Spring Membership Meeting
May 20, 2026
Whitefish / Columbia Falls / Big Mountain
Thank you for Joining the 2026 Spring Gathering
Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Hosted by Big Mountain, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish, this two-day event brought members together for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration—covering topics from legislative strategies to project funding. Thanks to all who joined us in person and virtually.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
A rainy hike of the Haskill Trail
Dan and Dana discussing important issues
Ron sharing the BMRAD journey
Danny, Bridget and Katie take on bonding
Couldn’t attend a session, or want to revisit the discussion? Check out the recordings.
Part 1 – Opening Session
Kick off the Spring Gathering with an update from Ron Benton on launching a new resort tax district, followed by a discussion of legislative issues, advocacy, and tools to communicate the value of resort tax.
Part 2 – Projects & Bonding
Members share community projects, participate in a roundtable discussion on hot topics, and learn the fundamentals of bonding as a tool for funding major community investments.
Membership Meeting
Conclude the Spring Gathering with Association business, committee updates, discussion of key initiatives, and planning for future meetings and member engagement.
Schedule of Events
Click on the toggle for more information for each event
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
3:00-4:30 pm | Hosted Hike - Haskill Basin Trail
Kick off the gathering with an optional guided hike at Haskill Basin Trail. See firsthand how resort tax funding has supported local trail development while connecting with fellow attendees in an informal setting.
The group will start with a brief 15–20 minute overview at the trailhead. From there, participants can choose to stay at the trailhead or continue on a roughly one-hour hike to the overlook.
Meeting Location:
Reservoir Trailhead
View map
What to Bring:
Comfortable footwear, water, and bear spray are recommended.
5:00-7:00 pm | Welcome Reception – Whitefish Lake Golf Club
Join fellow attendees for a casual evening of new and familiar faces, good conversation, and a few tall tales. Cash bar available, with light appetizers courtesy of Doug Reed, Whitefish Lake Restaurant.
1200 Highway 93 West, Whitefish
View map
The reception will take place at the main clubhouse—there is one central building, and the main entrance will lead you directly to the restaurant (the pro shop is attached). If weather allows, we’ll gather on the west end of the deck; a covered upper deck will be used as a backup.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
All of the day’s events will be held at the Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center in Columbia Falls
9:00-9:30 am | Coffee & Conversation - Lessons Learned from a Newly Formed District
Start the day with coffee and an informal discussion led by Ron Benton (Big Mountain Resort Area District), sharing insights, challenges, and key takeaways from launching a new resort tax district.
9:45-11:00 am | Statewide Sales Tax & Legislative Toolkit: Engaging Lawmakers
Led by the Legislative Committee, this session will focus on practical strategies for communicating with legislators, aligning messaging, and advancing resort tax priorities at the state level.
11:15-11:45 am | Community Projects Showcase
A quick round of updates from members highlighting recent projects and innovative uses of resort tax funding across communities.
If you’re able, please bring a photo, visual, or example to share—or feel free to send something ahead of time. Send to info@mtresorttax.org.
12:00-1:45 pm | Lunch & Roundtable: Hot Topics Discussion
An interactive working lunch focused on the issues that matter most right now. Bring topics of high priority and engage in peer-to-peer discussion to share perspectives, challenges, and approaches.
2:00-3:00 pm | Bonding 101 – How Communities Fund Big Projects
Katie Thompson (West Yellowstone), Daniel Bierschwale (Big Sky), and Bridget Ekstrom (D.A. Davidson) will walk through the fundamentals of bonding, when it makes sense, and key considerations for communities exploring this financing tool.
3:30 - 5:00pm | Spring Membership Meeting
All members and their teams are encouraged to attend the Spring Membership meeting virtually or in person. Please ensure your designated voting member is present.
Attending virtually? Join us on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86863429748?pwd=63bjAhfzhSGyYcCcVlfaJTeYgCyXSo.1
Agenda | Download the Agenda (PDF)
- Welcome & Introductions 3:30 pm
- Voting Member Roll Call 3:40 pm
- Minutes (October 15, 2025) 3:45 pm
- Director Elections | Action: Full membership 3:50 pm
- Officer Elections | Action: Full membership 3:55 pm
- Committees Reports | Discussion 4:00 pm
- Communications and Member Engagement
- Finance and Administration
- Legislative
- FY27 Committee Designees | Action: Full membership 4:30 pm
- FY27 Budget Approval | Action: Full membership 4:35 pm
- Fall 26 & Spring 27 Meeting Dates | Action: Full membership 4:50 pm
- Fall 2026- October 7-9 @ League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference @ the Delta Hotel, Helena
- Spring 2027 – Dates and Location TBD (Seeking host community)
- Wrap up & Thank You 4:55 pm