Monday, October 6, 2025

Hotel Foyer

Pick-up your badges, register for the conference, register for a tour, or get a question about the conference answered.

Western Star Ballroom

There are many “hidden gems” in Montana – where history is rich and hospitality is warm, but towns and cities struggle with having many abandoned, vacant, and underutilized properties. Brownfields funding is a golden ticket to bringing public assistance to this issue. As of the 2025 legislative session, Montana is now the newest state to welcome a dedicated Brownfields program! Come learn how you can use these resources to bring life to the dilapidated properties in your community.

Presenter: Jayson Seyler

Jason Seyler is the Brownfields Coordinator for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. He has championed Brownfields redevelopment in Montana since 2009. Jason enjoys finding creative solutions for non-profits, local communities, businesses, and developers to assess and cleanup underutilized properties throughout Montana. Jason Seyler currently serves as vice-chairperson for the ASTSWMO Brownfields focus group and has been working collaboratively with other state programs since 2018.

Presenter: Jordan Green, AICP, CFM

Jordan Green is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Deer Lodge. He moved to Montana in 2021 from his home state of Kansas. He received a master’s degree from Kansas State in Regional and Community Planning. His job responsibilities are varied, but his primary responsibility is to act as the city’s planner. His primary planning focus for Deer Lodge is downtown revitalization through community involvement, economic development, and pedestrian-friendly design.

Presenter: Amanda Cooley, CFM

Amanda Cooley is the Planning Director for Powell County, Montana. She has served in this role for four years. She obtained her degree in Sustainable Land Use Planning from Weber State University with a minor in Botany and an emphasis in the use of GIS in 2018. During this time, she was published for work on Dark Skies initiatives in planning, and completed nationally recognized GIS research on Redlining. Prior to her career in planning, she started and managed small businesses.

1 CM Sustainability & Resilience

Iron Horse Ballroom

Six million acres of productive agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and open space have been conserved in Montana in the past half century. Land trusts, tribes, national NGOs, communities, and government agencies have used conservation easements and land purchases to achieve this. We will explore the Helena region, Rocky Mountain Front, and the Blackfoot watershed as applied case studies. This analysis is drawn from our book, Saving the Big Sky: A Chronicle of Land Conservation in Montana.

Presenter: John Wright, PhD

John (Jack) Wright was formerly the Planning Director in Mineral County. He earned his PhD in Geography at UC Berkeley. Wright has created over 130 conservation easements in Montana and across the American West. He is the author/co-author of six books about land conservation.

Presenter: Robert Kiesling, MS

Robert (Bob) Kiesling served as the Director of the Montana office of The Nature Conservancy for many years. He helped protect Pine Butte Swamp, Crown Butte, Wild Horse Island and many other places. He was a Director of the Montana Environmental Information Center. Bob has completed scores of land conservation projects across Montana as a consultant. He is now a conservation broker who works at Sweetwater Ranches. Bob earned his MS in Environmental Studies at UM in Missoula.

1 CM

Western Star Ballroom

By utilizing an EDA grant, the Department of Commerce was able to do outreach across the state to planning professionals and analyze what planning tools, data and resources were needed most to assist planners with their daily tasks. This session breaks down that process and demonstrates the live Community Planning Platform site and how it will function in the future.

Presenter: Dani Arps

Dani Arps worked for Teton County from 2021-2023 as the planner, floodplain administrator, grant administrator and GIS systems manager. She now works for the Department of Commerce in the Community MT Division, as a planner with the Community Technical Assistance Program, or CTAP, where she gets to help local governments with planning document updates, training for planning boards, supporting local planning efforts and helping maintain the Community Planning Platform content.

Presenter: Dave Ritts

Dave Ritts is a GIS Analyst with the Montana Department of Commerce. He provides GIS support to the Census & Economic Information Center (CEIC) where he is the primary contact in the State of Montana for statistical boundary updates to the U.S. Census Geography program. He is also responsible for maintaining the CEIC data warehouse and website.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

This session will take the audience through a thoughtful journey to reimagine what updating land use regulations should mean. When managing for impacts on neighbors and communities, land use regulations can support rural communities become rooted in a bold future that is of their own making. Through case studies and audience interaction, we’ll share success stories of communities who right-sized their regulations to their community needs.

