Tess Soll & Melissa Ruth, Wyoming Planner Association

As Wyoming faces increasing demands on its land resources due to population growth and economic changes, county and municipal organizations need to understand and engage in the legislative process that governs land use and zoning.  This session aims to equip planning, building, and local officials as well as other organizations involved with land use, with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively participate in shaping land use policies in Wyoming.  The session will begin with a detailed overview of Wyoming’s legislative process, emphasizing the role of interim committees as critical starting points for policy development.  Participants will learn when to get involved, from the preliminary discussions within these committees to the stages of public hearings and legislative sessions.  Understanding the timeline, including key dates for bill drafting and committee meetings, will empower attendees to position their organizations strategically for maximum impact.  We will cover effective strategies for how organizations can contribute to the legislative process, including crafting position statements, mobilizing community support, and providing testimony during hearings.  Additionally, we will explore methods for building alliances with stakeholders and legislators, ensuring that local voices are not only heard but also recognized as essential to the decision-making process.  Participants will engage with case studies illustrating successful advocacy efforts that led to favorable outcomes in land use legislation as well as historical court cases and decisions that have laid the foundation for the regulatory framework of land use and zoning.  These examples will showcase how the legal foundation has been built and how timely and coordinated engagement works for policy change.  By the end of this session, participants will have a clear understanding of how and when their organization should engage in the legislative process, historical planning legislation and effectively monitoring legislative developments.  With practical insights and actionable strategies, attendees will be empowered to take a proactive role in advocating for effective land use policies.  This session aims to foster a culture of active involvement, ensuring that Wyoming’s unique landscapes and diverse communities are represented in the legislative arena.  Join us in navigating the legislative maze to create a sustainable future for Wyoming through collaboration.

Melissa Ruth: Melissa is an AICP-certified community planner with experience working in communities across the Mountain West in both the public and the private sector, ranging from public participation and engagement to long-range comprehensive plans and land use codes.  Melissa brings exceptional ability in land use code comprehension and combines her community planning abilities with a passion for resource management and housing affordability.  Her background in living and growing up in multiple ski towns has given her a unique perspective and passion for affordable housing and its impact on community character.  Melissa holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning and GIS Certificate from the University of Florida, 2022, and a B.A., in Environmental Policy, a minor in Economics. 

Tess Soll: Tess is the Associate Planner for Sublette County and Legislative Chair for the Wyoming Planner Association.  Tess has a significant background in policy creation and implementation with and for governmental entities.  She brings exceptional value in creating strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors and provides substantial experience working with rural communities.  Her background, having lived and worked in the rural west in multiple states, has provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges facing agrarian and energy-based communities. Tess holds a B. A., in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Cal. State Chico.