Starting Oct. 1, the fee to record a document with the Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder will increase to $20 for the first page and $10 for each additional page. This change is part of Montana House Bill 192, signed into law earlier this year. The current $8-per-page fee remains in effect until Sept. 30 at 5 PM.

The additional non-standard charge for recording a document that does not meet the standards for recorded documents in MCA 7-4-2636 will remain at $10 per document.

Fees for filed documents such as liens, right to liens, UCC’s, plats and surveys, etc. will also not be changing.

For questions, contact the Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 406-582-3050 or clerkandrecorder@gallatin.mt.gov.

BOZEMAN — Nellie Whiteman tended to sit in the back of the classroom in Montana State University’s Visual Communications Building.

The film student worried that because she felt different from her classmates, having come from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, they wouldn’t get along. Whiteman, who is Northern Cheyenne and Oglala Lakota, was the first in her family to attend a four-year university, and she experienced culture shock when she moved to college from Lame Deer, where she was surrounded by family and people who looked like her.

But she took the leap to direct her first film at MSU during her junior year, then another, titled “Cheyenne Creation Story,” in her senior production class. She believed the stories were important to tell, which propelled her to pitch them and lead student crews despite her insecurities.

“I need to do this,” said Whiteman, who graduated in May with a degree in film and a minor in Native American studies. “If I don’t, who else will?”

“Cheyenne Creation Story,” which is about six minutes long and documents the oral history of how the Cheyenne people came to be according to their traditional beliefs, will be screened at the Red Nation International Film Festival in Los Angeles, held Nov. 10-16. The 30-year-old event is one of the largest Indigenous film festivals in the nation and includes an awards ceremony broadcast live on Red Nation Television Network.

The cast and crew of the "Cheyenne Creation Story" film, from left, include Jonathan Gibson, Phillip Whiteman Jr., Nellie Whiteman, Maddison Whitaker-Barnett, Simon Gatte, Carter Hudson and Anna Bouressa. The film was produced at Montana State University as part of a senior production class. Submitted photo.

Entering “Cheynne Creation Story” in at least five festivals was a requirement for Whiteman’s senior production class, taught by instructor Alexa Alberda and assistant professor Ben Leonberg in the School of Film and Photography. Students spent the spring semester crowdfunding, planning, filming and editing in a condensed version of real-world film production, Alberda said. They used resources including MSU’s editing bays and industry-standard cameras to create the films.

“I like to tell the students that we make art to be seen, not to hide it in our closets,” Alberda said. “When they’ve put months and months of work into something, we really want to push them to put it out in the world, even if it’s scary.”

As a director, Whiteman was involved in everything from initial storyboarding with her producer to reviewing captions with her editor. Her team of fellow seniors included photography director Anna Bouressa, sound designer Simon Gatte, behind-the-scenes manager Jonathan Gibson, editor Carter Hudson and producer Maddison Whitaker-Barnett.

The film is told in Cheyenne by Northern Cheyenne Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr., who sat in the drum room in MSU’s American Indian Hall and described how the Creator sent four spirits to find a beautiful place to create humans. The interview-like setup is meant to feel as though an elder is having a conversation with the viewer, Nellie Whiteman said. Phillip Whiteman is also Nellie Whiteman’s father and a former cultural adviser for the film “Hostiles,” a drama starring Christian Bale.

It was important, Nellie Whiteman said, to have the story told in the Cheyenne language and captioned with English subtitles to preserve how it was traditionally passed down through generations: orally and in the Native tongue. She said Native Cheyenne speakers have been dwindling for a multitude of reasons, including the toll of COVID-19 on the tribe’s older generations and the reluctance of elders to share cultural knowledge after attending Native boarding schools in the 19th and 20th centuries. The schools forcibly assimilated Native youth to American culture and taught them to suppress their traditional practices.

“I felt like I was able to make something I was proud of and that is for my community and where I come from,” said Nellie Whiteman, who hopes to share the film online in the future. “And it didn't just help me, it’s helping them in the long run.”

