Communities Sign Agreements to Facilitate the Creation of the Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization
The cities of Bozeman and Belgrade, and Gallatin County have entered an interlocal agreement that outlines their roles in the future Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. They also entered a memorandum of agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation and the Urban Transportation District to form a multijurisdictional committee that, if designated by the Governor, will serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The last document signed by the three jurisdictions was a letter to the governor requesting such designation.
The 2020 census was an important milestone for the Bozeman area. It marked our population exceeding the 50,000-person threshold, which meant that we were no longer categorized as micropolitan. This entrance into metropolitan status also meant that we are federally required to create a Metropolitan Planning Organization, commonly known by its acronym, MPO.
A large group of partners has come together to form the MPO. These organizations include:
- Gallatin County
- City of Bozeman
- City of Belgrade
- Montana Department of Transportation
- Urban Transportation District, Streamline Transit
MPOs are federally mandated transportation planning organizations made up of government organizations that work together in transportation planning for the area. The purpose of an MPO is to provide a forum for continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning in the MPO planning area between all agencies responsible for transportation. While MPO status does not provide additional transportation capital funding, it does provide annual planning funding that will improve coordination of transportation projects in the designated planning area.
The working group has spent the last year in a formal process led by the state Department of Transportation to ensure all federal requirements are met and ultimately that the organization is able to be designated by the Governor. Upon designation, the group will enter the formation phase.
As per the interlocal agreement, the City of Bozeman will be the host agency and perform all administrative functions of the Gallatin Valley MPO, including employing the staff.
The Gallatin County Commission and the Bozeman City Commission approved the interlocal agreement, memorandum of understanding, and designation request letter at their regular public meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The Belgrade City Council approved the agreement its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 18.
“Other Montana communities that have these organizations can advance great transportation efforts, including transportation safety, trails, separated pathways, and other multi-modal infrastructure. This will allow our three jurisdictions to really integrate our planning and position us well for additional federal funds,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer.
“Forming and hosting the MPO is a major milestone for Bozeman,” Bozeman Mayor Cyndy Andrus stated. “Transportation is one of the topics that our residents care deeply about, so we’re eager to see how this designation improves our infrastructure not just in Bozeman but across the valley. The reality is that people regularly travel across city and county lines, and it makes sense for that experience to be as connected and coordinated as possible.”
"In a visionary leap towards sustainable growth, the City of Belgrade is excited to be a part of the establishment of the MPO, forging an impactful alliance with Bozeman and Gallatin County. Together, we embark on a collaborative journey to shape the future, ensuring thoughtful urban development and regional prosperity. This strategic partnership marks a historic milestone for our communities, uniting in a shared commitment to create a vibrant and resilient future." said Belgrade City Manager Neil Cardwell
There are additional steps until the MPO is officially created. With the interlocal now in place, the Urban Transportation District and the Montana Department of Transportation will need to approve and sign the memorandum of agreement creating the MPO governing body before the package gets submitted to the State along with the designation request letter. Upon receipt of an approvable package, the Montana Department of Transportation will request designation of the MPO from the governor’s office. \
See the full documents here: