HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-26 SB Agenda and Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B. Disclosures
C. Changes to the Agenda
D. Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approve the November 12, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes (Carlson-Ham)
E. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board
THE SUSTAINABILITY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
SB AGENDA
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
General information about the Sustainability Board 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 of the
meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to
the Board or staff.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate
agenda items.
As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Natalie Meyer, nmeyer@bozeman.net
This meeting will be held both in-person and also 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 if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
person
United States Toll
+1 346 248 7799
Access code: 934 9305 9514
Approve the November 12, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the
Sustainability Board. 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 Board
cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the
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F. Special Presentations
F.1 Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan Update (Lahneman)
F.2 2025 City Advisory Board Ethics Training (Meyer)
G. FYI/Discussion
G.1 2024-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plan Review (Meyer)
H. Adjournment
Board shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful
of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property
owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three
minutes.
General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page.
Listen to and participate in the 2025 advisory board ethics training.
This board generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Citizen Advisory Board meetings are open to all members 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:Sustainability Board
FROM:Kesslie Carlson-Ham, Sustainability Program Analyst
Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
SUBJECT:Approve the November 12, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
MEETING DATE:January 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve the November 12, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.
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:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's
Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and
approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at
the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified in the
minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
11-12-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board.pdf
Report compiled on: January 9, 2026
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Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting, 11-12-2025
Page 1 of 2
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
11-12-2025
General information about the Sustainability Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository.
A) 00:11:30 Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B) 00:12:23 Disclosures
C) 00:12:17 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:12:33 Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approve the October 8, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
10-08-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board.pdf
00:13:02 Motion to approve D) Approval of Minutes
Isabel Friedman: Motion
Erin Jackson: 2nd
00:12:52 Vote on the Motion to approve D) Approval of the Minutes The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Erin Jackson
Brooke Lahneman
Isabel Friedman
Jessica Wiese
Disapprove:
None
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Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting, 11-12-2025
Page 2 of 2
E) 00:13:24 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
F) 00:13:40 Special Presentations
F.1 00:14:36 Sustainable Transportation in Bozeman
F.2 01:27:53 Update on Public Hearing and Review Process of the Unified
Development Code
G) FYI/Discussion
H) 01:57:31 Adjournment
This board generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Brooke Lahneman, Sustainability Advisory Board Chair
SUBJECT:Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan Update
MEETING DATE:January 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan Update.
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:In 2013, the Bozeman City Commission adopted an Integrated Water
Resources Plan (IWRP), which identifies recommended water supply and use
policies and practices for consideration to ensure Bozeman has adequate
supplies available to meet future demands. Since that time, the City has
made progress implementing many of the IWRP’s recommendations. In the
Spring of 2025, the City initiated an update to the 2013 IWRP to continue to
have an accurate and clear plan for Bozeman’s water future.
On April 8, 2025, the City Commission approved the Integrated Water
Resources Plan Engagement Plan (Engagement Plan), which included an
overview of key partners, levels of engagement, goals for community
engagement, and an engagement timeline. In addition to broad public
engagement, the Engagement Plan calls for the creation of a temporary
Water Advisory Committee (WAC), comprised of two subcommittees: a
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a Public Advisory Committee (PAC).
The City Commission supported the WAC framework, which included
Sustainability Board representation on the PAC.
In July 2025, the Sustainability Advisory Board voted to recommend the
appointment of Board Chair, Brooke Lahneman, to the Public Advisory
Subcommittee of the Water Advisory Committee. Chair Lahneman will
provide the Sustainability Advisory Board with an update on the IWRP
engagement process.
Additional information on the Integrated Water Resource Plan and project
timeline can be found on the Engage Bozeman IWRP webpage.
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UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: January 8, 2026
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
Mike Maas, City Clerk
Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:2025 City Advisory Board Ethics Training
MEETING DATE:January 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Listen to and participate in the 2025 advisory board ethics training.
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.1 Values-Driven Culture: Promote a values-driven organizational culture
that reinforces ethical behavior, exercises transparency and maintains the
community’s trust.
BACKGROUND:The City Charter was approved by the citizens in 2006 and became effective
in 2008. According to Charter requirements, the City will establish standards
and guidelines for conduct and provide annual training for all
representatives of the City to avoid the use of their public position for
private benefit.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: May 8, 2025
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:2024-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plan Review
MEETING DATE:January 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:2024-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plan Review
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:In accordance with City Commission Resolution 5323, citizen advisory boards
must produce and adopt a two-year work plan. The Citizen Advisory Board
Onboarding Manual outlines the requirements, timeline, and format of the
work plans.
