As we enter 2026, we’d like to remind the good people of Boulder that transparency and accountability are core values for the current city administration.
As the Mayor and City Council begin new terms of office, we feel it’s important to share with the community our achievements and challenges over the past four years, as well as our likely priorities for the years ahead.
First, thank you to the Boulder community. You have volunteered in countless ways: providing thoughtful input at City Council meetings, serving on boards and committees such as the Planning Board and Cemetery Advisory Committee, responding as volunteer fire and EMS personnel, and stopping by City Hall to share ideas and concerns.
Because of these efforts, Boulder is no longer considered a childcare desert, the number of local businesses is increasing, and the Community Heart & Soul initiative is helping us better understand what residents value most and how we can improve.
Boulder is also proud to be home to the Montana Highway Patrol and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch – Boulder Campus.
When the closure of the Montana Developmental Center was announced in 2017, some feared it would be a fatal blow to our community. Instead, Boulder raised its collective voice and said, “No way.” We are survivors — and Boulder is not going anywhere.
City government played an important role in that resilience. State law assigns cities a wide range of responsibilities, and Mayor Rusty Giulio has brought years of private-sector experience and a forward-looking vision to city leadership. That vision often serves as a roadmap for Council action. While Council members hold diverse viewpoints, we operate in a nonpartisan manner, guided by a shared question: What is best for Boulder?
Key accomplishments over the past four years include:
• Expanded encouragement of public participation through in-person meetings and enhanced Zoom access
• Seed funding for high-speed internet and a revolving loan fund for local businesses
• Updated modern zoning regulations
• A cost-effective law enforcement agreement with Jefferson County
• Major water system improvements funded primarily through grants
• Wastewater treatment planning through a Preliminary Engineering Report
• Continued participation in the Montana Main Street Program
• Promotion of Rose Perna to City Clerk
• Purchase of a city-owned childcare facility, operated privately as Boulder Kids Preschool and overseen by Southwest Montana Youth Partners, Inc.
• Balanced general-fund budgets every year
• Continued success of the annual Christmas Parade
• Strong performance of volunteer fire and EMS services
• Codification and online publication of City ordinances and meeting materials
• Annexation and subdivision development to address housing shortages
• Complete resurfacing and full repayment of the Boulder Veterans’ Memorial Pool loan
LOOKING AHEAD
Future priorities will continue to be shaped by public input and Council deliberation. Likely areas of focus include infrastructure, emergency services, housing, mental health partnerships, economic development, digitization of City records, updated planning documents, coordination with state agencies, and advancement of the Boulder River Trail Master Plan.
The great strength of our city has always been its people. With continued collaboration and cooperation among residents, staff, and elected officials, we know Boulder’s best days remain ahead.
Drew Dawson is the Boulder City Council President (ddawson@cityofbouldermt.com) and Brian Bullock is Boulder’s City Administrator (cityadministrator@cityofbouldermt.com).
