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Bozeman Local Government Study Survey

This is the first in a series of surveys distributed by The Gallatin Valley Sentinel with the purpose of gathering feedback from Bozeman residents on our local government. The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

This first survey will help us establish a baseline of public understanding and opinion before we launch a series of educational pieces and deep-dive presentations that will explore each related topic in more detail, explaining the different forms of local government, the options that are available for consideration, and what each would mean for you as a resident. As the project continues, we'll use these results to measure how community sentiment evolves once residents have more information about how the local government works and what options are on the table.

All survey responses will be kept confidential and shared only in aggregate with the Bozeman Study Commission. No individual responses will be disclosed. If you choose to provide your email address, it will be used solely for communication from The Gallatin Valley Sentinel (such as for updates on this project) and will never be shared, sold, or published. The demographic data collected will be used to help ensure that we are collecting a survey sample that is representative of all Bozeman residents.
1.Are you legally eligible to vote in Bozeman municipal elections?(Required.)
2.What is your Zip Code?
3.In which quadrant of the city do you live?

Bozeman Quadrants
4.Are you a full-time or part-time resident of Bozeman?
5.In what year were you born?
6.What is your gender?
7.What is your employment status?
8.Where do you work?
9.Are you currently enrolled as a student at Montana State University or Gallatin College?
10.How long have you lived in Bozeman?
11.What is your housing status?
12.Which of the following describes your living situation?
13.What is your race / ethnicity? (Select all that apply.)
14.Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as
15.Please rate the following statements on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
I stay informed about local government issues in Bozeman.
I understand who leads and makes decisions for our city.
I am confident in the current structure of city government in Bozeman.
I can explain who sets policy and who manages day-to-day operations in Bozeman's city government.
16.Which form of government does Bozeman currently use?
17.What are your biggest concerns about Bozeman's government? Please provide examples when possible.
Through the Local Government Study, Bozeman has the opportunity to re-evaluate its form of government. Below are a number of questions about what form of government you would like Bozeman to have.
18.In your opinion, the mayor should be:
19.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
20.How long should the mayor's term of office be?
21.Should there be term limits for the position of mayor?
22.What are your thoughts on the role of city manager?
23.Please share any other feedback on the roles of mayor and city manager.
24.What are your thoughts on the city commission?
25.I believe Bozeman should continue to elect its city commissioners at-large (citywide). (Bozeman's current form of government.)
26.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
27.If Bozeman continues electing commissioners at-large (citywide), which election method do you prefer?
28.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
29.I believe Bozeman should have a ward or district-based approach to electing city commissioners.
30.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
31.If Bozeman should have a ward or district-based approach to electing city commissioners, which election method do you prefer?
32.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
33.Bozeman’s population has nearly doubled since the commission was set at 5 members. Should the city increase the number of commissioners to better handle current and future growth?
34.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
35.What would make you feel represented by your city government?
36.In 2024, the monthly "salary" (stipend) of a city commissioner was $2,251.00 ($27,012 annually), the highest in Montana. The current city charter does not specify if a city commissioner is full-time or part-time, but they are paid a monthly salary. Considering this, I think that:
37.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
38.In 2024, the monthly "salary" (stipend) of the mayor was $3,376.50 ($40,518 annually), the highest in Montana. The current city charter does not specify if the role of mayor is full-time or part-time, but the mayor is paid a monthly salary. Considering this, I think that:
39.Please briefly explain why you chose the option above.
40.Which best reflects the role and level of influence you think advisory boards and the Inter-Neighborhood Council should have in Bozeman?
41.Before today, I was aware of Bozeman's local government study.
42.Please share any additional feedback here.
43.I am interested in learning more about:
44.I am willing to participate in a focus group for the local government study (in-person and virtual options will be available)
45.I am willing to participate in more surveys on the local government study.
46.Please provide your email address if you are interested in receiving updates on the local government study.