The Downtown Bozeman Partnership (DBP) hosted the 19th Annual Breakfast on Wednesday morning of May 21st, 2025 at the Kimpton Armory Hotel. This was the first year of the Kimpton graciously opened their doors to downtown community members, including business members, property owners, and downtown supporters!
The Annual Breakfast serves as an opportunity for socializing and for downtown supporters and members to receive updates on the DBP’s recent accolades, annual events and programs, and presentation of the Annual Downtown Bozeman Awards.
Attendees were also privileged to a keynote speaker from the Montana Department of Commerce, Micky Zurcher. In the fall of 2022, Micky began her career with the Montana Department of Commerce. In June of 2023, Micky was extended an offer to be the Department of Commerce’s Montana Main Street Coordinator.
Micky Zurcher, Montana Main Street Coordinator, presented "Harnessing the Value of Place," highlighting the critical role downtowns play in community identity and economic resilience. Speaking to local leaders and stakeholders, Zurcher shared insights from the Montana Main Street Program (MMSP), centering the talk on the nationally recognized Four-Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality.
Each point was illustrated with real-life examples and imagery from Bozeman. Organization emphasized collaboration and strong local leadership. Promotion focused on creative ways to market downtowns and host events that build community pride and draw visitors. Design stressed the importance of aesthetics, historic preservation, and creating inviting public spaces. Economic Vitality addressed business support and downtown investment strategies that build long-term sustainability.
Zurcher’s message reinforced that vibrant downtowns don’t happen by accident - they result from intentional planning and community-driven efforts. With Bozeman as a case study, the presentation showcased how investing in place creates lasting social, cultural, and economic value.
“The early bird catches the worm,” Zurcher noted, encouraging communities to take proactive steps now to shape the places they envision for the future. She closed by inviting continued collaboration through the MMSP and shared her contact information for those looking to get involved.
The DBP is comprised of three major organizations, each with their own acronym and identity; the Downtown Bozeman Association (DBA), the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and Urban Renewal District (URD).
The Downtown URD, founded in 1995, is the entity that invests in economic development and infrastructure upgrades.
The BID, founded in 2000, is the property owner group that oversees the beautification and maintenance of downtown.
The DBA, founded in 1980, is the business member organization that focuses on branding and marketing downtown Bozeman and hosts free annual community events.
So, in other words…
The URD helps construct the building blocks of downtown.
The BID keeps downtown attractive and vibrant.
The DBA brings thousands of people downtown to experience this great place.
Our DBP Team gave updates, summarized notable achievements for each organization, and welcomed a member of each of their boards to announce awards!
Emily Cope, the DBP’s Economic Development Director, recounted the BID’s many successes over the last year.
The Business Improvement District (BID), more commonly known as the BID, was originally established in 2000 and most recently recreated in 2020 with an expanded boundary. The BID consists of over 200 downtown property owners who pay a voluntary assessment which is used to fund maintenance and beautification programs.
The BID staff is the reason that our downtown remains an incredible place that is clean and inviting! Mike Grant, Trish Riha and Luke Petrus are the year-round maintenance employees and deserve a the biggest shout out! DTNBZN can never thank them enough for the work they do on a daily basis, and they do it ALL. They are truly the eyes and ears of downtown and know what’s happening before the rest of us. Trish, Mike, and Luke – THANK YOU for all of your hard work and for always going the extra mile! And also a shout out to Patty Silversmith who is returning for her third season of flower watering!
The BID installs over 315 flower baskets downtown each summer! Last summer completed the transition to all Earth Planter baskets. These baskets only need to be watered 2-3 times a week rather than 7 days a week, reducing labor & fuel costs and water usage.
Additionally, The BID offers streetlamp banner space for nonprofit organizations and nonprofit events in addition to our Downtown Bozeman branded banners. There has been a record number of participating organizations this year, totaling 24!
The BID is also always thankful to partner with the Bozeman Fire Department, who so generously donates their time to maintain and upkeep the "spiders". The green, red and gold spiders were replaced over the last three years. The white spider will be replaced this winter. We look forward to having the refurbished spiders shine for another 50+ years.
Natalie Van Dusen, a DBA Board member, presented the Downtown Cornerstone Business Award to The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company!
The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company has been a passionate and consistent supporter of Downtown Bozeman for decades. Their involvement spans from dedicated board participation to enthusiastic engagement in nearly every Downtown Bozeman Association event, including Ladies’ Night, Crazy Days, and the Christmas Stroll. The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company is always ready to join the fun and support the community in meaningful ways. Beyond events, their pride in downtown is evident through the colorful murals on their building and the thoughtfully curated, Bozeman-inspired merchandise they offer. Their commitment to celebrating and uplifting the downtown experience is woven into everything they do. The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company isn’t just part of downtown—they help define its charm and spirit. A heartfelt thank you to The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company for all they do for our downtown and the entire Bozeman community!
The Executive Director of the DBP, Ellie Staley, spoke on the successes of the Urban Renewal District (URD).
