking District request.
• The commission committed to further discussions with students and the community regarding an ethics policy for the MSU Innovation Campus.