Engagement Framework Update

In 2023, the Montana State Legislature passed the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA), which overhauled laws around land use that apply to cities of a certain size. MLUPA defined the level of public participation that is required when cities adopt, amend, or update their land use plan or associated regulations and plans. It requires cities to provide “continuous public participation” and to adopt a public participation plan that demonstrates the City’s compliance with these requirements.

The City of Bozeman adopted an Engagement Framework in 2021 to guide how City staff, leadership, and the community can contribute to decision-making processes in our city. After five years of implementing this framework and the Engage Bozeman hub for engagement projects, it is an opportune time to update the City’s engagement framework to reflect both lessons learned and new statutory requirements stemming from MLUPA.