Bouressa, who graduated from MSU in May with a degree in integrated lens-based media, said her favorite scene was the film’s opening shot of Nellie Whiteman’s father at Drinking Horse Mountain, a trail northeast of downtown Bozeman. As his headdress feathers fluttered in the wind, Bouressa angled her camera to make him appear as though he towered above her, but her tripod wouldn’t collapse as low as she wanted.

“Our producer, Madison, was like, ‘Here, use me.’ She laid down on the ground, and I propped the camera up on her back,” Bouressa said, laughing.

Bouressa came to MSU from Eugene, Oregon, planning to study business. Photography had always been one of her passions, but she couldn’t imagine it as a legitimate career. She said that perception changed once she decided to switch majors and discovered her professors’ success in the industry.

“For the first time in my life, I was in school and actually learning about something that was interesting to me and that I was already engaged in,” she said.

After graduation, Bouressa became a photographer for Outside Bozeman magazine, then a photo assistant in Oregon, working on projects for organizations like the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Nellie Whiteman’s post-graduate plans included completing a fellowship at the Lone Peak Film Festival in Big Sky, receiving mentorship from directors of the documentary “Bring Them Home.” The fellowship was the first step toward her dream of becoming a director.

“Entering [my team’s] film into festivals and actually getting responses definitely boosted my confidence,” she said. “Like, OK, maybe I can actually be a director.”

BOZEMAN – The City of Bozeman recently retained Economic Planning Systems (EPS) to look at the Water Adequacy for Residential Development (WARD) initiative’s requirement that a residential development of three or more units seeking to meet its water demand using the City’s cash-in-lieu of water rights provide 33% of the homes at affordable rates. EPS’ analysis includes what the 33% requirement would do to a project attempting to be built in the current market.

The study’s results are in, finding that across single-family home developments and multi-family apartments, no developments would be feasible under WARD’s affordability requirement.

“These results confirm what housing industry professionals have long known: in today’s market, land, materials, labor, and lending are the driving forces behind the cost of housing and profit margins are slim,” says City Manager Chuck Winn. “The reason why affordable housing is hard to come by is that these units simply do not make a profit, and significant subsidies are needed to make these developments work. The math shows this.”

According to the study, a 30-unit single-family home market-rate development without affordability requirements could make a 10% profit in today’s market. With WARD in effect, that same development may lose $25,000 per home, for a total loss of 4%. The model also looked at a 90-unit apartment complex. According to the report, such developments are not currently feasible in today’s market without affordability requirements, and WARD increases the funding needed to make a profit by $2.6 million.

“People are seeing lots of apartments being built right now, and they should be aware that these apartments began years ago under different market conditions,” Winn stated.

The Water Adequacy for Residential Development (WARD) is a local ballot initiative that was created by a group of citizens, not the City of Bozeman. The ballot issue seeks to change code language to require developers of three or more residential units to pay cash-in-lieu of water rights to the city only if the development designates 33% or more of the units as affordable.

If the developer does not include 33% affordable units, they are responsible for securing water rights, which could take five to eight years with no guarantee of a water right at the end of that process. The WARD initiative also removes the ability for developers to meet the water demand of their development through off-site water efficiency or conservation measures. 

“If developers can’t make a reasonable profit building in Bozeman, they will go elsewhere,” Winn explained. “That could have negative impacts on our community. You might see developers move to the county and other communities, which could increase sprawl, increase commuting, and negatively impact the environment. If less housing is built in Bozeman and the demand to live here continues, we would expect the cost of housing to increase even further.”

Those interested in learning more about water, housing, and WARD in Bozeman can visit engage.bozeman.net/ward.

BOZEMAN — Approximately 80 university, industry and community partners gathered last week at EngineWorks on Montana State University’s Innovation Campus to celebrate the building’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Speakers at the Sept. 18 event included Mark Sharpe, executor director of the MSU Innovation Campus; Alison Harmon, MSU vice president of research and economic development; Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham; Brit Fontenot, director of economic development with the city of Bozeman; Julia Mortier, community manager of EngineWorks; and Adam Friedman, head of business development and leasing with Charter Realty.

