Consensus Engagement Update

It has been several months since our last update, and we would like to share an overview of how the consensus-building process is progressing. As a reminder, the Fowler Community Housing Project is part of the City’s effort to expand middle-income housing options in Bozeman. With direction from the City Commission to pursue a consensus-based approach, the City is collaborating with neighbors, stakeholders, and the broader community.

The intent of this effort is to bring differing viewpoints together early in the process to identify concerns, opportunities, and tradeoffs before any formal decisions are made. To support this goal, we have convened a range of community perspectives connected to housing, neighborhood livability, and long-term community planning. Participants include adjacent neighbors; community members focused on how Bozeman plans for a growing community; local professionals who help residents access and secure housing; builders and real estate professionals with local experience; community land trust practitioners; local employers concerned with workforce recruitment and retention; community members advocating for trees and natural spaces; and City staff providing technical and planning support.

We appreciate those who have participated in one-on-one conversations with City staff and our consultant. We remain in the exploratory phase, focused on listening to concerns, perspectives, and ideas from individuals representing a range of community interests. These conversations are intended to help us better understand community priorities and areas of concern. Our role in this process is to gather perspectives and develop recommendations based on what we hear. The facilitation team does not make decisions; rather, we work to identify potential options and clarify tradeoffs for consideration in future stages.

We’re still actively collecting input and having conversations with community members. We hope you stay connected to the project by following along at Engage Bozeman to stay tuned for further opportunities for involvement.