AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Laramie County recorded 1,212 early votes in the first three days, up sharply from 290 over the same period in 2022. Voting continues through Nov. 2, with satellite voting in Burns and Albin on Saturday. Property Tax Stakes: Ranchester’s volunteer fire chief warned the department could lose up to 40% of its budget depending on November votes on Proposition 1 and renewal of the county sales tax. Local Government: Teton County commissioners adopted a resolution affirming immigrants’ dignity and committing to clear protocols for county cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Open Government: Rawlins City Manager Matt Hall received the Wyoming Press Association’s October Benjamin Franklin Award for promoting transparency and public access to government. State Policy: Wyoming lawmakers are moving to further restrict online gaming, as the state’s gaming review leaves the future of sweepstakes casinos unresolved.

Open Government: Rawlins City Manager Matt Hall received the Wyoming Press Association’s October Benjamin Franklin Award for promoting transparency and public access to government. Property Taxes: Natrona County officials are urging voters to reject Proposition 1, which would cut homeowners’ property taxes by 50%; they warn the revenue loss could strain local services, while supporters argue homeowners need relief. Consumer Costs: Gov. Mark Gordon signed orders easing limits on agricultural freight and hours-of-service rules for fuel deliveries, aiming to help Wyoming businesses and consumers. Online Gaming: A legislative committee unanimously advanced a draft bill making online sweepstakes games a felony, seeking to clarify state rules and enforcement. Health Care: Wyoming’s affordability task force discussed treating core hospital services like a utility while leaving nonessential services to the market, and agreed to continue its work after the 2027 session. Governor’s Race: Candidate Eric Barlow highlighted workforce development, health care access and keeping young people in Wyoming during a Rock Springs visit.

Health Costs: Wyoming’s health affordability task force is weighing a utility-style model that would treat services such as emergency care and childbirth as essential, while leaving elective procedures to the market. The panel also voted to continue its work beyond next year’s legislative session. Food Assistance: SNAP changes expand work requirements to adults through age 64 and parents with children 14 or older; Wyoming estimates 725 more residents will be affected. The state will also pay more program administrative costs, while a ban on using benefits for sugary sodas starts in February. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, with Proposition 1 poised to be a major ballot fight. It would cut the taxable assessment of qualifying primary homes by half; critics warn of pressure on local services, while supporters argue homeowners need relief. Local Growth: Data center proposals are drawing scrutiny, including a planning commission recommendation to advance the Hitching Post District and Orchard Hills project. Residents have also criticized a related annexation process as undemocratic, keeping transparency and public input in focus.

Data Center Oversight: Fremont County officials say the Lost Cabin facility is the first phase of a planned $66 billion project, raising fresh questions about the county’s limited ability to regulate development. Health Costs: Wyoming’s affordability task force dropped a state-run insurance plan idea and is weighing a utility-style model for essential hospital services; lawmakers are also advancing a path for foreign-trained physicians to practice in the state. Local Rules: Cheyenne’s Planning Commission recommended changes to agricultural rules despite WY Fresh owners’ concerns that the revisions could threaten their farm. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, and candidates for secretary of state are making their case to voters. Energy Bills: A think tank estimates federal policy changes could add about $9,000 to Wyoming households’ energy costs through 2040. Separately, Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 8.8% rate hike drew criticism at a public hearing. Sublette County: Commissioners voted to begin ending the zoning change that enabled billionaire Joe Ricketts’ proposed luxury resort.

Election 2026: Early and absentee voting opened in Wyoming Tuesday. Interviews with secretary of state candidates Robert Short, Bryan McCarty and Tamara Trujillo give voters a chance to hear from the Republican, Democratic and Constitution Party nominees. Data Centers: A project near Lost Cabin is part of a planned $66 billion data center development, far larger than county officials initially understood. Fremont County’s lack of zoning rules leaves it with limited control as commissioners consider whether to regulate future projects. Health Care: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a new licensing path for foreign-trained doctors, allowing qualified physicians to practice under supervision for three years before seeking a full license. Property Taxes: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to halve assessments on primary residences. The debate centers on potential tax relief and how local services would be funded.

Election Administration: Wyoming’s early/absentee voting period is underway, with Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee stressing months of prep to reduce Election Day pressure and make voting easier for people who aren’t in town. Property Tax Fight: Prop 1—aimed at cutting Wyoming residential property tax assessments in half—has drawn organized opposition from education and taxpayer groups even as Republicans back it, setting up a high-stakes Nov. 3 vote. Cheyenne Development & Growth: Cheyenne City Council’s Public Services Committee advanced annexation and zoning steps for the Hitching Post District and the Orchard Hills data center proposal. Cybersecurity & Workforce: LCCC hosts Cyber Cheyenne 2026 on Oct. 16, bringing regional leaders to focus on digital security and AI-ready talent. Public Safety & Courts: A judge jailed a man in a moose abuse case, reiterating Wyoming’s wildlife-first stance. AG & National Legal Push: Attorney General JB McCuskey joined a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims access frozen Taliban funds. Community Services: First lady Jennie Gordon helped dedicate new small food pantries in Cheyenne, expanding access through Meals on Wheels and Fortis Construction. Data Center Debate: Natrona County commissioners heard a major Casper-area data center pitch, while Wyoming’s Recreation Advisory Committee is set to meet Oct. 13 on federal recreation fee changes.