Presenter: TJ Dlubac, AICP

TJ brings fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box-thinking to communities looking for practical strategies to tackle big problems. His experience as a former public-sector planner and executive has given him the tools to navigate complex projects, and an understanding of how communities are shaped by policy and land use decisions. He is passionate about helping communities envision their long-term goals and offering commonsense strategies to achieve them.

1 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

We will present student research on the College M and associated trails, located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Projects explore infrastructure and facility design, environmental and vegetation considerations, Indigenous perspectives, the M’s historic significance, and public perceptions of the M and area. This work informs planning decisions related to recreation, cultural resource management, public engagement, and sustainable use of shared and iconic local natural spaces.

Presenter: Sarah Church, PhD

Dr. Sarah P. Church is an Associate Professor of Geography and Planning in the Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University. She examines how and why people make land management decisions that impact water resources and soil health, including how stakeholder engagement processes influence social learning and behavior change. Dr. Church holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Utah and PhD in Planning from the University of British Columbia.

Presenter: Jodi Allison-Bunnell, MLS

Jodi Allison-Bunnell is the Head of Archives and Special Collections, Senior Archivist, and an Assistant Professor at the Montana State University Library. Prior positions have included independent consultant, program manager for the Orbis Cascade Alliance, archivist at the University of Montana, and project archivist at the University of Maryland at College Park. In 2023, she was named a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists. She holds an MA and an MLS from the University of Maryland at

Presenter: Susanne Cowan, PhD

Dr. Susanne Cowan is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at Montana State University. Dr. Cowan researches historical and contemporary approaches to participatory democracy for neighborhood planning. She also conducts service-learning projects with local organizations, including a study of gentrification in historic neighborhoods in Bozeman. Dr. Cowan holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of California Berkeley.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Presenter: Liz Lang, Marketing & Communications Director, American Planning Association

An advocate for effective creativity, Liz Lang serves as Marketing and Communications Director at American Planning Association, leading marketing communication strategy, customer insight exploration, and content solutions. At APA, Liz is responsible for leading strategic, brand-building efforts for all of APA and its professional institute, AICP. 

Liz has also led state-level training on issue campaign development as well as advocacy communications for influence and persuasion. Tenacious and focused, with an eye for what lies just beneath the surface, Liz is a firm believer that the small things can be big, and one size does not fit all. Liz’s work has been honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Addy awards, Telly, Excel, and Communicator awards, and a Most Watched YouTube designation. Using a unique blend of insight, story and culture, Liz translates complexity into narrative—finding opportunity amid challenge. Prior to joining APA, Liz served as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Opportunity International, a nonprofit providing financial services to people living in extreme poverty. There she unified the global brand and forged key partnerships, developing the Opportunity cause marketing partnership program and boosting revenue and reach. Liz has also held leadership positions and developed successful multifaceted campaigns for top brands at major agencies including Havas Worldwide, Young & Rubicam, and boutique firm Translation. 

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Overview of US Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court, Montana Federal District Court, Montana Supreme Court, and Montana State District Court decisions regarding land use and planning. Attendees will learn the facts of each case, the statutes and precedent applied in the case, and the decision reached by the court. Each decision will be described in the context of its application to current planning work, and the presenter will engage attendees in discussions of how the decisions could affect such wo

Presenter: Kelly Lynch, JD, AICP

Kelly has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney and local government advocate. She focuses on collaboration between public agencies, the private sector, and elected officials with diverse backgrounds to provide creative, efficient, and effective leadership for Montana’s communities. Prior to joining the League in 2016, Kelly served as Community Development Division Administrator and Special Projects Legal Counsel for Montana Department of Commerce. She was previously an associate at Richard Watson and Gershon in Los Angeles and Deputy County Counsel for Santa Barbara County, California. Her particular planning obsession is regulatory takings and taking pictures of the properties where the big cases originated. Originally from East Helena, Montana, Kelly earned her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of California at Los Angeles, Luskin School of Public Affairs and her JD from the University of California at Los Angeles, School of Law. She earned her certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2015.

