HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-25 TTAC Agenda and Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 10:30 a.m.
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of Minutes
C.1 Approval of the January 8, 2025 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization TTAC
Meeting Minutes(Butts)
D. Public Comments
E. New Business
E.1 Consider Recommendation of Adoption of the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Public
THE GALLATIN VALLEY MPO - TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA
TTAC AGENDA
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
General information about the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee can be found in our
Laserfiche repository.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day before
the meeting.
Public comments will also be accepted through Video Conference during the appropriate agenda items.
Recordings of the meeting will be available through the Commission's video page.
For more information please contact Nick Ross, nross@bozeman.net
This meeting will be held using an online videoconferencing system. You can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only
+1 719 359 4580
Access code: 950 6233 3811
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the
Metropolitan Planning Organization. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item
for public comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the
Committee cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons
addressing the Committee shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the
audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name and place of residence in an audible
tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes.
General public comments to the Committee can be found on their Laserfiche repository page.
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Participation Plan(Butts)
F. General Discussion
F.1 Long Range Transportation Plan Consultant Procurement Update (Butts)
G. Adjournment
This Committee generally meets the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00
p.m.
All meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance,
please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager
SUBJECT:Approval of the January 8, 2025 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning
Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes
MEETING DATE:February 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:I move to Approve the January 8, 2025 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning
Organization TTAC Meeting Minutes.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:Minutes from the January 8, 2025 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning
Organization TTAC Meeting.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None
ALTERNATIVES:As recommended by the committee.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None
Attachments:
010825 MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes
Report compiled on: January 15, 2025
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 1 of 6
THE GALLATIN VALLEY MPO TTAC MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
January 8, 2025
A. 00:01:40 Call to Order -10:30 a.m.
B. 00:02:14 Roll Call Present: Nicholas Ross, Camaree Uljua, Sean O'Callaghan, Levi Ewan, Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch
Buthod, Brandon Jones, Sunshine Ross, Brandon Swanzer, John How
Absent: Chris Saunders, Jason Karp
Excused: None
Camaree Uljua and Levi Ewan were not present for roll call. Camaree joined right before the vote of
approval of minutes and Levi joined right after the vote of approval of minutes.
Others present at the meeting; Jeff Butts, Marcy Yeykal, Kalem Gustafson, Richard Wolf, Geoff Streeter,
Ken Winegar, Marilee Brown, Katie Potts, Josh Springer.
C. 00:03:07 Approval of Minutes
C.1 Approval of the November 13,2024 Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization
TTAC Meeting Minutes (Butts)
00:03:47 Motion to approve C. Approval of Minutes
Sunshine Ross: Motion
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod: 2nd
00:04:21 Vote on the Motion to approve C. Approval of Minutes the Motion carried 8 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 2 of 6
Sean O'Callaghan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
D. 00:05:04 Public Comments
00:05:29 Marilee Brown, Public Comment
Marilee Brown commented that she would like to see the TTAC committee gather and have some public
meetings. She also gave a very sad update that Doctor Ralph Zimmer passed away visiting his family over
Christmas.
E. 00:07:42 New Business
E.1 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Administration (Butts)
00:08:41 Staff presentation
MPO Manager, Jeff Butts presented the Transportation Alternatives Program Administration to the
committee.
00:14:39 Staff Discussion
00:21:53 Public Comment
00:22:15 Marilee Brown, Public Comment
Marilee Brown commented that it is unclear if an outline of what the organization will be applying for is
being considered. She feels there might be a better way to streamline the application process.
00:24:41 Chair Ross, Director of Transportation and Engineering requested a call for nominations
for a TTAC member to join the selection committee for review of rewarding grants applications that the
MPO receives.
00:27:05 Motion to approve E.1 The recommendation to nominate Camaree Uljua as the selection
committee member for TTAC MPO Scoring Committee for Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program
Administration applications.
Sunshine Ross: Motion
John How: 2nd
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 3 of 6
00:28:15 Vote on the Motion to approve E.1 The recommendation to nominate Camaree Uljua as the
selection committee member for TTAC MPO Scoring Committee for Transportation Alternatives (TA)
Program Administration applications. The Motion carried 9 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
Sean O'Callaghan
Levi Ewan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
E.2 00:29:00 Long Range Transportation Plan Procurement Process (Butts)
00:30:36 Staff Presentation
MPO Manager, Jeff Butts presented the Long-Range Transportation Plan Procurement Process to the
committee.
00:33:46 Staff Discussion
00:38:47 Motion to approve E.2 The recommendation to appoint John How, Brandon Swanzer and Beth
Clarkson; Proxy for Mitch Buthod to the TTAC selection committee for the MPO's Long Range
Transportation Plan.
Sean O'Callaghan: Motion
Camaree Uljua: 2nd
00:40:30 Public Comment
There was no public comment.
00:40:56 Vote on the Motion to approve E.2 The recommendation to appoint John How, Brandon
Swanzer and Beth Clarkson; Proxy for Mitch Buthod to the TTAC selection committee for the MPO's Long
Range Transportation Plan. The Motion carried 9 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
Sean O'Callaghan
Levi Ewan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 4 of 6
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
E.3 00:41:51 MPO-Funded Continuous Count Station (CCS) Location Selection (Butts)
00:41:58 Staff Presentation
Chair Ross, Director of Transportation and Engineering for the City of Bozeman presented the MPO-
Funded Continuous Count Station Location Selection to the committee.
00:44:17 Staff Discussion
00:47:19 Motion to approve E.3 Recommend the Reallocation of $25,000 within the UPWP for a total of
$50,000 that will be required to add two Continuous Count Station Locations.
John How: Motion
Brandon Jones: 2nd
00:47:55 Committee Discussion
00:53:34 Vote on the Motion to approve E.3 Recommend the Reallocation of $25,000 within the UPWP
for a total of $50,000 that will be required to add two Continuous Count Station Locations. The Motion
carried 9 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
Sean O'Callaghan
Levi Ewan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
00:54:45 Chair Ross, Director of Transportation and Engineering for the City of Bozeman
Presented the Selection of the Two Continuous Count Stations to the committee.
00:56:17 Committee Discussion
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 5 of 6
00:59:12 Motion to approve E.3 the Selection of the Two Continuous Count Stations at Huffine and
South Cottonwood and along Airway Blvd and Frontage as the two locations funded by the MPO.
John How: Motion
Camaree Uljua: 2nd
01:01:33 Vote on the Motion to approve E.3 the Selection of the Two Continuous Count Stations at
Huffine and South Cottonwood and along Airway Blvd and Frontage as the two locations funded by the
MPO. The Motion carried 9 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
Sean O'Callaghan
Levi Ewan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
E.4 01:02:58 Recommendation for Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FY2025 Unified Planning
Work Program (UPWP) (Butts)
01:03:37 Staff Presentation
MPO Manager, Jeff Butts presented a recommendation for approval of Amendment No 1 to the FY2025
Unified Planning Work Program to the committee.
01:07:37 Committee Discussions
01:10:07 Public Comment
There were no requests for public comment.
01:10:43 Motion to approve E.4
Recommendation for Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
Brandon Jones: Motion
Sunshine Ross: 2nd
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Gallatin Valley MPO TTAC Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2025
Page 6 of 6
01:11:53 Vote on the Motion to approve E.4
Recommendation for Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
The Motion carried 9 - 0.
Approve:
Nicholas Ross
Camaree Uljua
Sean O'Callaghan
Levi Ewan
Beth Clarkson, Proxy for Mitch Buthod
Brandon Jones
Sunshine Ross
Brandon Swanzer
John How
Disapprove:
None
F. 01:12:57 General Discussion
The committee gave general discussion and FYIs to the group.
G. 01:17:42 Adjournment
This Committee generally meets the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager
SUBJECT:Consider Recommendation of Adoption of the Metropolitan Planning
Organization's Public Participation Plan
MEETING DATE:February 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration
RECOMMENDATION:Consider the motion: Having reviewed and considered the Public
Participation Plan along with the information presented, I move to
recommend adoption of the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Public
Participation Plan [with modifications].
