Bozeman officials made it clear they are planning for growth in 2016 when they outlined their goals and hope for the town for the coming year. With the fastest growing economy in Montana and part of the fastest growing county in the state, officials will need to continue working to stay ahead of growth.
The city wants to focus on improving infrastructure, streets and transportation and affordable housing. Street maintenance and traffic have both been impacted by Bozeman’s booming housing market—a market that has driven up home values in the area. As Bozeman continues to grow, officials will need to continue staying ahead of the curve on city growth and planning.
To do this, commissioners recently approved hiring an Oregon consultant to study and improve Bozeman’s strategic planning effort. HDR engineering will look at policies, land use planning, infrastructure and budgeting to develop a plan that will keep Bozeman on its positive track. The consultant will look for vague and contradictory planning strategies and look to improve them.
Leaders have also started to tackle plans to put a plan for a new Law and Justice Center on the November ballot. Ideally, Bozeman wants to make the new center more affordable by using the building for both Bozeman and Gallatin County legal matters. Right now, officials estimate that the building will cost between 50 and 80 million. To narrow the estimate by November to give voters a better sense of what they may or may not be approving, Bozeman has hired a contractor to provide a plan and price quote by July 1st.
Bozeman officials have done well to stay ahead of Bozeman’s growth. In depth planning, coupled with improving plans already in place, should help maintain Bozeman’s beautiful landscape and culture amidst its growth.
Sources: http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/31298368/bozeman-sets-goals-for-new-year
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