Bozeman Voters Approve New Charter Reshaping Local Elections

Bozeman voters approved a charter amendment changing mayoral and commissioner elections, with some changes beginning by 2027.

Bozeman’s electorate adopted an amended city charter that restructures local government operations, altering election methods and term lengths. This marks a significant governance shift replacing the 2006 charter.

The new charter sets the mayor’s term at four years without requiring prior service as deputy mayor. The City Commission will expand from four to six commissioners plus the mayor, with commissioners elected by wards; however, whether all voters or only ward voters elect commissioners was still undecided at the time of reporting. Extended resident engagement will guide the process for filling vacancies. Voters passed two of three sub-options on the ballot; the third remained undecided at the time of reporting. Becky Franks, a member of the study commission responsible for these proposals, emphasized the charter’s role in defining municipal governance.

Implementation will unfold in phases, with some provisions effective in 2027 and others in 2029. Bozeman residents can participate in a public meeting on November 18 to discuss next steps.

Bozeman voters approve major changes to city government through amended charter: Let’s break it down
By Cassidy Powers, KBZK News