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the
community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from
the community and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND:As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) commences its work, it
must meet foundational requirements including the adoption of key
governing documents. These include the Metropolitan Planning Organization
Formation Agreement, Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary, Performance-
Based Planning and Programming Agreement, Planning (PL) Funds
Agreement, and the 3-Cs Agreement (cooperative, continuous, and
comprehensive planning). One of the remaining required documents is the
Public Participation Plan (PPP).
The PPP serves as a guiding document for public involvement in the MPO's
planning processes. While primarily a staff resource, it is publicly accessible
and outlines comprehensive public engagement strategies, including tools,
outreach methodologies, the timing of publicly posted committee meeting
agendas, and contact information for language access services.
The PPP is structured around the International Association for Public
Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Participation, aligning with but remaining
distinct from the City of Bozeman's public involvement approach. This
framework defines levels of engagement, from information the public to
consulting, involving, and collaborating with community members through
targeted strategies. The attached draft includes an appendix with regulatory
code requirements.
Adoption of the PPP requires posting the document on the MPO website for
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the mandated 45-day public comment period. Following the comment
period, staff will incorporate any necessary revisions based on public input
before presenting the final document to the Transportation Policy
Coordinating Committee (TPCC). If the Transportation Technical Advisory
Committee (TTAC) determines further review is necessary after
incorporating public comment, additional review will be conducted before
bringing it to the TPCC.
Staff will incorporate any modifications and post it for public comment
before bringing it to the TPCC for their consideration of adoption after the
public comment period. Staff requests that the committee consider
recommending adoption of the attached draft plan.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the committee.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
GVMPO_Draft_Public_Participation_Plan_TTAC_2-12-25.pdf
Report compiled on: February 5, 2025
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PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
PLAN
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Table of Contents
Public Notification and Access ........................................................................................................ 4
Regional Transportation in Gallatin Valley .................................................................................... 5
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Purpose .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Partnership ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Organizational Structure ........................................................................................................................ 6
Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC): .......................................................... 7
Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC): ............................................................ 7
Non-Voting Members on the TTAC: ............................................................................................. 7
Additional Non-Voting Members as Determined by Each Governing Body: .................... 8
Required Planning Documents ........................................................................................................ 8
Public Participation ................................................................................................................................. 9
Values of Public Participation ........................................................................................................... 9
Diverse Community Input and Outreach ....................................................................................... 9
Framework for Public Participation ................................................................................................ 9
Spectrum of Participation .................................................................................................................... 11
Inform .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Consult .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Involve ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Collaborate........................................................................................................................................... 12
Empower .............................................................................................................................................. 13
How Engagement is Done ...................................................................................................................... 13
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Public Notification and Access
• Public Notices: Public participation activities are announced at least 48 hours in
advance, excluding weekends, on the MPO’s website, www.gvmpo.org. Regular
Committee meetings are typically posted the Friday preceding the meeting.
• Online Meetings: The MPO’s committees primarily meet online with occasional in-
person meetings. The public is welcome to attend. Meeting information is available here:
https://www.bozeman.net/services/gvmpo/advanced-components/news.
• Language Access: To support inclusive participation, the GVMPO website utilizes an
automated language translation tool. Interpretation services are available upon request
for individuals with limited English proficiency. Call (406) 577-7416 for assistance.
Acceso Lingüístico: Para apoyar una participación inclusiva, el sitio web de GVMPO
utiliza una herramienta automática de traducción de idiomas. Los servicios de
interpretación oral están disponibles bajo solicitud para personas con dominio limitado
del inglés. Llame al (406) 577-7416 para obtener asistencia.
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Regional Transportation in Gallatin Valley
The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (GVMPO) coordinates transportation
planning within the area map. GVMPO connects local governments, transportation agencies,
and the public to plan and prioritize project that improvement multimodal mobility.
Figure 1. Map of GVMPO’s Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA)
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Introduction
The 2020 Census was a cardinal moment for the Bozeman area, recording a population that
exceeded 50,000. This growth shifted Bozeman from a micropolitan to a metropolitan area,
introducing a federal requirement to establish a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
The MPO was created with the collaboration of several key partners, including:
• City of Bozeman
• City of Belgrade
• Gallatin County
• Montana Department of Transportation
• Streamline Transit (Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District)
An MPO is a federally mandated organization that coordinates local governments in
transportation planning. While achieving MPO status does not directly increase funding, it can
enhance access to federal resources and improves planning coordination across the region.
