HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimeline of Bozeman Study Commission
Study Commission of City of Bozeman
Timetable For Study Commission Deliberations and Actions
This timetable for the deliberations and actions of the Bozeman Study Commission is established as
required by 7-3-186, MCA for the purpose of assuring full public information concerning the Local
Government Review process in City of Bozeman and enabling informed citizen participation.
All meetings of the Study Commission are open to the public and public comment is encouraged.
MCA 7-3-172. Purpose of study commission. The purpose of a study commission is to study the
existing form and powers of a local government and procedures for delivery of local government
services and compare them with other forms available under the laws of the state.
Goals: (with guidance from MCA 7-3-141 )
• Educate ourselves and the community to develop a comprehensive understanding of the City of
Bozeman’s current structure, Charter form, and the processes of local government.
• Conduct a transparent and inclusive study process that engages the community in evaluating
our current structures and identifying any necessary changes.
• Engage the community in the local government study process using a variety of methods to
gather information regarding what’s working, what’s not working, and ideas to explore to
improve the City’s governance.
• Distill identified issues and provide information to the community in an accessible and
approachable manner, including a draft and final report.
• Identify ways to educate all City voters on the Study Commission’s Final Report to encourage
their participation in the November 2026 General Election.
Date Action
December 9, 2024 First Study Commission organizational meeting
December 12, 2024 Montana State University Local Government Center regional Study
Commission Trainings
January 8, 2025 Bylaws established and approved by Study Commission.
January 22, 2025
Establish dates and cadence for regular Study Commission meeting, Bozeman
City Hall.
Budget established and approved by the Study Commission.
February 19, 2025
Determine and schedule education and other needs for the Study
Commission to set us up for success in developing the proposed
recommendations.
March 6, 2025 Timetable established and published within 90 days of organizational
meeting
April 3, 2025
First Public Hearing—to gather citizen input on the form, functions, powers,
and problems of city government and the adequacy of city services
Consider scheduling all public hearings and community engagement
workshops on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Middle of the week times tend
to be easier for folks to attend than beginning or end of the week times.
Develop a summary of issues from First Public Hearing
Develop and adopt a communications and public outreach plan with calendar
dates and locations
Develop and adopt a discovery plan for best practices to be learned from
other communities.
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Power structure desired
for the City of Bozeman
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Form of government for
the City of Bozeman
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Plan sub-options that will
be under consideration
Following deliberation and public input, decide the Recommendations that
will be under consideration
Draft a Tentative Report and submit for legal review Second Public Hearing—to gather citizen response to Tentative Report
Adopt the Final Report from Second Public Hearing
June 2026 Provide the County Clerk and Recorder a ballot certificate if a proposal is to
be placed on the November 3, 2026, ballot
July 2026
If the final report proposes an alteration of local government, prepare public
education materials to help citizens understand the proposal and compare
the proposal with existing governmental form, structures, and powers
August 2026 Approve public education materials and conduct public forums.
November 2026 Election on proposed alternative or amendment in conjunction with regularly
scheduled election.
If the voters approve a proposed alteration of the government, the study
commission term is extended for 90 days after the vote date. The Study
Commission prepares for a transition plan.
Study Commission term of office ends.
Deposit all minutes and other Study Commission documents with the county
clerk and recorder
Submit a copy of the final report to the MSU Local Government Center
Finalize the end budget and financial plan