Bozeman Board of Ethics Reviews Annual Training Curriculum and Code Update - October 23, 2026

The Board of Ethics of Bozeman, Montana, met on Friday, October 23, 2026, to review the City's annual staff ethics training curriculum, discuss the pending code of ethics review, and receive updates on financial disclosures and the new Civic Academy. The board unanimously approved a revamped training curriculum that focuses on the charter's prohibition of using public office for private gain and introduces a single interactive scenario, facilitated discussion, and a quiz. No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

Review of the City's Annual Staff Ethics Training Curriculum (2026)

Assistant City Attorney Jen Giuttari and City Attorney Greg Sullivan presented a revamped curriculum for the mandatory annual ethics training, now in its 18th year. The training will be delivered in 30–40 small-group sessions starting the week of November 9. Key changes include:

• A concentrated focus on the charter's prohibition of using public office for private gain.
• A single "choose your own adventure" scenario, replacing multiple separate scenarios used in previous years.
• Two discussion questions asking employees to reflect on their roles as both employees and community members, with responses later compiled into a word cloud.
• A short, fun quiz with candy as an incentive to promote engagement.
• Random seat assignments to mix employees from different departments, breaking up silos.
• Trainers recruited from nearly every department (17 volunteers) who facilitate discussion rather than lecture; a train-the-trainer session with the city attorney will prepare them. Board members expressed strong support for the deliberate redesign. Chair Rushing noted the value of shifting from technical scenarios to broader ethical conversations and encouraged ongoing departmental follow-ups. Mark Bond emphasized the importance of helping new public servants understand the difference from the private sector. The city attorney highlighted that the training is intended to move beyond a single annual session to become part of ongoing team discussions led by directors.

Code of Ethics Review

The board revisited its long-standing assignment to review the City's Code of Ethics. Members reported that after comparing the code with other policies (e.g., Montana State University) and considering technological changes, the current policy is sound and requires only minor updates. The main question was whether to add provisions related to artificial intelligence (AI). The board agreed to await recommendations from a staff committee led by Assistant City Manager John Henderson that is developing updated AI policies. Board members will submit their individual findings to Chair Rushing by October 30, after which the board will produce a formal response to the city attorney.

Other FYI Items

• City Clerk Mike reported that financial disclosure forms will move from DocuSign to a web form, making submission and tracking easier, and that the forms are now on a state retention schedule.
• City Attorney Sullivan announced the launch of the Civic Academy, a seven-week program for community members to learn about city operations. The first session (public safety) was oversubscribed, and future sessions will cover other departments. The city hopes to run it twice a year.
• The board discussed the potential impact of the proposed new city charter. Sullivan clarified that the board's scope and purview would not change, but the new charter suggests that neighborhood councils receive ethics training, which will now be offered.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Staff Ethics Training Curriculum: The board voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2026 staff ethics training plan.
• Code Review Next Steps: Board members will provide individual feedback by October 30, and the board will await staff AI policy recommendations before finalizing any code amendments.
• Financial Disclosure Process: The board noted the transition to a web-based form and improved retention schedules.
• Civic Academy: The board acknowledged the successful launch of the new Civic Academy and the expanded training for neighborhood councils under the new charter.