Purpose
This document outlines strategies to ensure effective engagement and maintain transparency
throughout all planning activities. By promoting community involvement, the Public Participation
Plan (PPP) ensures that all stakeholders – including individuals, agencies, service providers,
and underserved communities – have opportunities to contribute, thereby integrating diverse
perspectives into the decision-making process.
The PPP provides a framework to:
• Encourage public involvement across a broad spectrum of participants.
• Promote transparency and responsiveness in decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.
Partnership
GVMPO builds and maintains collaborative relationships with federal, state, and local partners.
Regular consultations guide the development of MPO plans and programs, ensuring alignment
with regional and national priorities.
Organizational Structure
GVMPO operates under the oversight of the Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee
(TPCC), which comprises elected officials from all jurisdictions within the Metropolitan Planning
Area (MPA). Supporting the TPCC, the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC)
consists of staff from these jurisdictions and provides technical guidance on regional
transportation planning.
GVMPO committee meetings are open to the public, with agendas,
summaries, and materials regularly posted on the GVMPO website.
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Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC):
The TPCC leads the MPO and includes elected officials from jurisdictions in the Metropolitan
Planning Area (MPA):
• Bozeman Mayor
• Appointed Bozeman Commission Member
• Belgrade City Manager
• Gallatin County Commission Chair
• Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (UTD) Chair
• At-Large Member (appointed)
• Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) District Administrator
Note: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) participates as a non-voting member.
Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Agendas are posted to the
GVMPO Meetings Calendar, typically the Friday before each meeting.
Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC):
This committee provides technical guidance to the TPCC. Membership includes the following:
• Bozeman Director of Community Development
• Bozeman Director of Transportation and Engineering
• Belgrade Director of Community Development
• Belgrade Public Works Director
• Gallatin County Chief Planning Officer
• Gallatin County Engineering Director
• MDT Statewide and Urban Planning Supervisor
• MDT District Preconstruction Engineer
• Gallatin Valley UTD Director
• Gallatin Valley UTD Operations Coordinator
• Montana State University Associate Vice President of Facilities
Non-Voting Members on the TTAC:
• Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport Manager of Operations
• Gallatin City-County Health Officer
• Representative of Bozeman School District 7
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• Representative of Belgrade School District 44
Additional Non-Voting Members as Determined by Each Governing Body:
• Chair of Bozeman Planning Board
• Chair of Belgrade Planning Board
• Chair of County Planning Board
Meetings are scheduled on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Agendas are posted
to the GVMPO Meetings Calendar, typically the Friday before each meeting.
Required Planning Documents
The MPO is federally mandated to complete the following:
• Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): Updated every five years, with multiple
engagement opportunities for public input.
• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): Updated annually, offering regular
opportunities for comment and review.
• Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): Annual planning activities and funding
allocations with opportunities for public insight.
• Public Participation Plan (PPP): Updated periodically to ensure alignment with best
practices and solicit public feedback on MPO engagement.
Public input opportunities will be provided for all required documents. The MPO will carefully
review and consider all comments received and determine the most effective method for
addressing them. Potential responses may include direct communication with the individual
providing the comment, posting formal responses on the MPO website, including public
comments and responses in the final document, or establishment of a dedicated webpage for
frequently asked questions.
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Public Participation
GVMPO is dedicated to fostering meaningful public involvement in regional transportation
planning through the PPP. It provides a comprehensive framework for involving the public and
informing residents of opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
This document establishes a framework and strategies for fostering effective engagement and
ensuring transparency across all planning activities. By encouraging public participation, the
PPP provides opportunities for all stakeholders to contribute, integrating diverse perspectives
into the decision-making process.
Community members are encouraged to attend Committee meetings and participate in
discussions, contributing to a transportation future that reflects local values and needs. Their
involvement is essential in shaping the region’s transportation priorities and direction
Values of Public Participation
Public participation is key to effective regional transportation planning. Embracing these core values, the MPO helps ensure the planning process is diverse and reflects community needs:
• Inclusiveness: The MPO engages all stakeholders – including individuals, community groups, agencies, service providers, and underserved communities – proactively seeking diverse perspectives, ensuring all voices are heard and considered.
