Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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

Iron Horse Ballroom

This hands-on workshop from the Montana State Library will cover updates on MSL GIS programs, including grants and data access. Participants will learn how to use MSDI framework data in ArcGIS Online and Pro for planning tasks. A focus will be on the addressing lifecycle—how local data is refined, aggregated into statewide datasets, and integrated into national systems. Includes demos and basic mapping exercises. No prior GIS experience required.

Presenter: Matt Trebesch

Matt Trebesch is a GIS Analyst at the Montana State Library (MSL), where he manages projects like the MSL Flood Hub and COVID-19 dashboard, leads geospatial governance efforts, and administers the MSL ArcGIS Online platform in support of the agency and other state partners. He is also a project manager for the MGIA grant program. His background includes municipal GIS coordination and managing GIS for a 9-1-1 software vendor.

4 CM

Western Star Ballroom

The City of Missoula and Missoula County adopted the Sxʷtpqyen Neighborhoods Master Plan, amending growth policies for a 2,000-acre area. IMEG supported the plan and code adoption process, applying intelligent growth principles to promote walkable, diverse, sustainable, and affordable neighborhoods. A new form-based code was adopted. IMEG also led the first three projects through the new review process, navigating emerging challenges and opportunities.

Presenter: Paul Forsting, AICP

Paul Forsting, AICP, is IMEG’s Director of Planning for Montana, leading a statewide team of design professionals and project managers. He has delivered successful land use and environmental planning projects, including regulatory permitting, feasibility analysis, and preparation of resource management plans and environmental assessments. Paul excels at clearly communicating complex topics in public forums.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation, Real Estate Management Bureau staff will present a history of Montana’s state trust lands and real estate programs on state trust lands, including commercial leasing. Development of the Real Estate Management Plan, relevant statutory requirements, and recent legislative changes will be covered.

Presenter: Deidra Kloberdanz

Deidra Kloberdanz is the Real Estate Management Bureau Chief in the Forestry & Trust Lands Division at Montana’s Department of Natural Resources & Conservation. She oversees diverse real estate activities, including residential, commercial and renewable energy leasing, land transactions, and easements and rights of way on state trust land across Montana. Previously, Deidra worked in transportation and land planning and holds a degree in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University.

Presenter: Rory Ruffner

Rory Ruffner is the Property Management Section Supervisor for the Forestry & Trust Lands Division of the DNRC.  Prior to joining the DNRC three years ago, he worked for the Dept. of Defense for nearly twenty years doing natural resource management, both in the field and in the office.  One of his primary roles within the DNRC deals with the Commercial Leasing of State Trust Lands in rural and urban areas. Rory earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Utah State University.

1 CM

Western Star Ballroom

Gallatin County’s Future Land Use Map was developed to protect sensitive natural resources, wildlife, and agriculture in a fast-growing county facing housing affordability challenges. This session will delve into the stakeholder engagement process to inform the careful curation of data for a suitability model, then cover subsequent steps to develop the final map and recommendations for adoption. Amendment criteria to protect the integrity of the data driven approach will also be discussed.

Presenter: Sean O’Callaghan, AICP, CFM

Sean, Chief Planning Officer for Gallatin County, somehow makes policy wrangling look cool – if cool involves endless public meetings, questionable attempts to decode legislation, and routinely beating his head against the wall. A master of dry wit, Sean keeps the wheels of planning turning while pretending the legislative session is fun. He co-chairs the MAP committee where he advocates for sound planning policy decisions, fueled by caffeine, patience, and the occasional deep-sigh.

Presenter: Megan Hazer Alvarez

Meghan is the Community Development Manager for Gallatin County’s Planning Department. She has experience in public and private sector planning, a Master of Science in Landscape Architecture, and a Master of Public Health with research focused on built environment factors and health outcomes, including exposure to greenspace and stress and zoning, liquor outlet density, and crime. Her current focus is long-range planning efforts, like the Future Land Use Map and zoning reform discussions.

Presenter: Ashlie Gilbert

Ashlie is a Senior Planner for the Gallatin County Department of Planning and Community Development. She received undergraduate degrees in Psychology and International Studies from the University of Utah in 2015 and a Master’s in Earth Sciences, Emphasis in Geography, from Montana State University in 2022. Currently, Ashlie’s focus as a planner is on long-range projects such as zoning reform and a model zoning code to promote affordable housing as well as subdivision review.

1 CM Sustainability & Resilience

Empire Builder Ballroom

This presentation explores the intersection of environmental regulation and urban planning, focusing on three critical areas: Pretreatment, Stormwater Management, and Sustainability. It aims to equip planners with the knowledge and strategies needed to support resilient, compliant, and future-ready communities.

