Memorandum
REPORT TO:
City Commission
FROM:
Chuck Winn, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Community Ballot Issues Work Session
MEETING DATE:
October 6, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Policy Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Community Ballot Issues Work Session
STRATEGIC PLAN:
7.5. Funding and Delivery of City Services: Use equitable and sustainable sources of funding for appropriate City services, and deliver them in a lean and efficient manner.
BACKGROUND:
On October 6th, the Bozeman City Commission will hold a Work Session to discuss opportunities for future community ballot initiatives. While no formal action will be taken, the following goals are intended to help guide the discussion:
- Identify, define and prioritize top community needs and wants, with an eye toward selecting a potential November 2027 ballot question
- Identify opportunities for alternative solutions, such as budgeting separately or working with partners versus going to a vote
- Evaluate the question of whether we want to ask voters for anything in November 2027
Prospective topics to be considered include, but are not limited to:
- Streamline Bus / Active Transportation
- Affordable Housing
- Emergency Medical Services
- Mental & Behavioral Health / Crisis Response
- Aquatics Center / Pool
- Westside Library
- Fire Station #4 (Construction + Staffing)
Please see the attached document for more information within the City Manager's Work Plan.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
As directed by the City Commission.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
Fiscal effects are dependent upon the scale and timing of any future ballot initiative.