On April 10, 2024 the Sustainability Citizen Advisory Board adopted a Work
Plan for 2024-2025 to assist in accomplishing a wide range of initiatives
which will result in a measurable impact towards the City's emissions goals
and community resilience. Prior to final adoption, an introduction of items
was provided on February 14, 2024 with additional discussion on March 21,
2024. Staff will present a review of all work plan items (see attached), to
include a discussion about progress made and items remaining for
consideration for future work plans.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plan 2024-2025.pdf
Sustainability Citizen Advisory Board 2024-2025 Work Plan
Review - January 2026.pdf
Report compiled on: January 3, 2025
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Sustainability Advisory Board Work Plan 2024‐2025
Focus Area 1: Climate Planning
The Sustainability Board will provide advisory recommendations to the City Commission, and as requested
by the City Manager, to the City Manager, on policies related to the City of Bozeman’s Climate Plan. The
policies the board advises on must seek to ensure Bozeman is a leader in mitigating the impacts of climate
change.
Work Plan Item 1: Local Food System
a. On November 9, 2022, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session to review the proposed
approach for a community mapping project designed to enhance the City’s understanding of
current challenges and opportunities within the local food system. This was followed by a
Work Session on March 8, 2023, to confirm feedback received from the Board to be
included in a Request for Proposals published on April 29, 2023.
b. The Board will have an opportunity to comment on the process and preliminary findings
during a work session on March 21, 2024.
c. On April 10, 2024, the Board will again have an opportunity to comment on the
recommendations and final report, including any recommendations to staff on subsequent
next steps.
d. To foster and develop the connections made during the Local Food System Preliminary
Mapping Project, staff will work with the Sustainability Board and local food system
constituents to elevate local food and nutrition educational opportunities in the community.
e. The Board will advise staff on opportunities for the City to help bolster a more sustainable,
resilient, and equitable local food system through education, policy, and more.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 6.N.1‐4
Work Plan Item 2: Composting Services & Collection
a. On August 9, 2023, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session on the City’s Solid Waste
Rate Study and Compost Feasibility Study to receive input on future implementation and
outreach of the bundled plan as directed by the City Commission on July 18, 2023.
b. As a result of feedback received from the Sustainability Board, the City is in the process of
conducting a customer survey in early 2024 to inform a plan for successful implementation.
c. The Sustainability Board will be invited to provide additional input on community education
and outreach planning in 2024.
d. Management of human‐wildlife conflicts will be a facet of the discussion with the Board.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 5.M.2
Work Plan Item 3: Electric Mobility
a. The City of Bozeman will initiate an Electric Mobility Roadmap planning process starting in
the summer of 2024 to strategically plan for all forms of transportation electrification,
including electric vehicles, e‐bikes, micro mobility devices, EV rideshare, and electric transit.
Additional topics may include e‐bike rental programs, and the use of renewable diesel as a
component of an effective transition for fleet.
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b. The Sustainability Board will be asked to provide feedback on the project scope of work and
the constituent engagement strategy in the fall of 2024.
c. The draft Electric Mobility Roadmap will be shared with the Board in the winter of 2024, and
the Board will be provided with the opportunity to review the final draft and make a
recommendation to the City Commission.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 4.K.1‐3
Work Plan Item 4: Green Power Program
a. The Green Power Program partnership with the City and County of Missoula is a key
strategy to reach the City of Bozeman’s 100% net clean electricity goal.
b. The Sustainability Board held a 100% Net Clean Electricity Strategies Work Session on June
14, 2023.
c. On November 8, 2023, the draft Green Power Program Term Sheet was presented to the
Sustainability Board as the overarching program framework. The Board unanimously
recommended approval of the Green Power Program Term Sheet and requested staff to
forward their recommendation to the City Commission.
d. Following Commission adoption of the Term Sheet on November 28, 2023, the next step in
the process is the adoption of a lead community agreement with NorthWestern Energy to
further define the obligations of the parties. The Sustainability Board will be asked to make
a recommendation to the City Commission in the spring of 2024.
e. As the program advances through the approval process, the Board will be consulted on
messaging, education, and outreach to businesses, residents, and other constituents.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 2.E.1
Work Plan Item 5: Extreme Heat & Wildfire Smoke
a. On October 12, 2022, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session with a focus on
neighborhood resiliency programming related to wildfire smoke and heat outreach.
b. City staff incorporated feedback from the Board into outreach materials that were shared
with the public in the winter and summer of 2023.
c. On April 12, 2023, the Sustainability Board held another Work Session to receive feedback
on how the City might reach more residents, including any additional resources that would
be beneficial to the community.
d. As education and outreach continue, the Board will be asked to further consider ways the
City can deepen climate resilience communication and engagement, especially to aid
vulnerable community members disproportionately impacted by climate change and
extreme weather.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 3.I.1
Work Plan Item 6: Energy Efficiency and Electrification
a. On April 13, 2022, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session to provide input on a
building electrification campaign. After incorporating feedback received from the Board,
City staff presented a program outline during a Work Session on September 14, 2022.
b. Based on this input, City Staff hosted contractor training and developed residential
resources featuring case studies and incentives.