Presenter: Leea Anderson

Leea Anderson is the Environmental Regulation Pretreatment Manager for the City of Helena. She has over a decade of expereice in environmental compliance and regulatory enforcement, including water, wastewater, wastewater pretreatment, stormwater, land management, and sustainabililty. She previously worked for DEQ, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Land Management. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Interpretation and a B.S. in Environmental Science.

1 CM

Meet at Registration Table

We will hold an Inclusive Interdisciplinary Walk/Move Audit (I2Audit) workshop to teach the I2Audit practice and show its use in the Greater Helena area. We will present the I2Audit Primer and procedures then go on a community-led tour of a selected route planned to advance local short-term and long-term goals with coordinated policy, systems, and environmental changes. I2Audits help planners engage a range of community members and partners to build resilient plans and drive equitable outcomes.

Presenter: Meg Ann Traci, PhD

Meg Ann Traci, PhD is a Research Professor at the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities and senior consultant on the Montana Disability and Health Program (MTDH). Mackenzie Jones, MPH, CHES, is the Montana DPHHS MTDH program manager. MTDH supports the disability community to drive futures of healthy and resilient communities. Charles Alvarez, Ability Montana; Kathleen Aragon, Bike Walk Montana; and other co-presenters, collaborators with MTDH on I2Audits for 10+ years.

4 CM

Western Star Ballroom

Learn how the City of Great Falls set a new standard for public engagement during its Growth Policy Update. Through over 70 events, a 2,300+ response survey, Planning Week, and tools like mapping exercises and a telephone guestbook, the City blended in-person, online, and passive engagement to exceed Montana Land Use and Planning Act standards. This session shares practical strategies for deeply rooted, community-driven planning.

Presenter: Brock Cherry,

Brock Cherry is the Planning & Community Development Director for Great Falls, MT. He’s a city planner who jumps headfirst into tough conversations—armed with heart, a calculator, and a belief that good planning is just caring loudly about your hometown. From high desert towns to river valley cities, he’s helping folks shape places they’re proud to call home—with less red tape, more handshake, and room for everyone in the story.

Presenter: Alaina Mattimiro

Alaina Mattimiro is an Associate Planner for the City of Great Falls and has covered a wide range of work including code amendments, development projects, transportation planning, and long-range initiatives. A combination of degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Elementary Education built the basis for her crusade for education and outreach.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

This session is designed to provide new and seasoned land use planning professionals with basin water rights knowledge and understanding. This session will also go over new legislation and implications it may have on land use planning.

Presenter: Nate Ward

Nate Ward is the Water Rights Bureau Chief for the Water Resources Division of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The Water Rights Bureau oversees all water right permitting (Post-June 30, 1973, water rights and change applications). Nate has 12 years of water rights experience with DNRC and has worked in regional offices both east and west of the divide.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Presenter: Cole Mannix, Old Salt Co-op

Cole is part of an extended family that has ranched together since 1882 near Helmville, MT. He did an undergrad in biology, another in philosophy at Carroll College, then a masters in theology at Boston College. From ‘12-’16 he worked for a startup beef company called Salt of the Earth Ranchers Cooperative. From ’17-’20 he worked for Western Landowners Alliance to advance policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species. As a co-founder and President of Old Salt Co-op, he is helping to build a regenerative marketplace for fine American meat. He and spouse Eileen Brennan live in Helena with two sons, Finn and Charlie.

1 CM

Western Star Ballroom

This session will discuss the unique planning challenges and successes experienced in Indian Country, from navigating jurisdictional complexities to celebrating culturally-informed community planning.

Presenter: Megan Terry, PLA, SITES AP

Megan Terry is Landscape Architect and Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional focused on urban design, environmental resiliency, and rural connectivity. Her work focuses on implementing nature-based solutions and green infrastructure across the Intermountain West. Megan partners with rural and tribal communities to in multiple design and planning capacities, using landscape architecture as a tool for lasting, place-based impact.

Presenter: Stephen Coe, PE, AICP

Stephen Coe is a certified planner and environmental engineer with over 30 years of experience in environmental planning and permitting. At WET, he leads projects in air quality, stormwater, and mining, while contributing to regional planning efforts. With experience in both public and private sectors, he is known for blending technical expertise with inclusive public engagement. He holds a BS in Environmental Engineering and is licensed in seven states.

1 CM Equity

Empire Builder Ballroom

A review of the 2025 Legislative Session land use bills by the Montana Association of Planners Legislative Committee.