• Collaboration: Working together with the community enhances decision-making by incorporating local knowledge and expertise.
• Transparency: Open communication and clear information sharing build trust and allow you to see how your input influences decisions.
• Accountability: Public involvement fosters alignment between government actions and the community's priorities.
• Improved Decision-Making: Public participation helps identify potential issues early on and encourages innovative approaches to complex transportation challenges.
Diverse Community Input and Outreach
GVMPO is committed to actively engaging communities that have historically been underserved
by existing transportation systems, including low-income households and minority communities. The MPO will employ targeted outreach strategies – such as community meetings, multilingual communications, and accessible feedback channels – to ensure all have meaningful
opportunities to participate in the planning process. Through these efforts, the goal is to capture and integrate unique perspectives and experiences into the decision-making process.
Framework for Public Participation
GVMPO continually evaluates its public engagement efforts to assess the effectiveness of
outreach strategies and research diverse techniques, practices, and technologies to stay current
with public engagement trends.
To ensure a structured and effective engagement process, GVMPO uses the International
Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Participation as the guiding framework
for the PPP. The IAP2 Spectrum is influential in community engagement and delineates five
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distinct levels of public participation—Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, and Empower—
each corresponding to varying degrees of public interaction tailored for specific needs. Each
level corresponds to a public participation goal and a promise to the public:
• Inform: Provide stakeholders with balanced and objective information to enhance their
understanding of transportation issues, alternatives, and solutions.
• Consult: Seek public feedback on analysis, alternatives, and decisions to incorporate
community insights into the planning process.
• Involve: Engage the public directly throughout the process to ensure their concerns and
aspirations are consistently understood and addressed.
• Collaborate: Partner with the public in all aspects of decision-making, including the
development of alternatives and the identification of preferred solutions.
• Empower: Delegate final decision-making authority to the public, ensuring that
community members have control over the outcomes.
By utilizing the IAP2 Spectrum, the PPP ensures that engagement strategies are appropriately
matched to the specific needs and contexts of each transportation planning phase. This
framework promotes best practices in public participation, fostering better-informed decisions
while aligning MPO products with community values.
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By adhering to principles of the IAP2 Spectrum, employing appropriate tools and techniques,
and remaining mindful of emerging trends and challenges, the MPO aims to foster inclusive,
transparent, and meaningful public involvement.
Spectrum of Participation
Each level of the IAP2 Spectrum represents a distinct degree of public influence on decision-
making. Accordingly, specific tools and processes for each level are outlined for effectively
engaging the community in the MPO’s planning efforts. While these tools are not strictly
confined to their designated spectrum levels – their application may vary based on how
participation is facilitated – they provide a framework for fostering effective participation.
Inform
The goal of this level of involvement is to provide the public with balanced and objective
information to help them understand the issues, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions.
Promise to the Public: "We will keep you informed."
Tools and Processes:
• Website Updates: Regularly update the MPO's website with current project information,
timelines, and FAQs.
• Newsletters and Fact Sheets: Distribute electronic or printed materials summarizing
key information about projects and plans.
• Press Releases and Media Outreach: Share information through local newspapers,
radio, and television stations.
• Social Media Platforms: Use social media to disseminate updates and important
announcements.
• Email Blasts: Send periodic emails to subscribers with news and developments.
• Telephone: The public can call (406) 577-7416 to speak with MPO staff.
Consult
The goal of this level of involvement is to obtain public feedback on analysis and alternatives.
Promise to the Public: "We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge your concerns
and aspirations, and provide feedback on how your input influenced the decision."
Tools and Processes:
• Public Comment Periods: Allow time for the public to review and comment on draft
plans and documents.
• Surveys and Questionnaires: Conduct online or paper surveys to gather opinions and
preferences.
• Public Meetings and Open Houses: Host events where community members can ask
questions and provide feedback.
• Focus Groups: Small group discussions to delve deeper into specific issues.
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• Interactive Maps and Tools: Use online platforms where the public can comment on
specific locations or proposals.