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c. As these efforts develop and evolve, the Board will be asked to advise staff on:
i. Collaborations with local and statewide organizations,
ii. Workforce development,
iii. Development of outreach strategies designed to increase awareness of building
electrification and energy efficiency best practices, as well as emerging incentives
available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the utility, and
iv. Building awareness of C‐PACE for commercial property owners
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 1.C.1‐3, 1.A.3, 1.A.6
Work Plan Item 7: Urban Tree Equity
a. The Gallatin Watershed Council is partnering with the City of Bozeman and other
organizations to expand the urban forest throughout the community under the Branch Out
Bozeman initiative.
b. The goals of Branch Out Bozeman are to improve water quality, reduce the heat island
effect, and increase the equitable distribution of tree canopy.
c. One role of the City will be to lead the analysis to help inform ideal planting locations in the
community.
d. The Board will be asked to provide staff‐level recommendations on this analysis.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 6.P.1‐4
Work Plan Item 8: Engineering Design Standards
a. On February 14, 2024 the Sustainability Board received a Special Presentation from the
Transportation and Engineering Department on Engineering Design Standards focused on an
evaluation of compact development engineering standards.
b. Over the course of this work plan, the Sustainability Board will be provided with
opportunities to learn and comment on a range of topics, such as the Wetland Code Review
and the Stormwater Facility Plan engagement process.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 3.G.2, 6.0.1‐3
Focus Area 3: Beautification
Resolution 5327 establishes the Sustainability Board and assigns a focus area for beautification. The
Sustainability Board will assist the City in implementing the City’s annual Cleanup Week.
Work Plan Item 9: Cleanup Week
a. The Sustainability Board provided input to staff on outreach activities related to Cleanup
Week and Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival events during a Work Session in 2022.
b. Through the partnership with the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival, participation in Cleanup
Week has increased.
c. The Sustainability Board will be invited to provide input on the City’s approach to
messaging, marketing, and promotion of the event.
d. Board members may choose to participate in Cleanup Week and the Gallatin Valley Earth
Day Festival.
*Bozeman Climate Plan Reference: 5.M.1, 6.P.4
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Work Plan Item
Description:
Strategic Priorities
Connection:
Board Time
Commitment:
Staff Time
Commitment:Schedule: Budget
Impact:
1. Local Food System Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Items 6.N.1‐4 2+ Meetings High Q1‐Q2 2024 $ 32,000
2. Composting Services &
Collection
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Item 5.M.2 1‐2 Meetings Low 2024 $ ‐
3. Electric Mobility Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Items 4.K.1‐3 3+ Meetings High 2024‐2025 $ 30,000
4. Green Power Program Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Item 2.E.1 2+ Meetings High 2024‐2025 $ 38,000
5. Extreme Heat & Wildfire
Smoke
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Item 3.I.1 1‐2 Meetings Medium 2024‐2025 $ 4,000
6. Energy Efficiency and
Electrification
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Items 1.C.1‐3, 1.A.3,
1.A.6
1‐2 Meetings Medium 2024‐2025 $ 7,000
7. Urban Tree Equity
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Item 6.P.1‐4 1‐2 Meetings Medium 2024 $ ‐
8. Engineering Design
Standards
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Item 3.G.2, 6.O.1‐3 2+ Meetings Low 2024‐2025 $ ‐
Work Plan Item
Description:
Strategic Priorities
Connection:
Board Time
Commitment:
Staff Time
Commitment:Schedule: Budget
Impact:
9. Cleanup Week
Sustainability Board Focus
Area 3 (Resoution 5327) &
Bozeman Climate Plan
Action Items 5.M.1, 6.P.4
1 Meeting (per
year)Medium April '24/'25 $ 4,500
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD WORK PLAN 2024‐2025
Focus Area 1: Climate Planning
Focus Area 2: Beautification
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Green - complete
Yellow - in progress/ongoing
Red - not yet started
Work Plan Item Status Summary of Status
#1) Local Food System On March 21, 2024, and April 10, 2024, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session on the initial
findings from constituent interviews for the Local Food System Preliminary Mapping Project
Report. A third Work Session was held on May 8, 2024, before presenting the report to the City
Commission. On September 11, 2024, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session on the
Sustainable Events Guide, an initiative recommended in the Local Food System and Preliminary
Mapping Project and supportive of Work Plan Item #2, Composting Service & Collection.
#2) Composting
Services & Collection
The Sustainability Board provided initial input into the design of the City’s Compost Service and
Collection in 2023. As a result of the feedback received from the Sustainability Board, the City
conducted a customer survey in early 2024 to inform a plan for successful implementation. The
Sustainability Board received a Solid Waste Organics Management Update and was invited to
provide additional input on community education and outreach planning on February 12, 2025.