1.0 CM Law

Western Star Ballroom

This session will explore how, through robust and creative community engagement, strategic use of geospatial technology, and the innovative use of a PRO Housing Grant, Helena is crafting data-driven and right-sized solutions to meet its housing needs and economic development goals while preserving and enhancing its identity and becoming more resilient.

Presenter: Chris Brink, AICP EDFP

Chris Brink has nearly three decades’ experience in community development and planning. He has served as the Director of the Helena Community Development Department since 2022.

Presenter: Cody Ferguson, PhD

Cody Ferguson is New Market Lead with Houseal Lavigne, where he manages planning projects across the West including comprehensive plan updates and zoning reforms. Cody worked as project manager working with the City of Helena on the Helena Forward Land Use Plan and is working with the City on updating it zoning and subdivision regulations.

1 CM Sustainability & Resilience

Empire Builder Ballroom

Many counties in Montana are in the process of completing a Community Wildlfire Protection Plan (CWPP) or Natural Resource Management Policy (NRMP). With a range of urban/rural landscapes, federal land ownership, forested and agricultural lands, and fire risk, each plan is unique but the process is similar. Understand the key components and the challenges and benefits to ensure that local needs are adequately considered.

Presenter: Myla Kelly

Myla is the Environmental Group Lead at DJ&A, with over 25 years of experience with natural resource issues in Montana. Myla and her team have completed multiple CWPPs across the state; specializing in supporting county-driven processes, where data, analytics, and community input come together.

Presenter: Josh Elliot, PE

After spending 12 years as a geotechnical engineer, Josh returned to school to earn a master’s degree in resource conservation with a focus on natural resource law and policy from the University of Montana. Following this program, he began working for DJ&A where he now manages a variety of environmental projects for federal, state, and local agencies. With his engineering background and specialized knowledge related to natural resource law, regulation, policy, and planning, Josh is well-positioned to help local planners advocate for local needs during state and federal land management planning processes. He enjoys managing multidisciplinary projects and helping teams perform to solve complex problems within our legal structure.

1 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

Local infrastructure is the backbone of Montana’s communities, and the funding landscape has changed dramatically over the last year. Join MDT policy administrator Rob Stapely and transportation policy expert Spencer Dodge in a discussion around the current infrastructure funding landscape, a conversation that evolves almost daily! This session will bring you up-to-date with recent and ongoing changes at the state (MDT) and federal (US DOT) level. We will discuss administration priorities, new directives, issues, and opportunities. Local Planning Director, Amanda Cooley, will introduce the discussion and provide perspectives on how these changes are affecting planners at the local level.

Presenter: Rob Stapley

Rob is the Administrator of the Policy Office at MDT. This is a relatively new office at MDT that focuses on transportation policy through work with department staff, state and federal partners and key stakeholders. His work focuses on influencing federal transportation laws to include rural states’ needs and identifying and coordinating the department’s legislative priorities with the goal of safely and efficiently moving people and goods across Montana.

Presenter: Spencer Dodge,

Spencer is an experienced public affairs professional with a demonstrated history of working in transportation policy and funding. His professional interests include Grant Development and Management, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, Campaign Management, Facilitation, Negotiation, Public Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement. Spencer is a strategic administrative professional focused on transportation public policy with a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution from University of Denver – Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

Presenter: Amanda Cooley, CFM

Amanda Cooley is the Planning Director for Powell County, Montana. She has served in this role for four years. As a rural county planner, she works across a broad range of land use topics beyond zoning, permitting, and long-range planning. She leads or participates in regional, cross-boundary collaborations for trail development, outdoor recreation, wildfire mitigation, brownfields/superfund reclamation, and economic development. She supports this work through fundraising, grant writing, grant management and project management.

