The Policy Institute, based in Helena, Montana, blends authoritative research and hands-on political engagement to create public policy based on economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Organizational History

The Policy Institute formed in 2001, originally as a project of the Montana Human Rights Network.

When the board was formed, the focus of The Policy Institute's work was economic issues which have broad appeal and which were not being addressed in a comprehensive manner by issue- or constituent-based progressive organizations active in Montana. The organization initially focused on utility bill issues, particularly relating to electric deregulation, which has resulted in dramatic rate increases in Montana and tax issues.

In 2004, The Policy Institute began a Leadership Seminar Series. Approximately 20 progressive activists and leaders were recruited from low income, labor, conservation, disability rights and women’s groups as well as individuals from government agencies in policy-sensitive positions. Over a series of four retreat-type meetings in a 12-month period, participants discuss progressive values and receive information on fiscal policy, demographic trends, race relations, political skills and strategic planning. Participants are kept in the program thorough an alumni association.

In 2005, the board of The Policy Institute voted to expand its work to focus on fiscal policy and state budget analysis. The purpose of this change was to work with more of a recognition of the inter-relationship between tax policy and budget allocation and to assure that progressive ally groups with which The Policy Institute has strong relationships are cognizant of the inter-relationship between revenue and budget and to encourage policy work with is more comprehensive.

Today, The Policy Institutes's mission is to blend authoritative research and hands-on political engagement to create public policy based on economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability, and environmental responsibility.