“You will not find another building like this anywhere in the state of Montana,” Sharpe said. “As executor director of the MSU Innovation Campus, I am honored to be part of this great work.”
The 87,000-square-foot EngineWorks building was designed to offer dynamic community and office spaces where innovation, collaboration and growth can come together. It features 61,000 square feet of customizable workspaces for long-term tenants and 26,000 square feet of common spaces, such as conference and huddle rooms, kitchens, event space, outdoor gathering areas and more.

Fontenot praised those involved in the building.

“What makes a building special is the people who populate it and who brought it to fruition,” he said. “This project is proof of what the right partners can do together. I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Tenants in the EngineWorks building on the MSU Innovation Campus include QCORE, an interdisciplinary MSU research facility dedicated to the study of quantum computing; Resilient Computing, an MSU spinout company that develops radiation-tolerant computer technology for use in space; Reveal, which builds defense technology products that accelerate human decisions through artificial intelligence; Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, a nonprofit serving as a hub for Montana’s optics, photonics and quantum companies; and a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which works with companies and universities to rapidly field technologies for national defense.

Project partners include Charter Realty and Development, Martel Construction, A&E: Architecture and Design, SterlingCMG and MT Contracting.

Cunningham recognized that it has been “a long glide path for this Innovation Campus to take hold” and thanked everyone involved for their contributions.

“They’re the reason we’re now taking flight,” he said.

The MSU Innovation Campus aims to create opportunities for companies to collaborate with MSU research, faculty and students, while helping those companies grow and raising Montana’s profile as national leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Harmon said she was thrilled to be celebrating the opening.

“This is an exciting night,” she said. “I have been to many events already in this space, which to me says our vision for connecting research and industry and student opportunities is taking hold. … We’re hungry for spaces like this. And as we cut the ribbon tonight ... I just want to say this is one of the most exciting things happening at MSU. This is just the beginning.”

Bozeman, MT — Streamline is asking residents to help shape the future of local transit by providing feedback on proposed new and expanded bus routes. These routes are being considered as part of the agency’s efforts to improve access, reliability, and connections for people across Gallatin Valley.

The proposed routes are designed to strengthen connections to key destinations such as schools, medical facilities, shopping areas, and employment centers, while also making it easier for seniors, students, and workers to get where they need to go.

“Transit in a small town is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about making sure everyone has the freedom to participate fully in community life,” said Sunshine Ross, Director. “We want to hear from residents so that the routes we choose reflect the needs and priorities of the people who will use them.”

Public engagement is a cornerstone of the planning process. Residents, riders, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to share their input on how transit can best serve the Gallatin Valley’s growing population and changing travel needs.

“This plan isn’t just about buses and routes—it’s about making sure our transit system continues to connect people to jobs, schools, healthcare, recreation and opportunities,” said Sunshine Ross, Director. “We need to hear directly from the community to ensure the system reflects local priorities.”

Ways to Participate:

Community feedback will directly influence which routes move forward and how services are designed for the next 5–10 years, helping ensure services remain accessible, reliable, and responsive to community needs.

For more details on the proposed routes, to review maps, and to provide input, please visit SteeringStreamlineBus.com.

BOZEMAN — The City of Bozeman has released an updated draft of its Unified Development Code (UDC) and Zoning Map for public review. The new draft text and map incorporate City Commission direction to staff from five work sessions in June, July and August, following six months of public engagement. These regulations are also an important step in complying with the Montana Land Use Planning Act by the May 2026 deadline.

The City is hosting two Information Sessions to review the draft on Oct. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom with online registration at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W9BbsTmlRK69lknXCrhTXg, and Oct. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Safety Center’s Community Room. The sessions will begin with a presentation before moving to Q&A.