• Feedback Forms: Provide forms at events and online for submitting comments and
suggestions. Members of the public may send a comment to MPO staff anytime at
https://www.bozeman.net/services/gvmpo/about/contact
Involve
The goal of this level of involvement is to work directly with the public throughout the process to
ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered.
Promise to the Public: "We will work with you to ensure your concerns and aspirations are
directly reflected in the alternatives developed, and we will provide feedback on how your input
influenced the decision."
Tools and Processes:
• Community Advisory Panels: Project-based panels provides input and feedback that
informs decisions, but the decision-making authority rests with the MPO.
• Public Forums and Town Halls: Facilitate open discussions where the public can
interact directly with planners and decision-makers.
• Workshops: Engage stakeholders in interactive design and planning sessions.
• Stakeholder Meetings: Hold regular meetings with key community groups, nonprofits,
and local businesses.
• Site Visits and Walking Tours: Invite the public to visit project sites to better
understand the context and impact.
• Online Discussion Boards: Create platforms for continuous dialogue and idea sharing.
Collaborate
The goal of this level of involvement is to partner with the public in each aspect of the decision,
including developing alternatives and identifying the preferred solution.
Promise to the Public: "We will look to you for advice and innovation in formulating solutions
and will incorporate your advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible."
Tools and Processes:
• Joint Planning Committees: Include community members and stakeholders in formal
planning committees.
• Collaborative Workshops: Co-create solutions through intensive, hands-on sessions.
• Consensus-Building Activities: Use facilitation techniques to find common ground among
diverse groups.
• Participatory Decision-Making: Implement processes where the public actively
participates in making decisions.
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• Partnership Agreements: Establish formal partnerships with community organizations
for shared project development.
Empower
This level of involvement places final decision-making in the hands of the public.
Tools and Processes:
• Ballot Measures: The public votes directly on important issues or projects related to
regional transportation.
• Citizen-Led Initiatives: Projects that are initiated and managed by community groups.
By adhering to the principles of the IAP2 Spectrum, employing appropriate tools and
techniques, and remaining mindful of emerging trends and challenges, the MPO strives to foster
inclusive, transparent, and accountable public involvement. The goal is to make public
participation meaningful and effective in shaping the region’s transportation future.
How Engagement is Done
These tools highlight various methods the MPO will use when seeking public input:
• Website: The website, gvmpo.org, provides meeting notices, relevant documents, and
access to information on transportation planning.
• Visuals: The MPO regularly utilized visualization techniques to assist with programs and
plans; including maps and graphics.
• Surveys and Questionnaires: Web-based surveys to solicit public opinion regarding
regional transportation planning.
• Social Media: Updates and engagement through platforms such as Facebook and
YouTube, which may include sharing with partners to share with their networks.
• Technology: Leveraging crowd-sourcing and innovative engagement opportunities.
• News and Notifications: Online updates and alerts regarding events, public meetings,
and opportunities for community involvement.
• Public Meetings: Convenient locations and ADA-compliant settings to ensure full
participation. These can take a variety of formal and informal settings.
• Targeted Outreach: Targeted engagement with community members and stakeholders,
including minority groups.
• Embedded Involvement: Engaging directly with established groups by presenting MPO project updates and gathering feedback within existing meetings.
• Advisory Panels / Groups: Temporary, project-based citizen input group that meets at
key milestones in the plan or study.
The PPP is reviewed and updated periodically to incorporate improvements based on
evaluation and changing requirements.
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Appendix A
Public Participation Plan Requirements
Title 23 CFR § 450.316
§ 450.316 Interested parties, participation, and consultation.
(a) The MPO shall develop and use a documented participation plan that defines a process for
providing individuals, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees,
public ports, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of
transportation (including intercity bus operators, employer-based commuting programs, such as
carpool program, vanpool program, transit benefit program, parking cash-out program, shuttle
program, or telework program), representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of
users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled,
and other interested parties with reasonable opportunities to be involved in the metropolitan
transportation planning process.
