Government-Politics
Managers Message
By Grant Gager
I am pleased to submit my fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations for review and consideration by the Commission and public. With this third budget recommendation as the Livingston City Manager, I’m excited to continue making meaningful improvements in how residents and visitors experience Livingston while also planning for our future.
In FY 2025-26, the City will continue to implement the 2021 Growth Policy. The City will again focus on the Growth Policy areas previously endorsed by the City Commission (Land Use Recommendations; Place-making and Community Character; Housing; and Resiliency) while also focusing on implementing the recommendations of recent and on-going community planning efforts, including the Downtown Master Plan, Parks Master Plan and Trails & Active Transportation Plan. I am excited to continue implementing the Community’s vision and look forward to delivering projects that will build upon Livingston’s community character.
I encourage you to review my FY 2025-26 City Manager's Recommended Budget at https://www.livingstonmontana.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/finance/page/3057/2026_city_managers_recommended_budget.pdf.
City News
Downtown Utility Work Begins
The City's 2025 Downtown Improvement Project is officially underway. The City Commission recently approved a contract with Askin Construction for the project that focuses on storm water and utility improvements. Crews began exploratory work earlier this spring in the alley between Main and 2nd Street and are now moving forward with active construction.
As construction continues, residents and businesses in the area may notice increased activity, including vacuum trailers, utility checks, and temporary access adjustments. The work is part of a broader effort to modernize core infrastructure and improve service reliability downtown. Thanks for your patience as we invest in the city’s future from the ground up.
The full construction schedule can be viewed at https://www.livingstonmontana.org/publicworks/page/downtown-alley-improvement-project.
Sheep Mountain PUD
The City's Consolidated Land Use Board considered the Sheep Mountain Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposal and recommended approval to the City Commission; the meeting video is available on the City's website. The project, located on Miles Lane just north of East Gallatin Street, aims to bring 48 new affordable housing units to Livingston. This project includes a mix of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. The applicant is pursuing a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit award to ensure that each unit will be deed restricted to serve the community's affordable housing needs.
The development also includes shared amenities like bike and gear storage, laundry facilities, and on-site parking. To explore the full site plan, environmental assessments and traffic studies view the application packet on the city’s website.
Pole Patrol
Crews from NorthWestern Energy will be working throughout the city over the next six weeks as part of their annual inspection and treatment program for utility poles. The work includes checking the structural integrity of the poles and applying preservative treatments to extend their lifespan. Residents may notice crews using boom trucks, tablets and even binoculars to get a closer look at the equipment. It is all routine and there is no cause for concern.
Summit Street Paving, Part 2
West Summit Street is expected to get a fresh coat of asphalt. Following last summer's paving west of 7th Street, the Streets crew will continue their westward march. Please be aware that detours and road closures will be in effect in the area.
Residents of West Summit Street are asked to park their vehicles on nearby side streets to ensure clear access for construction vehicles. We appreciate your understanding as we work to smooth the road ahead.
Happening Around Town...
Question: I'm hot and looking to cool off, is it okay to swim in the lagoon?
Answer: We recommend that you try the City pool next to the lagoon. The lagoon is fed by waterways that meander through both agricultural and urban environments. Along the way, the water accumulates contaminants that are likely to make humans sick including (oils, fertilizer and biological waste). So, enjoy Livingston's outdoor pool... there are only two seasons left to enjoy it!
Have questions you'd like us to answer in this section? Send them our way, and we will answer them in the next newsletter posted on our website!
Get Ready for a Fun Summer in Livingston!
The City of Livingston's on-line summer program guide is here! From youth camps and sports leagues to community events and pool activities, there’s something for everyone. We’ll be updating it regularly, so be sure to bookmark the page (https://www.livingstonmontana.org/rec/page/community-summer-2025-programming-guide) and check back often to stay in the loop all summer long.
Let’s make this summer one to remember!