#3) Electric Mobility On November 13, 2024, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session on the Electric Vehicle (EV)
Public Charging Station Pilot Project as City Staff plans for EV service equipment installations for
city facilities. Staff delayed the Electric Mobility Plan to focus on EV infrastructure deployment for
the City fleet, aiming to capture expiring direct pay tax credits. EV infrastructure project updates
were shared with the Sustainability Advisory Board on August 14, 2025.
#4) Green Power
Program
On June 12, 2024, the Sustainability Board held a Work Session on the Green Power Program
Overview and Updates. Program development continues with NorthWestern Energy and partner
communities. Staff anticipates re-engaging with the Sustainability Board in 2026.
#5) Extreme Heat &
Wildfire Smoke
This work was initiated with the Sustainability Board in the fall of 2022. Feedback from the
Sustainability Board has informed the development of outreach materials and public
engagement. The October 9, 2024, Work Session on Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification
Incentives and Training incorporated messaging on creating safe indoor spaces to prepare for
heat and smoke events. Events and engagement efforts were shared as FYI in 2025.
#6) Energy Efficiency &
Electrification
On June 12, 2024, the Sustainability Board voted to support the staff recommendation to submit
an Energy Efficiency Block Grant application to expand rooftop solar PV at the Bozeman Public
Library. On September 11, 2024, the Sustainability Board heard a Special Presentation on
Bozeman Fire Station #2 Sustainable & Resilient Design. On October 9, 2024, the Sustainability
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Board held a Work Session on Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification Incentives and
Training. Staff shared updates on city solar PV projects on August 13, 2025. Based on feedback
from the Board, City Staff developed contractor training resources, case studies, incentives, and
residential resources. In May 2025, Staff provided an update on local and regional training and
engagement opportunities. Development of a high-performance building standard for City
Facilities has not yet started.
#7) Urban Tree Equity The Branch Out Bozeman Project is a collaboration between the City of Bozeman, Gallatin
Watershed Council, and the National Park Service to enhance Bozeman’s tree canopy in areas
where it’s needed most. A landcover dataset was completed to analyze Bozeman’s urban tree
canopy and estimate carbon storage and sequestration, and results were summarized in the
final 2024 GHG Inventory Report. A Branch out Bozeman project website was developed, and
staff anticipate an update to the Sustainability Board in 2026.
#8) Engineering Design
Standards
On February 14, 2024, the Sustainability Board reviewed and discussed a Compact Development
White Paper from the Transportation and Engineering Department. On August 14, 2024, the
Sustainability Board participated in a Special Presentation on the 2025 Stormwater Facilities Plan
Update, and on March 12, 2025, the Sustainability Board heard a final presentation on the 2025
Stormwater Facilities Plan and voted to recommend City Commission approval of the draft. The
Sustainability Board was also engaged in the Wetland Code Project Update in February of 2025,
and the draft Wetland and Watercourse Code Regulations were presented to the Sustainability
Board for review and comment on August 13, 2025. The Stormwater Facility Plan Update and
Wetland Code Re-write also support Work Plan Item #10, Water Quality & Quantity.
#11) Cleanup Day On March 21, 2024, a Work Session was held on CleanUp Week engagement. On May 8, 2024,
the Sustainability Board voted in support of Resolution 2024-01, Recognizing Anne Ready and the
Gallatin Valley Earth Day Organization Volunteers. On March 12, 2025, the Sustainability Board
heard an update on planned Gallatin Valley Earth Day and CleanUp Day events.
Other Topics Presented to the Sustainability Board in 2024 - 2025:
Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual (January 10, 2024)
Unified Development Code (UDC) Update Supplemental Engagement Phase 1 Report and Work Session (April 9, 2025)
Water Conservation Program (May 8, 2024)
2022 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (August 14, 2024)
National Alliance of Preservation Commission’s Advisory Board Training Summary (September 11, 2024)
Bozeman Landmark Program (September 11, 2024)
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Montana State University Community-engaged and Transformational Scholarship (CATS) Collaboration Poster Board Presentations:
Master Plans for an Expanded Southwood Park (December 11, 2024)
Cattail Creek Park and Anchor Route Master Plan (December 11, 2024)
Climate Plan Annual Report (January 8, 2025)
Integrated Water Resource Plan Update (May 14, 2025)
2024 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (July 9, 2025)
69th Montana Legislative Session Recap (September 10, 2025)
GHG Reduction Solutions and Priorities Work Session Part 1 (October 8, 2025)
Update on Public Hearing and Review Process of the Unified Development Code (November 12, 2025)
Sustainable Transportation (November 12, 2025)
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