Legislative and Policy Committee (LPC) Charter

Legislative and Policy Committee (LPC) Charter

Authority
This Legislative and Policy Committee (LPC) is a Standing Committee of the Board established under Article VI of the Bylaws.

Purpose
To review, develop, and recommend legislative positions and public policy initiatives on behalf of APA Utah. The committee works to ensure the planning profession is represented in legislative processes and coordinates the Chapter's advocacy strategy.

Membership
Any Utah Chapter Member may seek to serve on a Committee.
Committee members shall be appointed by the Committee Chair.
Appointments will occur at the beginning of the governing year.
The Committee Chair may fill vacancies or remove a member at any time, with or without cause.

Committee Chair/Vice-Chair (if needed)
The Committee Chair will be an elected member of the Board.
The Chair will be appointed with a majority vote of the Board.
The Chair may request a Vice-Chair as well as recommend an appointee.
If a Vice-Chair is needed, one will be appointed with a majority vote of the Board.

Size and Terms
The Committee shall have at least three (3) members and no more than eleven (11) members.
Committee members shall serve a minimum 2-year term, with no limit on terms served.
Committee members shall serve staggered terms to ensure continuity over time.
The Chair and Vice-Chair terms will end when the Chair's board term ends, regardless of re-election pursuits.

Meetings and Attendance
Meetings will occur monthly.
The meeting schedule will be determined by the Committee at the start of the year.
Additional meetings will be scheduled during the active UT Legislative Session (Jan–Mar).
Committee members are expected to attend no less than 75% of scheduled meetings.
Minutes of all Committee meetings will be kept and preserved for record-keeping.

Operations
A majority of Committee members constitutes a quorum.
Any approvals made by the Committee require a quorum present, followed by a majority vote of the quorum.
The Committee Chair will report its activities to the Board during the Board's scheduled meetings.
Committees may collaborate with other APA UT Chapter Committees.
Committees may request Board approval to activate a Task Force to assist with ad hoc needs.

Responsibilities

The Legislative Committee is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and advocating for legislation that impacts the planning profession in Utah. As a 501(c)(3) organization, APA Utah must ensure that its activities comply with legal restrictions on political lobbying while still effectively representing the interests of the planning community. The committee works to support policies that advance sound planning practices, promote sustainable development, and protect the public interest.

1. Monitoring Legislation:

   • Track and analyze local, state, and national legislative issues and policies that affect the planning profession, land use, zoning, housing, transportation, environmental regulations, and related areas.

   • Keep the APA Utah Board and members informed of relevant legislative developments with updates at monthly meetings. 

2. Advocacy and Positioning:

   • Develop and recommend official positions on legislative matters, in alignment with APA Utah’s mission and goals.

   • Work with the Board to determine when and how to advocate for or against proposed legislation.

   • Prepare position papers, testimony, and other advocacy materials for distribution to legislators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

   • Act as liaison between the Chapter’s legislative program and APA's Advocacy Program

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, government agencies, and other organizations that influence planning-related legislation.

   • Organize meetings, briefings, and events to engage APA Utah members with legislators and other decision-makers.

   • Conduct an annual legislative workshop or annual conference session.

4. Non-Lobbying Activities:

   • As a 501(c)(3) organization, APA Utah must adhere to rules regarding political activity. The committee should focus on educational outreach, providing members with objective, non-partisan information about legislative matters rather than engaging in direct lobbying.

   • Ensure that any advocacy efforts do not involve partisan activity or support for specific candidates or political parties.

   • Create Task Forces to address specific opportunities.

5. Legislative Alerts and Action:

   • Alert APA Utah members to important legislative issues that require action, such as calls to contact elected officials, public comment opportunities, or actions during the legislative session.

   • Provide guidance on how members can participate in the legislative process, such as writing letters, attending hearings, or submitting public comments.

   • Determine if a legislator should be given a Chapter “Legislator of the Year Award.”

6. Collaboration with APA National and Other Chapters:

   • Act as the Utah Chapter Delegates, if appointed by the Board.

   • Coordinate with APA National and other APA Chapters on national or regional legislative issues that may impact Utah’s planning profession.

   • Participate in APA National’s advocacy efforts, ensuring alignment with APA Utah’s local interests.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Legislative Committee ensures that APA Utah plays an active and effective role in advocating for policies that benefit the planning profession and the communities we serve, while complying with the regulations governing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Helpful Skills, Backgrounds, Interests
While not required, members with the following are encouraged to participate:

• Interest in policy development and advocacy

• Familiarity with legislative processes

• Relationship building and communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across viewpoints

• Attention to detail and follow-through

• Public speaking or written advocacy
  
  

Time Commitment
Committee Chair/Vice-Chair:

• Monthly: 4–6 hours

• Peak Season: 10–15 hours

Committee Members:

• Monthly: 2–4 hours

• Peak Season: 6–10 hours

Peak Season is defined as during the active Utah Legislative Session (January through March).

Charter Modifications
This charter may be reviewed annually by the APA UT Board and updated as necessary to reflect evolving organizational priorities and opportunities.

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