Presenter: Anna Vickers

Anna, Planning Division Manager for Billings and Yellowstone County, bravely leads despite her calendar being 97% meetings and 3% coffee. As MAP Legislative Committee Co-Chair, she translates planner-speak into something lawmakers might understand. Known for wrangling zoning drama and acronyms like a pro, Anna’s superpower is surviving legislative session with only mild sarcasm and a lot of snacks.

Presenter: Sean O’Callaghan, AICP, CFM

Sean, Chief Planning Officer for Gallatin County, somehow makes policy wrangling look cool – if cool involves endless public meetings, questionable attempts to decode legislation, and routinely beating his head against the wall. A master of dry wit, Sean keeps the wheels of planning turning while pretending the legislative session is fun. He co-chairs the MAP committee where he advocates for sound planning policy decisions, fueled by caffeine, patience, and the occasional deep-sigh.

1 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

DEQ staff will discuss individual, shared, multiple user, public and municipal water and wastewater systems and how each system type drives the density and layout of a subdivision.

Presenter: Rachel Clark, PE

Rachel Clark is the chief of the Engineering Bureau at the Department of Environmental Quality. She is a licensed professional engineer and has worked at Montana DEQ for over 20 years. Prior to that she worked for County, City, and State government in Alaska.

1 CM

Western Star Ballroom

Collaborative, community-based approaches to design and planning of the built environment has a unique set of difficulties, obstacles, and opportunities. We will be looking at case studies of collaborations between architectural students from the Montana Community Design Center and community organizations/stakeholders in order to understand what works best for collaborative and community engagement.

Presenter: Jordan Zignego, AIA, PhD, NCARB

Dr. Jordan Zignego is Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at Montana State University and is the Director of the Community Design Center. Jordan combines his interdisciplinary passion with being of service by connecting architecture students to the community through design projects that benefit non-profits and government organizations. The Montana Community Design Center is rooted in pluralism and takes a collaborative and community-based approach to architecture and design.

Presenter: Zachary Brown

Zach Brown is a Gallatin County Commissioner and former three-term State Representative. Zach is an avid outdoorsman, the son and brother of Bozeman small business owners, and a product of Montana’s public education system. From 2014 to 2020, Zach worked as a nonprofit professional in Bozeman in addition to serving three terms representing Gallatin County in the Montana House of Representatives.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Conflict is inevitable in planning – from tense public meetings to difficult one-on-one conversations with elected
officials, colleagues, and community members. This interactive panel will feature three seasoned planners who will
share real-life examples of navigating tough conversations in their work. They will discuss the good, the bad, and the
ugly of these experiences, highlighting what worked, what failed, and what they learned when it comes to building
trust even amid disagreement, and communicating clearly under pressure. The panel will explore: Preparing for high-
stakes conversations, navigating public anger and fear, building bridges with skeptical or oppositional elected officials,
managing internal team conflict, and staying on top of the rumor mill.

Presenter: Monica Plecker, AICP

Monica Plecker is the Director of Public Works for Yellowstone County and currently serves as the board Treasurer.
She has been involved in the Montana Association of Planners since 2012 and a board member since 2015. She is also
a long-time member of the legislative committee. Monica began her career in Montana as a planner for the City of
Laurel, eventually becoming Planning Manager for the City of Billings and Yellowstone County. While her work has
transitioned from Planning to Public Works, she is still passionate about the work that MAP supports across the state.
She earned a bachelors in Political Science and Public Policy from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA

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.

1 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

This session reframes stormwater as essential infrastructure that shapes development, land use, and community resilience. Using Montana-based examples, it explores how planners can integrate green infrastructure and runoff management into policy, site design, and growth strategies. Attendees will gain practical insights into planning more resilient communities—with water treated as a design element, infrastructure is future-ready, and stormwater as a tool for building stronger, healthier places.

Presenter: Tyler Halligan

Tyler is a Stormwater Specialist with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. He holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry and an M.S. in Environmental Studies with a focus on environmental policy and environmental justice. Tyler’s work spans science, policy, and public engagement. He focuses on practical problem-solving, bridging the gap between policy and implementation, and advancing place-based solutions for building resilient communities across Montana.

1 CM

Meet at Registration Table

This session will be a walking tour of Helena’s “Walking Mall,” located on Last Chance Gulch between 6th Avenue and the Commerce Building. The Mall was created in the 1970s when “Main Street” was closed to vehicle traffic as part of Urban Renewal. The Mall has seen a recent surge in activity and interest, and showcases successful mixed-use development, with office space, residential (including low-income), breweries, bars, restuarants, a hotel, retail shops, and performance spaces.

Presenter: Sean Morrison, JD

Sean Morrison is a tax attorney in Helena, Montana, and currently serves as Secretary for the Walking Mall Foundation. Mr. Morrison has provided expert testimony in litigation related to tax increment financing districts and has assisted resort districts with formation and administration. Prior to returning to his hometown of Helena, Mr. Morrison worked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., and attended Harvard Law School, JD 2015, and the University of Montana, BA 2009.

Presenter: Zachary Coe

Zachary Coe is the Program Director for the Foundation for Montana History. He has written and provided historic tours in Helena, including tours of the Walking Mall. Mr. Coe has experience in museum curation and education, guiding historic tours, script writing, social media for history projects, exhibit design and grant writing. Mr. Coe has a BA in the History of Science and Technology, with a Minor in Writing, and MA in Public History from MSU-Bozeman.

1 CM

Western Star Ballroom

Rose Hills, a new neighborhood by Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, shows how thoughtful design can address housing needs, maximize infrastructure, and expand local tax base. This session explores how affordable, dense, and walkable development can align development and municipal goals. Learn how one of the nation’s largest Habitat-led projects offers a scalable model for community-centered neighborhood planning.

Presenter: Jacob Kuntz

Jacob Kuntz is the Executive Director of Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, a role he has held for the past ten years. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its impact through innovative neighborhood development, including the Rose Hills project—one of the largest Habitat-led initiatives in the country. He specializes in affordable housing strategy, community partnerships, and aligning development with long-term municipal goals.

1 CM

Empire Builder Ballroom

Join a panel discussion on transportation planning issues and opportunities from across the state, including an overview of working with the Montana Department of Transportation, translating MPO processes to the local level, infrastructure planning as part of a land use plan, and challenges and solutions for small, resource-constrained communiites. There will be something for everyone to learn from in this engaging session

Presenter: Pam Langve-Davis

Pam Langve-Davis, MDT’s transportation safety planner and project manager of Montana’s Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan, coordinates proven safety strategies and provides technical assistance on community lead transportation safety planning efforts with consideration of the four transportation safety disciplines. With a focus on reducing roadway deaths and life altering injuries, Pam works with local and tribal communities to build committee networks and develop transportation safety plans.

Presenter: Mitch Buthod, AICP

Mitch Buthod, AICP, leads the MDT Statewide and Urban Planning Section’s team of transportation planning professionals which manages the Urban Highway Program, oversees Montana’s pre-NEPA/MEPA corridor planning processes, and assists local governments and MPOs with transportation planning, among various other responsibilities. He holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science (CU-Boulder) and Master’s degrees in Water Resources Management and Urban and Regional Planning (UW-Madison).

Presenter: Lora Mattox

Lora Mattox has served the City of Billings and Yellowstone County Planning Department for over 20 years. As Transportation Planning Coordinator since 2022, she oversees the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), managing the UPWP, federal planning funds, and compliance with state and federal requirements. Lora leads development of the LRTP, TIP, and PPP, ensuring MPO planning advances a safe, efficient, and equitable regional transportation system.

Presenter: Matthew Rohrback, AICP

Matthew Rohrbach, AICP has been the city planner & grant administrator for Hamilton since 2019. Matthew manages a variety of current and long range planning duties for Hamilton in addition to grant writing/administration and fielding complaints about weeds. Prior to working for Hamilton, he worked as a planning consultant in Montana and as a transportation planner in Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts. Matthew holds a BA in geography from the University of Montana and a master’s of urban and regional planning from Portland State University.

1.5 CM

Iron Horse Ballroom

Federal changes and transitions affect how floodplain management programs are administered at a state and local level. This workshop will delve into the floodplain program and it guides and influences development in high risk and flood prone areas. It will also provide useful tools and knowledge for planners in helping property owners manage and build in these sensitive areas.

Presenter: Traci Sears, CFM

Traci Sears is the State of Montana National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator. With over 20 years in planning and floodplain management she is well positioned to share her background and knowledge with Montana planners and communities. Traci grew up near the ocean in Florida and has helped build Montana’s landlocked floodplain program into one of the top programs in the nation.

Presenter: Shylea Wingard, MS, CFM

Shylea has worked with Montana communities as the DRNC Floodplain planner for five years. Her background in agriculture and economics gives her a unique understanding of the labor and resource challenges communities face and makes natural resource management like floodplain a great fit. She has a Master’s Degree from Purdue University.

1 CM

Ballroom Foyer & Oriental Room

Meet and network with our sponsors and other planners.

Sponsored By

Historic Montana Club, 24 West Sixth Avenue Helena, Montana

Join us for a social and to recognize MAP Award winners for Planner of the Year, Plan of the Year, and Life Achievement Award. Heavy appetizers provided.