(1) The MPO shall develop the participation plan in consultation with all interested parties and shall, at
a minimum, describe explicit procedures, strategies, and desired outcomes for:
(i) Providing adequate public notice of public participation activities and time for public review and
comment at key decision points, including a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed
metropolitan transportation plan and the TIP;
(ii) Providing timely notice and reasonable access to information about transportation issues and
processes;
(iii) Employing visualization techniques to describe metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs;
(iv) Making public information (technical information and meeting notices) available in electronically
accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web;
(v) Holding any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;
(vi) Demonstrating explicit consideration and response to public input received during the
development of the metropolitan transportation plan and the TIP;
(vii) Seeking out and considering the needs of those traditionally underserved by existing
transportation systems, such as low-income and minority households, who may face challenges
accessing employment and other services;
(viii) Providing an additional opportunity for public comment, if the final metropolitan transportation
plan or TIP differs significantly from the version that was made available for public comment by the
MPO and raises new material issues that interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from
the public involvement efforts;
(ix) Coordinating with the statewide transportation planning public involvement and consultation
processes under subpart B of this part; and
(x) Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the procedures and strategies contained in the
participation plan to ensure a full and open participation process.
(2) When significant written and oral comments are received on the draft metropolitan transportation
plan and TIP (including the financial plans) as a result of the participation process in this section or
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the interagency consultation process required under the EPA transportation conformity regulations
(40 CFR part 93, subpart A), a summary, analysis, and report on the disposition of comments shall be
made as part of the final metropolitan transportation plan and TIP.
(3) A minimum public comment period of 45 calendar days shall be provided before the initial or
revised participation plan is adopted by the MPO. Copies of the approved participation plan shall be
provided to the FHWA and the FTA for informational purposes and shall be posted on the World Wide
Web, to the maximum extent practicable.
(b) In developing metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs, the MPO should consult with agencies
and officials responsible for other planning activities within the MPA that are affected by
transportation (including State and local planned growth, economic development, tourism, natural
disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, airport operations, or freight movements) or
coordinate its planning process (to the maximum extent practicable) with such planning activities. In
addition, the MPO shall develop the metropolitan transportation plans and TIPs with due
consideration of other related planning activities within the metropolitan area, and the process shall
provide for the design and delivery of transportation services within the area that are provided by:
(1) Recipients of assistance under title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53;
(2) Governmental agencies and non-profit organizations (including representatives of the agencies
and organizations) that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the U.S. Department of
Transportation to provide non-emergency transportation services; and
(3) Recipients of assistance under 23 U.S.C. 201-204.
(c) When the MPA includes Indian Tribal lands, the MPO shall appropriately involve the Indian Tribal
government(s) in the development of the metropolitan transportation plan and the TIP.
(d) When the MPA includes Federal public lands, the MPO shall appropriately involve the Federal land
management agencies in the development of the metropolitan transportation plan and the TIP.
(e) MPOs shall, to the extent practicable, develop a documented process(es) that outlines roles,
responsibilities, and key decision points for consulting with other governments and agencies, as
defined in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, which may be included in the agreement(s)
developed under § 450.314.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Gallatin Valley MPO - Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
FROM:Jeff Butts, MPO Manager
SUBJECT:Long Range Transportation Plan Consultant Procurement Update
MEETING DATE:February 12, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration
RECOMMENDATION:Discuss the Long Range Transportation Plan consultant procurement
update.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other
public agencies and build on these successes.
BACKGROUND:The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is required to adopt a Long
Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) by December 29, 2026. The scope of work
was developed in fall 2024 and finalized in November 2024. To procure
consultant services, the Request for Proposals was posted to the City of
Bozeman's website in December 2024 with proposals due January 31, 2025.
To ensure a fair and regulatory-compliant selection process, the
Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) designated four
members, along with the MPO Manager, to review and score the proposals
in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
The MPO received four proposals from highly qualified teams:
Fehr & Peers with Sanbell and Economic Planning Systems
Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig with Robert Peccia & Associates
Kittelson & Associates with Big Sky Public Relations
Nelson Nygaard with Big Sky Public Relations and DJ&A
The scoring committee met on February 10, 2025, to discuss the proposals,
evaluate scoring, and ensure alignment with selection criteria. Staff will
present an update on the status of the selection process and is available to
address any questions from the committee.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the committee.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
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Report compiled on: February 5, 2025
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