John Meyer Bozeman Mayor
John Meyer is running for Bozeman Mayor to protect Bozeman from developers that are ruining our town. No other candidate has the track record, background, experience, or cajones to do it.
John Meyer was arrested for criminal trespass—walking below the high-water mark in the South Fork/West Fork of the Gallatin River with a contractor that collected water samples that show the Yellowstone Club is polluting the river. The court dismissed the lawsuit against Meyer and he is now representing an organization that is suing the Yellowstone Club to stop development and to stop polluting the river.
I’m a practicing environmental attorney, a trained biologist, a husband, a father of twin boys, and a long-time resident of Bozeman. I’m running for mayor to make our city the most sustainable in the world. I have no obligations to developers - only to Bozeman and the people that live here.
My Story
My parents taught me to never trust or rely on politicians and instead embrace an honest day’s work and pull myself up. So, for five years after law school I lived in a yurt without running water or electricity to focus all my resources on starting a non-profit, environmental law firm. Through my years in the courts, I learned that cities and local governments can protect residents just as much if not more than lawsuits - that’s why I decided to run for mayor.
My Priorities
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John is the lead attorney on the Bozeman local ballot initiative that was passed to regulate single use plastics. The initiative passed by 64%.
The initiative will go into effect in 2026 if a jury decides single-use plastics infringe upon Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment.
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John Meyer lives in an affordable housing development in Bozeman. As a veteran ballot initiative attorney, John drafted the WARD ballot initiative, which will require 1/3 of all new developments of 3 units or more to be affordable.
The status quo is not sustainable. As the cost of living increases, more and more people are being pushed out of Bozeman. Exacerbating the cost of living problem is the cost of renting or purchasing a new home. Young professionals and families cannot afford to live in the town where they work. John is actively working to change that.
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The current Bozeman City Commission has failed to address the fact that Bozeman voters do not want or need more luxury housing.
City planning should prioritize overwhelming public interests over individual developer interests which promote real estate speculation.
Learn more about my work to slow unsustainable luxury development here.
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The City of Bozeman has said we will have water shortages in the next ten years. Water conservation is a step in the right direction but does not confront the primary offender: unchecked and rampant development. By prioritizing how we allocate our water resources, the city can ensure our water rights' are protected.
I drafted the Water Adeqaucy ballot initiative that will ensure unnecessary luxury development does not steal Bozeman residents’ limited water supply.
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Public transportation is an important way for Bozeman to reduce tailpipe emissions. I’ll work to ensure the City of Bozeman partners more closely with the Human Resources Development Council to increase the range and frequency of where buses travel. If we’re going to tackle climate change, public transportation should be readily available to everyone. The network of bus lines should encourage ridership and incentive wealth creation by moving efficiently and consistently to important places in the community.
Connect
Testimonials
“John Meyer is running for mayor on a platform of sustainability, and our city commission needs his perspectives.”
“I support John Meyer because he is the only candidate that is willing to use the law to protect Bozeman residents and make our town truly sustainable.”
“[…] John has actually taken on powerful and wealthy interests by holding the Yellowstone Club accountable for polluting our beloved Gallatin River and challenged the predatory practices of United Healthcare.”
“John has fresh, actionable ideas about providing affordable housing for locals, stewarding our natural environment, and preserving our quality of life.”
“Vote YES for Bozeman and John Meyer for mayor.”
“John Meyer is principled, passionate, and pragmatic. He challenges and says things differently than other people, and that is precisely what would make him an asset to the City Commission.”
“Meyer walks the talk, which is a rare thing in politics. I encourage people to vote for John Meyer for Bozeman mayor this November 7th.”
“The climate crisis is the most consequential issue facing Bozeman and the world as a whole. John Meyer has a proven track record of tackling this problem and will undoubtedly make this a primary focus in his position as mayor.”
“We need John Meyer on our commission to bring thoughtful solutions so we can retain the small-town Bozeman we all love.”
The Cardboard Campaign
