Bozeman Downtown Urban Renewal District Board Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District (DURD) Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in Bozeman. The board approved its August minutes, received the Executive Director’s September report and monthly finance report, and heard an update on the City Commission’s downtown building-height discussion. Newer members Ryan Finn and Mike Waterman were welcomed. No disclosures or agenda changes were reported, and no public comment was offered.

Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals

• The board approved the August 2026 DURD meeting minutes as presented. Roll call votes were recorded for Nicholas Wicks, Jake Van Dusen, Tony Renzo, Mike Waterman, and Ryan Finn; all voted aye.

Executive Director’s September 2026 Report

• Ellie Staley said there were no action items and gave a project-by-project update.
• Staffing: Patty Silversmith was hired for the BID weekend maintenance position and will work through April.
• An HRDC de-escalation training is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, with 15 participants; additional sessions are planned.
• Downtown flower baskets came down earlier than usual because of heat, dry conditions, and aphids; adjustments are planned for next year.
• The City Commission is expected to approve Design Five for the Wilson School ADA playground through its consent agenda; construction is targeted for spring 2027.
• Bozeman Federal Building/post office: the city is interested in acquiring the property, and URD expansion blight research continues. A realistic timeline for actionable information is January or February, with David Fine as the city’s lead. The potential post office relocation is a major community motivation.
• The Bozeman Creek vision plan has no new update, but funding discussions are expected soon.
• Fifth and Main lighting: pedestrian lights extending toward Wells Fargo are expected to be installed in early October.
• Parking vision plan: a draft is expected in late October or early November, combining Audience Insights data and parking working group input.
• Winter downtown events include Monday motivational walks, a homecoming pep rally, and downtown trick-or-treating, which will close Main Street as it did last year.
• Business turnover: new businesses include Saffron, Lumen Foundry, Crazy Mountain Outdoor Company, Mason Frile’s, Schaefer Outfitters, Wax Tyrant Records, and Hokey Pokey ice cream. Closures or departures include Allegra, Blush, Nova Cafe, Open Range, Cafe Aurora, and Architect’s Wife. Development updates noted East Main Trading Company, the U.S. Bank facade, and the Hampton hotel are nearing completion.
• Fire Station One: the city is negotiating to buy out or be reimbursed for the affordability component, and the matter must return to the City Commission. URD-encumbered funds sunset in October 2027, and the small lot makes an affordable project challenging.
• Staley also reported strong regional interest in passenger rail and noted that the MSU strategic plan, with about 15 projects, is nearing adoption in November.

Monthly Finance Report

• The fiscal year began July 1, 2026. Final entitlement shares and interest income will not be known until later in the year.
• A portion of the management fee to the Downtown Bozeman Partnership has been paid.
• September expenses include general park improvements, street furniture and lighting for the Fifth and Main project, SALD-related work with TDH, early wayfinding work, Design Five lighting updates to the alley plan because previous lighting was not up to spec, and the first of three payments to Pioneer for URD expansion work.
• Staff may ask the board later about how to approach the SALD, including whether it should be district-wide or outside the district.

City Commission Updates and Future Ballot Discussion

• Douglas, reporting on the City Commission, said the Commission kept the 90-foot height limit in the B3 zone and will continue to explore zone-to-zone transitions through zoning rather than new B3 code language. Ellie Staley noted the board’s prior recommendation aligned with the Commission’s discussion, including the 60-foot transition.
• The City Commission will hold a joint meeting with Belgrade next week to discuss water, sewer, growth, and related synergies.
• On October 6, the Commission will hold a work session on possible ballot measures. Mentioned needs include regional items like Streamline and emergency medical services; city-specific items like a fourth fire station, a second library, and an aquatic center; and affordable housing and alternative mental-health response.
• Douglas said a private foundation could build a new library, but the city would need about $2 million per year to operate a second library.
• In November, the Commission will review advisory board structure; Douglas said the URD’s role likely would not change much.
• Douglas expressed concern that commissioners might advocate for individual projects rather than a cohesive strategy. Board members discussed framing these needs as community investments, with Marley noting that the library foundation had raised funds to build a new library and hand it to the city.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the August 2026 DURD meeting minutes unanimously.
• Received the Executive Director’s report and monthly finance report without formal action.
• Next steps: a board priorities review is planned for the October or November meeting; a draft parking vision plan is expected in late October or early November; URD expansion and federal building updates are expected around January or February; and staff will continue SALD and financing discussions.