1 CM

Conference Foyer / Registration Table

Join members of the Helena Public Art Committee for a guided walking tour highlighting Helena’s vibrant public art scene. Explore downtown murals, sculptures, and community-driven installations—including the eclectic Rodney Street corridor. Learn how local artists, planners, and neighbors have collaborated to shape spaces that reflect Helena’s identity, spark dialogue, and foster connection. Comfortable shoes encouraged!

Presenter: Amanda Reese

Amanda Reese is a graphic designer, creative placemaker, and chair of the Helena Public Art Committee. With over a decade of experience organizing community-driven art projects and underground events, she brings a passion for blending culture, creativity, and public space. Amanda is deeply invested in making the city’s neighborhoods vibrant, inclusive, and uniquely expressive.

Presenter: Max Hay

Max Hay is a local musician, community builder, and vice chair of the Helena Public Art Committee. Known for his creative energy and collaborative spirit, Max is dedicated to fostering connection through organizing live music opportunities, public art and grassroots projects across Helena.

2.25 CM

Western Star Ballroom

This session will emphasize the latest thinking in regards to development and construction of bikeway and walkway networks in Montana communities.  Funding resources and current examples of completed bikeway / walkway projects will be presented.  

Presenter: Gus Byrom

Gus Byrom has served as a city planning consultant in Colorado and past planning director for Helena and Lewis and Clark County.  Gus just retired from the Montana Department of Commerce where he has been employed since 1986 primarily administering HUD-assisted grants to local governments for public facilities and housing, as well as assisting local governments prepare long term community growth plans.  As a volunteer, Gus participated in two community-build sidewalk projects in Helena, one to provide a safe route to a neighborhood school and another to provide sidewalks along a busy commercial / motel corridor. 

Presenter: Richard Knatterud

Richard is a retired civil engineer. He worked as a consultant in the upper midwest until he moved to Montana in 1991. He worked for the Departments of Environmental Quality, Transportation and Commerce until his retirement in 2021. He was a bicycle commuter twelve months a year for those thirty years. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

You spend weeks crafting the “perfect” RFP, only to receive proposals that don’t come close to what you thought you asked for! Using real-world examples and consultant perspectives we’ll highlight common pitfalls and share practical strategies for getting better responses.

Presenter: Allison Mouch, AICP

Don’t you know who she is?? Past MAP Board Director, current APA Region V Board Director, and Managing Partner of Orion Planning & Design.

Presenter: Staron Foucher, AICP

He’s a big deal, is the Region III AICP Commissioner, and will outshine you at karaoke. What more do you need to know?

Presenter: Aaron Wilson, AICP

Aaron Wilson is the MAP Board President, and will be largely deferring to the other two panelists for their expertise as well as taking the heat for the public sector RFPs. He also did not get here with musical or vocal talent.

1 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

In May 2025, the City of Bozeman began creating maps of current and potential maximum housing density and identify areas for future residential development using land and improvement valuation, zoning data, and urban renewal status, and presence of planning projects. These data were gathered to support the City’s efforts towards compliance with the Montana Land Use and Planning Act. This session describes the methods, software, analysis methods, and discusses the results of the project.

Presenter: Andrew Stickney, GISP

Andrew is a GIS Analyst at HDR with over 12 years of experience in spatial data management and analysis in parks and recreation, urban planning and zoning, and natural resource management. He excels at using geographic information science, data, and systems to support multidisciplinary projects, conduct advanced spatial analyses, and create high-quality cartographic and geographic information products. His goal is to use geospatial tools to solve problems, tell stories, and create solutions

Presenter: Kergis Hiebert

Kergis is a GIS Specialist with the City of Bozeman, where he applies his expertise in mapping and spatial analysis to support various work within the city including local planning initiatives. With a background in climate science, aerial and satellite imagery, and environmental mapping, Kergis has contributed key visual insights to the Montana Land Use Planning Act project, creating spatial products that enhance public engagement, understanding, and decision-making.

1 CM

Ten-Mile Creek Brewery 48 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT

Join your fellow conference attendees for an evening of trivia and pizza.