BOZEMAN, Mont. – Three special presentations will be made on Monday concerning Bozeman’s plan moving forward: The Affordable Housing Update, Downtown Improvement Plan and the Community Plan (Growth Policy).
Downtown Partnership Executive Director Chris Naumann said the timing of the Downtown Plan was not planned to be updated at the same time as the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, the Affordable Housing Plan, and the Growth Policy. However, Naumann said due to the growth, the plan needed to be restructured.
“It is an exciting opportunity to provide more places for businesses to locate,” said Naumann. “I mean people are looking for a live/work/play location and downtown is the premier place for that full experience in Bozeman.”
Citizens will be able to see a draft of the Downtown Plan on October 29-31, where they will be able to interact with the consultant team and provide feedback. Naumann said because several other planning projects are being completed at the same time, a unique opportunity is created.
“While it is a lot to take in there is some synergy and opportunities to have larger conversations and again take a more holistic approach.”
Director of Community Development Marty Matsen will be giving the Affordable Housing Program’s 6-month update at the meeting with former Affordable Housing Manager Matthew Madsen.
During the presentation, Matsen will speak to the recent success of the department and what work needs to be completed moving forward.
“It is just about keeping the communication going, make sure that the commission, the public and the citizens understand what we have gotten accomplished and that there is a lot more work to be done,” said Matsen.
Matsen credits the affordable housing tour and finishing the contract for the housing needs assessment both as successes. On the other hand, creating an action plan, hiring a new affordable housing manager, and keeping up with the demands of the growing population continue to be obstacles the city continues to face.
The last presentation being made on Monday regards the city’s growth policy. Community Development Manager Chris Saunders said the project is nearing the half-way mark and should be finished within the first couple of months of 2019.
“They share some similarities of issues, so we want to coordinate between them where we can and ensure that by the time that there is an adoption, there is a consistent vision for the community that can go forward and respect the various needs and aspirations of the citizens,” said Saunders.
Community Events for residents to participate in the construction of the Growth Policy can be found at the city’s website. The time for the Downtown Improvement Plan public events has not be released yet.