“The updated UDC reflects three years of diligent work by City staff and thoughtful input from the community, advisory boards, and City Commission,” said Erin George, Community Development Director at the City of Bozeman. “We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share feedback and stay engaged throughout this process; your input has resulted in meaningful changes to the code.”

The UDC is the part of the city code that outlines rules and regulations for development within the city. The City launched this project in the summer of 2022 to align with state law and the 2020 Bozeman Community Plan, as well as several other adopted plans that make up the city’s guiding policies and goals around growth, sustainability, land use, and housing.

The effort to update the UDC has generated significant public interest and meaningful dialogue. The effort was paused in October 2023 to allow additional time for public engagement. Since restarting work on the update in September 2024, City Commissioners and staff have spent the last year meeting with community groups, neighborhoods, and advisory boards, hosting public forums, listening, and using surveys to gather input to help shape the draft code.

City Commission discussed primary topics of public concern in five work sessions this summer, providing direction for staff to include in the draft in each of those sessions.

"The Bozeman City Commission really appreciates the community's active involvement in the UDC update process. From survey responses to written and in-person comments, we've received over 2,000 replies and suggestions from our fellow citizens,” says Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham. “We've been listening. We've heard you. We believe the proposed draft reflects a balanced approach to the input we've received. Naturally, there have been varying viewpoints on certain issues, and the commission's job is to craft a UDC that is best for the city as a whole and positions us for a prosperous future."

Public engagement will now continue through formal consideration of the updated draft. Following the two information sessions, the Community Development Board will hold public hearings on the draft on Nov. 3 and Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. to receive comments and consider the proposal. The City Commission is scheduled to continue public hearings with a goal of considering adoption of the draft on December 2.

For more information on the UDC Update and to view the new draft code documents, please visit engage.bozeman.net/udc.

BOZEMAN — More than 100 people gathered Friday at Montana State University to celebrate the groundbreaking of the VIM, a privately owned and operated hotel to be located on campus that will provide real-world experience to prepare Montana’s next generation of leaders in the fast-growing hospitality and culinary fields.

“This is going to be a beautiful building and a wonderful addition to the Montana State University campus,” said MSU Vice President for Student Success Steve Swinford in his remarks at the event. “I know Bobcat alumni and fans, the families of our current students and many, many others, are going to look forward to staying here when they come to Bozeman.”

Named after lyrics from MSU’s fight song, the VIM will not only provide accommodations for visitors to campus and the community but also offer hands-on training and internship opportunities for MSU students.

“I said it would be a beautiful building, but it’s also going to be a unique building,” Swinford said. “When it’s completed, this hotel will be one of the very first teaching grounds in our state for hospitality professionals. We’re incredibly proud to work with our partners to pave the way in this area. This building will be an important supplement to our academic programs in hospitality and an important means for our students to gain real-world experience while earning their degrees.”

MSU offers four-year hospitality management programs in the College of Education, Health and Human Development and the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The former offers an option in sustainable hospitality, and the latter offers a hospitality business option. The programs prepare students to become skilled professionals within the expanding local, regional, national and global hospitality industries through courses in subjects including food and nutrition, culinary arts, business and agriculture, as well as hospitality-specific coursework emphasizing sustainability and quality customer service. Internships along the way ensure students have practical experience that makes them competitive candidates for jobs after graduation.

Gallatin College MSU also offers an associate of applied science degree in culinary arts and a certificate in hospitality, which opens the door to jobs in the local food services industry. Students may also opt for an entrepreneurial path toward owning a restaurant, bakery, food truck, catering or hospitality business. Both programs prepare students to transfer into MSU’s hospitality management bachelor’s program, if they wish.

Following a competitive proposal process, Lone Mountain Land Co., a subsidiary of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, was identified to develop the five-story hotel project, which will be operated as a Marriott Hotels franchise location. It is being built on land that MSU has leased to the developers.

