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Legislative Committee

Our legislative committee is comprised of MAP members from throughout the state. They include public and private sector planners from communities large and small. Legislative committee members volunteer their time. All of our legislative committee members are dedicated to representing the diverse views of MAP membership through the lens of their individual experiences in the communities they work in.

2025 -2026 Legislative Committee

  • Aaron Wilson – MAP President
  • Sean O’Callaghan – Co-Chair
  • Anna Vickers – Co-Chair
  • Jamie Erbacher
  • Jerry Grebenc
  • Jordan Green
  • Andrew Hagemeier
  • Michael Inman
  • Greg McNally
  • Allison Mouch
  • Monica Plecker
  • Tim Worley

Montana Association of Planners 69th Montana Legislative Priorities

The Montana Association of Planners drafted and adopted the following priorities for the 69th
Legislative Session to use as a guide for formulating positions on legislation.

Montana Association of Planner’s Legislative Priorities for the 2025 Legislature

2025 Legislative Context

Planning statutes are receiving heightened attention with law makers and the public.

There is a perception that local land use regulations are creating barriers compounding issues,
specifically housing issues, in communities across Montana. There is a demand for immediate
relief, and a perception that previous bills focused on reform have failed to provide results.

Land use legislation and regulatory reform will continue to be a priority for the legislature in the
2025 legislative session.

Technical arguments on regulation and processes that are typically MAPs strength are not going to
work against the affordable housing narrative.

General Directives

  • Focus legislative capacity on bills addressing Growth Policies, Zoning, and Subdivision
  • Be solutions orientated, recognize the status quo is not going to remain
  • Be cognizant of MAP’s strengths and weaknesses in the political landscape
  • Keep the MAP Board and membership apprised of major planning legislation


Strategic Directives

  • Maintain the momentum and progress made in the 2023 session elevating the profile and
    influence of MAP
  • Strategically embrace reform that emphasizes important planning issues. Important issues
    to MAP in the 2025 session include but are not limited to housing, local decision making,
    public health and safety, and community identity.
  • How we message will be critical. Know when messaging should focus on how a bill will
    affect the communities we work in, and when technical arguments will or won’t be
    effective.
  • Recognize the urban vs rural differences in planning, and how solutions designed for one
    area might affect the other differently.
  • Leverage our relationships and diversity of skills as planners – come up with technical and
    creative solutions, be a part of coalitions, and engage our local elected officials on
    important planning topics.
  • The legislative bill tracker is an important resource for membership, legislators, and the
    public. Prioritize the posting of timely information and upkeep of the tracker in the 2025
    Legislative Session.