Economic Vitality Board Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Economic Vitality Board held its regular meeting on June 3, 2026, at City Hall. The primary agenda item was a safety training presentation by Officer Brie Sanders of the Bozeman Police Department, covering the "Avoid, Deny, Defend" (run, hide, fight) protocol. The board also discussed meeting security protocols, online harassment of board members, and received updates on upcoming meetings and the city budget.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 7, 2026, February 4, 2026, March 4, 2026, and April 1, 2026 meetings. The vote was 5-0 (Daisy, Kelsey, Danielle, Andrew, and the chair).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered either in person or online.

Discussion Items

• Safety Training (Avoid, Deny, Defend): Officer Brie Sanders from the Bozeman Police Department presented a safety training adapted for city board meetings. She explained the three phases:
  • Avoid (Run): Remove yourself from the threat as quickly as possible, abandoning belongings. Identify multiple exits, including windows. Once outside, move far away and call 911 only after reaching safety.
  • Deny (Hide): If escape is not possible, hide in a secure location, silence phones, and remain calm. Officer Sanders noted that the meeting room has ballistic panels installed behind the dais. She encouraged using furniture or flags to create barriers.
  • Defend (Fight): As a last resort, use any object as an improvised weapon (e.g., fire extinguishers, gavels, chairs, coat racks). Officer Sanders stressed that the first sign of resistance often stops an attacker, and that group action is more effective. She also discussed the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and the importance of disrupting an attacker's decision cycle.
• Discussion of Real-World Scenarios: Board members asked questions about when to call 911, use panic buttons, and how to handle escalating public commenters. Deputy Mayor Fisher noted that the chair can call recess or adjourn the meeting, and that staff liaisons are trained to call 911 if they sense a threat. He also confirmed that City Hall has a no-weapons policy. The board discussed the importance of communication and documentation of threats or online bullying.
• Online Harassment and Bullying: A board member raised concerns about online bullying and threats directed at volunteers. Deputy Mayor Fisher agreed to discuss with the mayor and city manager about stronger protocols, including potential use of a safety officer for contentious meetings. Officer Sanders recommended documenting screenshots and reporting to Brett (staff liaison) and filing a police report if necessary.
• Upcoming Meetings and Budget Update:
  • The board will not meet in July 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for August 2026.
  • In August, Courtney Smith will present on "Belonging in Bozeman" work.
  • A Housing Program Work Session is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the same room, to discuss city housing programs and partner organizations (HRDC, Family Promise, Haven).
  • Deputy Mayor Fisher provided an update on the city’s biennium budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Key points: property taxes will be held flat for FY2027, but other assessments and fees will increase; the average taxpayer will see a 4.7% increase in city services costs in FY2027 and 6.7% in FY2028. City operational costs are growing at 7% per year due to growth. The general fund presentation will occur on the following Tuesday (June 9?) at 6 p.m. in the same room.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: January 7, February 4, March 4, and April 1, 2026 minutes were approved unanimously.
• Safety Protocols: Staff will explore additional de-escalation training and a safety officer presence for contentious meetings. Board members were encouraged to communicate any safety concerns or threats to staff immediately and to document online harassment.
• Next Meeting: No meeting in July; next meeting in August 2026 (date to be confirmed). The Housing Program Work Session is set for August 4, 2026.
• Budget Information: The board was informed of upcoming tax and fee increases; the general fund budget discussion is scheduled for the next commission meeting.