On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Mayor Terry Cunningham will bang the gavel and open the 2026 Commission meeting for the final time in his career on the Bozeman City Commission. Deputy Mayor Joey Morrison will then be sworn in as the new Mayor for the 2026 to 2028 term.

"Serving the residents of Bozeman as City Commissioner, Deputy Mayor and Mayor has been the honor of a lifetime,” Mayor Cunningham stated. “I've appreciated your trust and your grace over the past 8 years. Throughout my tenure, I've attempted to reduce the barriers between the commission and Bozeman citizens by creating more opportunities for direct conversations, listening sessions and neighborhood meetings. Thank you for your willingness to show up, to ask great questions, and to share your hopes and dreams for Bozeman's future.”

Cunningham began his time on the Commission in 2018 as a City Commissioner and ran for the mayoral office at the end of his term in 2021. He won his race, and as is required by city ordinance, he served two years as Deputy Mayor and began his mayoral term in 2024.

Throughout his time on the Commission, he remained a passionate advocate for affordable housing and protecting Bozeman’s natural landscape. He saw rapid growth during these years, with the COVID-19 pandemic years being some of the highest growth years the city has experienced in recent decades. Housing prices rose, and Cunningham became an even more active advocate for affordability by voting for more affordable units, participating in local groups such as the Regional Housing Coalition, and advocating at the state legislature for better tools around housing.

Cunningham was also concerned for the agricultural lands, wetlands, natural streams, wildlife corridors, and Bozeman’s growth in the wake of climate change. He was actively involved in the creation of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan and advocated for the creation of the Sensitive Lands Plan to understand the data around Bozeman’s precious resources. He voted for better protection of wetlands, for the elimination of plastics, and collaborated regularly with local organizations looking to restore Bozeman Creek.

Outside of housing and natural lands, Cunningham cared deeply about connecting with residents on wide-ranging issues, encouraging their participation in local government. He worked with veterans on establishing a columbarium at the Sunset Hills Cemetery, he celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day regularly atop Peets Hill, and he worked to strengthen partnerships with Gallatin County, City of Belgrade, Montana State University, Bozeman School District, the Chamber of Commerce, Bozeman Health, and many community nonprofits to tackle challenging regional issues together. For those who attend Commission meetings regularly, he is well-known for his cheery, “Good evening!” ahead of each public comment, no matter how controversial the issue.

“With City Commission leadership and city staff support, we've made significant strides in the areas of natural resource protection, workforce housing, city facility upgrades, public works and public safety investments, citizen engagement and the care for our most vulnerable citizens. There is still much work to be done, but I'm confident that the next City Commission and our dedicated city staff are up to the challenge,” Mayor Cunningham stated.

Those interested in learning more about Bozeman’s Mayor can visit https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission.