The APA Idaho Legislative Committee is the “eyes and ears” on all planning-related issues that pass through the Idaho Legislature for cities, counties, private sector planning firms, and the general citizenry. The committee is working tirelessly to build relationships with the Idaho Legislature and work closely with partner organizations on legislative matters.
Currently, the Legislative Committee is comprised of ten (10) city, county, private sector, and retired planners that will advise the APA Idaho Board on proposed bills and policy statements. We have representation from around the state and from both urban and rural areas. The committee does most (if not all) of its work by phone, video conference, and e-mail, with some in-person testimony at the legislature. In the past, responsibilities on this committee have focused primarily on the session itself (typically January through the 1st or 2nd week of April); however, we are working on a strategy to build relationships with the legislature and other partner organizations year-round.
| 2023 APA Idaho Legislative Committee | |||
| Position | First Name | Last Name | Job Location |
| Co-Chair | Patricia | Nilsson | Retired |
| Co-Chair | Jonathan | Spendlove | City of Twin Falls |
| Member | Kevin | Holmes | CCDC |
| Member | Cynda | Herrick | Valley County |
| Member | Clare | Marley | |
| Member | Crystal | Rain | Boise City |
| Member | Lisa | Ailport | Bonners Ferry |
| Member | Tom | Cluff | Fremont County |
| Member | Joel | Plaskon | Lewiston |
| Member | Jerry | Mason | Retired |
| Member | Rebecca | Casper | Idaho Falls |
| Ex-officio | Rob | McQuade | AIC Counsel |
| Ex-officio | Hilary | Patterson | APA Idaho President |
| Other | Adam | Mancini | City of Nampa |
| Member | Mitra | Mehta-Cooper | Elmore County |
| Member | Stephanie | Koziol | APA Idaho student rep |
| Ex-officio | Kelli | Brassfield | IAC |
If you are aware of any bills being drafted, industry or advocacy groups that are working on planning-related topics and/or similar activity “brewing” within your region, please either let one of the Legislative Committee Co-Chairs or your APA ID Region Representative know so we can assist with any potential legislation.
Beyond the individual bills we track and work on, the primary goal of this committee is relationship-building, both with legislators and partner organizations who share APA’s commitment to good planning. Our goal is to develop a reputation of being proactive vs. reactive and have a strong influence on planning within Idaho. We also are committed to having a consistent presence. This means engaging, making phone calls, and visiting with decision-makers. These relationships are not only for this committee but for APA ID members and your communities! Please reach out and start a dialogue on planning and community development with your legislators.
Position Letters Sent to the Idaho Legislature This Session
We look forward to serving you, our chapter, and your communities in this position!
Please feel free to contact one or both of the Legislative Committee Co-Chairs if you have any questions or information to share.
Jonathan Spendlove – jspendlove@tfid.org
Patricia Nilsson – pnilssonidaho@gmail.com
Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association