In his remarks, Sam Byrne, co-founder and managing partner of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, called the groundbreaking celebration “the start of a new chapter that we hope and believe will enhance the quality of education and overall campus experience for all.”

The 123,000-square-foot hotel will have 138 rooms and suites and 5,300 square feet of meeting and event space that can also be used as classrooms and teaching spaces, Byrne said. The VIM will also have food and beverage outlets inside, including a restaurant.

Byrne also called MSU “an important economic engine for the region.”

“The culture, community, vibrancy and employment development that comes from Montana State is extraordinary,” Byrne said. “We could not be successful here without it. Being partners with MSU is fundamental to our business.”

Mike Dean, director of culinary arts for Gallatin College MSU, said the culinary arts program has been limited by the size of its current kitchen and facilities. Having the hotel on campus, with space for teaching and opportunities for internships, will enable the program to grow and serve more students, he said.

“These will be excellent educational opportunities for our students and all students on campus,” Dean said. “Opportunities for internships and collaborations with the hotel will also lead to further opportunities for our students as they graduate.”

Fran Albrecht, president and CEO of the MSU Alumni Foundation, thanked everyone for the various roles they played in the project.

“Thanks to each one of you: our alumni, donors, friends, faculty, staff and students, for being part of this special day,” Albrecht said. “It’s exciting to think about being in this hotel and walking across the street to cheer on our Bobcats.”

Following the remarks, the speakers and others involved in the project took part in a ceremonial dig. The celebration concluded with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by students in the Gallatin College MSU culinary arts program along with MSU Catering.

The VIM hotel is estimated to open in fall 2027.

When moving or visiting a new city, safety is one of the first things people consider. If you’ve been asking yourself if Tampa, Florida is safe, you’re not alone. Tampa is a thriving metropolitan area with vibrant neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and numerous attractions.

However, like any large city, it has both safe areas and places where caution is necessary.

In this guide, we’ll break down crime statistics, neighborhood safety, lifestyle factors, and local insights to give you a well-rounded answer to the question: How safe is Tampa, Florida?

General Safety Overview

Tampa, part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, has a population exceeding 400,000 people. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Tampa has seen a steady decline in crime over the past decade. Property crime remains more common than violent crime, but overall rates are lower than many other large Florida cities like Miami or Orlando (FBI Crime Data).

This means Tampa is neither the most dangerous nor the safest city in Florida. Instead, it falls somewhere in the middle, with particular neighborhoods being safer than others.

Crime Rates in Tampa

When asking if Tampa, Florida is safe, crime rates provide essential context. Tampa’s violent crime rate is lower than the U.S. average, but property crime is slightly above the national average.

Most incidents involve theft, burglary, or car break-ins. Tourists and new residents are often reminded to lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and stay alert in busy areas like downtown nightlife spots.

Comparing Tampa to Other Florida Cities

A good way to answer how safe Tampa, Florida is by comparing it with nearby cities. For instance:

• Orlando tends to have higher violent crime rates, especially in tourist areas.
• Miami experiences more organized crime and violent offenses.
• Jacksonville reports higher crime across the board due to its size.

Tampa, by contrast, has built a reputation as one of Florida’s more livable cities thanks to its family-friendly communities and proactive law enforcement efforts.

Safest Neighborhoods in Tampa

If you’re considering relocating, some Tampa neighborhoods stand out for their low crime rates and strong community feel:
• Palma Ceia – A walkable, upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets.
• Hyde Park – Known for its historic homes, trendy restaurants, and safety.
• Westchase – A suburban area with gated communities and family-friendly amenities.
• Davis Islands – An affluent area near downtown with low crime statistics.

Families and professionals often choose these areas because they combine convenience with peace of mind.

Areas That Require Caution

Like any city, Tampa has neighborhoods where crime is more prevalent. East Tampa, certain sections of Ybor City, and parts of Sulphur Springs have higher reports of theft and violent crime.

This doesn’t mean these areas should be avoided entirely, but visitors and newcomers are encouraged to remain cautious, especially at night.

