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The Journal for Western Planning since 1979

2027 WESTERN MATTERS RURAL SUMMIT

May 20–21
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Public Library, Community Room

Registration will be limited to 175 people

Welcome to our next annual Western Matters Rural Summit, presented by The Western Planner, and held in beautiful Coeur d’Alene. This summit will provide a vital platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and capacity building. We envision inclusive discussions that honor indigenous perspectives, respect cultural heritage, and empower local decision-makers. Together with attendees, we hope to elevate these vital but often overlooked areas and pave the way for resilient and thriving communities.

Dates: May 20–21, 2027

Hotel: There will not be an official conference hotel. However, there are many lodging options within a short walk or drive of the venue.

Registration Fee: TBD includes summit registration, evening event and lunch

Evening Social: TBD

CM Credits: Credits will be offered through Idaho APA

 Venue: The sessions will take place at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library (702 E. Front Ave), right on McEuen Park and next to downtown.

Event Sponsors

 

About the Location: The next Western Matters Rural Summit will take place in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a vibrant Northwest city nestled along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Founded in the late nineteenth century as a center for the region’s mining, timber, and transportation industries, Coeur d’Alene has grown into a vibrant regional hub for outdoor recreation, tourism, arts, and community life. Surrounded by forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, the city offers a unique setting where natural beauty and a rich working-landscape history come together.

Coeur d’Alene is located within the ancestral lands of the Schitsu’umsh, or Coeur d’Alene Tribe, whose people have lived throughout the lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains of North Idaho since time immemorial. The Tribe’s enduring connection to the land and waters—including its continuing role in protecting the health of Lake Coeur d’Alene—is an important part of understanding the region and its future.

Today, Coeur d’Alene exemplifies the opportunities and challenges facing many small cities across the West: balancing economic vitality and tourism with housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, community identity, and long-term resilience. The summit brings together Tribal, county, and rural leaders to share place-based strategies and bold ideas—fostering partnerships that honor history and local knowledge while planning for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future across the West.

Exploring Coeur d’Alene: For attendees enjoying the summit who also want to experience the area, we have several suggestions for exploring Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho.

  • Take a self-guided Downtown Coeur d’Alene Historic Walking Tour and explore the city’s historic buildings and neighborhoods. The City’s Historic Preservation Commission provides a self-guided tour map highlighting historic buildings throughout downtown.

  • Get out on the water with a Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Cruise and experience the lake that has shaped the region’s history, economy, and identity.

  • Explore Downtown Coeur d’Alene, with more than 125 shops, restaurants, galleries, and businesses within walking distance of the lakefront.

  • Take a walk around Tubbs Hill Natural Area, a 165-acre natural area in the heart of the city with several miles of trails and an approximately 2.2-mile interpretive trail around the peninsula.

  • Learn about the region’s mining, timber, railroad, agriculture, recreation, and Tribal history at the Museum of North Idaho. The museum also offers seasonal walking tours exploring the history of downtown Coeur d’Alene and Old Fort Sherman.

  • Learn more about the history, culture, and continuing presence of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe (Schitsu’umsh) and its enduring relationship with the lands and waters of North Idaho.

About the Organizers
The Western Planner brings together rural community planners and allies from the expanses of the West to advance and share real-world approaches to our unique challenges. Since 1979, we've partnered with state planning organizations to make our annual Western Planner conferences the premier planning events in the West, and we’re expanding that support with our Western Matters Rural Summit. Join us as we work toward connected, informed, and empowered planners building resilient Western rural and Tribal communities.

 

 
 

To pay by check, please email registration information to info@westernplanner.org and send the payment to PO Box 21, Halliday, ND 58636.

 

2027 Western Matters Rural Summit Sponsorships

 To ensure the success and accessibility of this event, we are reaching out to solicit your valued support as a sponsor.

Your sponsorship will not only contribute to the affordability of the summit for participants but also play a vital role in its overall success. As a sponsor, you will have the chance to connect directly with attendees during the event, forging meaningful relationships and showcasing your organization's commitment to advancing planning in the West. Moreover, we will extend our gratitude and recognition through various channels, including social media, websites, and on-site acknowledgment.

We invite you to explore our sponsorship opportunities tailored to align with your organization's goals. Whether you aim to enhance brand visibility, foster partnerships, or demonstrate dedication to planning in the West, we have packages to suit your objectives.

Please reach out to editor@westernplanner.org for sponsorship details and availability, and to provide your high quality logo. Sponsorships can be purchased online below, or via check to Western Planning Resources (WMRS Sponsorship) , PO Box 21, Halliday ND 58636

Purchase Sponsorship