The primary goal of the URD is to maintain an economically thriving Downtown that attracts investment, strengthens the tax base, and supports the vitality and diversity of the Gallatin Valley as its commercial, social, and cultural center.
The Urban Renewal District continues to focus on implementing the primary objectives of the 1995 Urban Renewal Plan and 2019 Downtown Improvement Plan including the following programs and projects…
First, the URD offers a variety of financial grant programs to facilitate the development of mixed-use buildings, hotels, utility improvements and residential units within the downtown district.
The URD funds the design, maintenance, and seasonal use of downtown’s public spaces, including Soroptimist Park and North Black Pocket Park. In 2024, we began snow removal in both parks, allowing for year-round access to our limited downtown greenspace. We also made significant landscape and irrigation upgrades to Soroptimist Park and added two large seasonal planters to North Black Pocket Park.
As many of you know, North Black Pocket Park will soon be transformed into the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park. A passionate group of community members and I-Ho’s many admirers have been working tirelessly to secure funding, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re in the final stages of confirming the design and budget. We anticipate going out to public bid by mid-June and can’t wait to build this lasting tribute to a beloved community figure—an urban oasis for future generations.
The URD continues to partner with the City’s Economic Development and Parking staff to maintain and improve downtown parking. In addition to servicing the Bridger Park Garage debt, we’ve committed to expanding parking capacity and developing smarter parking solutions for downtown employees, residents, and customers. The board recently approved $5 million toward parking supply and data tools and will soon release a 3–5 year Parking Action Plan.
This summer, we’re launching a pedlet pilot project on South Willson Avenue in partnership with Bitterroot Bistro. The URD will support the pedlet infrastructure, while Bitterroot will manage the adjacent sidewalk café. This setup will allow for expanded seating while preserving ADA sidewalk accessibility. We’re aiming to have both the pedlet and café fencing installed by late June—so keep an eye out!
If you are interested in any of the projects mentioned or any of the URD priorities or projects, please email Ellie.
URD Board Member, Sky Cook, then presented the Downtown Community Award. This award acknowledges a business or organization that has provided exemplary support of all that is downtown Bozeman and 2025’s winner is City of Bozeman- Public Works Department.
The Bozeman Public Works Department is a true partner, playing a vital role in the day-to-day success and long-term vibrancy of Downtown Bozeman. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure downtown not only operates smoothly but continues to shine as the heart of our community. From setting up event barricades to managing permits, signage, and quick safety responses, their support is constant and dependable. They keep downtown clean and accessible with regular trash removal, street sweeping, and snow clearing—often before the day begins. They also back our downtown stewards and maintain strong, open communication year-round. Their consistent partnership allows the Downtown Bozeman Partnership to focus on growth and promotion, knowing downtown is in capable hands. Public Works doesn’t just support downtown—they help it thrive.
Cache Maples, DBP’s Program Director and Brynn Gestson, DBP’s Operations Manager, mainly work with the Downtown Bozeman Association (DBA) arm of the Partnership. The DBA stays incredibly busy managing Membership, Events, and Marketing throughout the year.
Membership continues to grow year over year and the DBA has an amazing Outreach Committee that helps us develop our benefits and resources for members! The DBA currently has 358 business members located in the downtown core and surrounding areas.
“DTNBZN” is the well-established downtown brand that business members are proud to use and represent. Speaking of branding, the DBA has numerous branded resources including Directories and newly printed Tear-Off Maps. Additionally, downtown Kiosks, which mirror the Tear-Off Maps, are displayed in 3 key locations downtown: Chalet Sports, the Parking Garage near Revelry, and in Soroptimist Park.
Downtown Dollars, a program the DBA has nurtured for many years, continues to grow annually! 2024 reported over $120,000 in D$ sales over the holiday season – all of which go back into our downtown businesses!
Finally, the DBA hosts 15 unique annual events with over 25 occurrences. These are FREE community events, each with its own target group of business involvement and each welcoming a different customer demographic.
Summer events kick off Friday, June 13th with Art Walks! Details on more exciting upcoming events can be found HERE.
Babs Noelle bestowed the “Life is Downtown” Award. This award honors a person who has given a lifetime of service to downtown Bozeman. 2025's winner is Casey Jermyn!
For over two decades, Casey Jermyn has been a committed supporter of Downtown Bozeman through both his business and community involvement. As the owner of Bozeman Running Company, Casey has helped cultivate a strong sense of place by celebrating Bozeman’s active lifestyle and connecting people through running. He is the founder of several major local events, including Run to the Pub and the Bozeman Marathon—both of which draw thousands to downtown each year and contribute meaningfully to its energy and economy. Casey also started the Brewery Fun Runs and dedicates his time to coaching cross-country at Bozeman High, investing in the next generation of athletes. His continued efforts, both as a business owner and community leader, have made a lasting impact on downtown. Casey’s work reflects a deep commitment to making Downtown Bozeman a thriving, inclusive, and active part of the community.
We could not host this complimentary breakfast for all our wonderful supporters without your help - thank you!