Police Presence and Community Programs

Tampa Police Department (TPD) plays an active role in maintaining safety. They use community policing strategies, neighborhood watch programs, and crime prevention initiatives. Their Crime Prevention Bureau also provides safety tips and resources (City of Tampa Police).

Residents generally report quick response times and strong collaboration between police and community leaders.

Public Transportation and Safety

Tampa has a modest public transportation system, including buses and the TECO Line Streetcar. Most routes are safe during the day, but late-night riders should exercise caution, particularly when traveling alone.

Driving is still the most common form of transportation. As with many Florida cities, car accidents occur frequently, so safe driving practices are just as important as crime awareness.

Nightlife and Tourist Safety

Ybor City is Tampa’s historic nightlife hub. While it’s vibrant and exciting, it has also been associated with occasional disturbances and petty theft. Visitors are encouraged to stick with groups, use rideshare services, and avoid displaying cash or valuables.

Downtown Tampa, Channelside, and the Riverwalk are generally well-lit and patrolled, making them safer options for evening outings.

Tampa for Families

Families often wonder if Tampa, Florida is safe for raising children. The answer depends on the neighborhood, but overall, Tampa offers many family-friendly areas with parks, good schools, and community centers.

Suburbs like New Tampa, Carrollwood, and Westchase are particularly popular among families looking for both safety and a sense of community.

Tampa for Students

The city is home to the University of South Florida (USF) and University of Tampa. Student safety is a priority on both campuses, with dedicated campus police and shuttle services.

Like in any college town, some nightlife areas near the universities may have higher risks, but most students report feeling safe with normal precautions.

Outdoor and Recreational Safety

Tampa is known for its outdoor lifestyle, including beaches, parks, and waterfront activities. The biggest safety concerns outdoors are less about crime and more about natural elements—heat, storms, and hurricanes. Residents are encouraged to follow local emergency preparedness plans, especially during hurricane season.

Community and Lifestyle

Beyond crime statistics, safety also includes the sense of security residents feel in daily life. Tampa communities often organize block parties, neighborhood watches, and cultural events that bring people together.These efforts reduce crime while fostering strong local bonds that contribute to overall safety.

Tips for Staying Safe in Tampa

Avoid leaving valuables in cars.Stay in well-lit areas at night.Be aware of your surroundings in busy nightlife districts.Learn about your neighborhood through local community boards.

Prepare for Florida’s hurricane season with an emergency kit.

These basic steps apply to both residents and visitors and can make a big difference.

Moving to Tampa and Safety Considerations

If you’re relocating, safety is likely at the top of your list. Working with Tampa Florida movers can help ensure a smooth transition. Professional movers not only make the process easier but can also advise on neighborhoods and logistics that fit your safety priorities.

Many families moving to Tampa prioritize communities with good schools and low crime rates, while young professionals might lean toward lively but safe districts like Hyde Park or Channelside.

Economic Growth and Its Impact on Safety

Tampa has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, with expansions in finance, healthcare, and tech industries. Growth often correlates with lower crime rates, as more job opportunities can reduce economic pressures that contribute to criminal activity.

This is one reason why the city’s safety profile has steadily improved.

Healthcare and Emergency Services

Another factor in answering how safe Tampa, Florida is access to healthcare and emergency services. Tampa has several top-ranked hospitals, including Tampa General Hospital. Quick access to healthcare is critical for both everyday life and emergencies.This strong healthcare infrastructure makes Tampa a more secure place to live compared to smaller cities with limited resources.

Final Thoughts on Safety in Tampa

So, is Tampa Florida safe? The answer is that it’s relatively safe, especially compared to many other large Florida cities. While some neighborhoods require extra caution, the city overall has been improving its crime rates and investing in community safety.Whether you’re moving with family, starting college, or just visiting, Tampa offers a good balance of urban excitement and suburban security. By choosing the right neighborhood and following basic safety practices, you can enjoy all that Tampa has to offer with peace of mind.