Wildlife & Courts: A Uinta County judge jailed Justin Martin for 30 days and sentenced two others in a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming’s wildlife “belongs to the people of Wyoming.” Elections & Federal Power: The NAACP sued over plans to deploy 1,000+ DOJ monitors to polling places, arguing it could “jeopardize the election” and raise intimidation concerns. Wyoming in Washington: President Trump endorsed Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray for the at-large U.S. House seat. Air Travel: Cheyenne Regional Airport announced additional United Express flights to Denver starting January 2027. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade gas in Sheridan County at $4.55 and diesel lows in Teton County at $6.19 for the week ending Sept. 26. Public Safety & Policy: Wyoming lawmakers discussed covering volunteer ski patrollers with workers’ comp, including mental injury benefits. State Government Watch: WGFD approved using wildlife conservation license-plate funds for a fencing extension near the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Corridor.

Energy Costs: A nonpartisan think tank says federal policy changes could push Wyoming household energy bills up about $9,000 by 2040, with the biggest hits tied to canceled clean projects and higher demand for gas and gasoline. Election Process: Early voting is underway in parts of the country, and Wyoming voters can start early voting Tuesday in Teton County with ID requirements spelled out for the Oct. 6–Nov. 2 window. Wyoming Lawmaking: Lawmakers are weighing a bill to extend workers’ compensation coverage to volunteer ski patrollers, including mental injury benefits, after testimony from Casper Mountain Ski Patrol leaders. Public Safety & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish approved a fencing extension near Pinedale using wildlife conservation license plate funds to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions along US191. Local Government: Cheyenne police closed a multi-incident package theft case using doorbell footage, community tips, and Flock Safety tech. Health Watch: Hunters are asked to avoid collared animals when possible, and Montana reported a measles case with potential exposures listed. Courts & Federal Policy: A Colorado judge allowed Wyoming to join an oil lease sale challenge as an intervenor.

Supreme Court Fight Over 9/11 Victims’ Claims: Iowa AG Brenna Bird led 30 state attorneys general—including Wyoming—in a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims and families access frozen Taliban funds, arguing a lower court misread a federal statute. Cybersecurity in Cheyenne: Cyber Cheyenne 2026 is set for Oct. 16 in Cheyenne, bringing Wyoming and Northern Colorado professionals together to focus on AI, cyber threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Wildlife Protection in Court: A Uinta County judge jailed three men in a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming “values wildlife” and that cruelty will bring prison time. Wyoming Mental Health Holds Get Funding: Three sheriff’s offices (Natrona, Laramie, Sheridan) can now bill the state for mental-health holding and treatment under a new Wyoming law, with $100 holding and $250 treatment payments per person per day. Tribal Data Center Moratorium: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year pause on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, and transparency concerns. Energy Costs Warning: A think tank says federal policy changes could raise energy bills through 2040, with Wyoming among the hardest-hit states. School Board Race: Keith Gingery seeks a fourth term on the Jackson school board, emphasizing the Regional Cost Adjustment, staff housing, security upgrades, and math curriculum. Arts Council Meeting: Wyoming Arts Council’s quarterly board meeting runs Oct. 19–20 in Pinedale, with public comment on Oct. 20.

Wyoming Federal Funds & Energy Costs: A new think-tank model says federal energy policy changes could push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy than they otherwise would, with higher electricity and gasoline demand driving the increase. Wyoming Education Trust: The U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns for K-12. Wildfire Response Infrastructure: Gov. Mark Gordon joined state officials for the ribbon cutting of a new $7.5 million Casper helibase meant to speed wildfire response and improve interagency aviation operations. Local Governance & Property Taxes: Wyoming Realtors and the Wyoming Taxpayers Association announced opposition to Proposition 1, arguing cutting primary-residence assessed values could drain local budgets without a clear replacement funding plan. Tribal Data Center Policy: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, economic, and transparency concerns. Election & Oversight: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised a Wyoming Supreme Court decision upholding the state’s primary system.

Wyoming Politics & Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns for K-12 education; the bill now heads to the House. Local Governance: A Rock Springs mayoral forum featured incumbent Max Mickelson and challenger Rick Milonas trading plans on budgeting, infrastructure, and growth. State & Community: Gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow met Rock Springs residents to discuss workforce development, healthcare access, and youth retention, emphasizing education-to-jobs pathways and streamlined regulation for small businesses. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Wyoming cut the ribbon on a new $7.5 million Casper helibase to speed wildfire response, funded through SIPA and built to integrate state aviation with federal partners. Tribal Affairs: Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens voted for a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands, citing water, environmental, economic, and transparency concerns. Elections & Courts: Wyoming’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s controversial primary system, and the state elections chief praised the ruling.

Federal Education Finance: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act, giving Wyoming more flexibility to manage its permanent school trust fund and potentially boosting annual returns—moving next to the House. Wyoming Elections & Oversight: Wyoming’s secretary of state candidates are sparring over election oversight, while Wyoming superintendent candidates align against a school voucher program. Property Tax Ballot Fight: Proposition 1 is drawing heavy debate ahead of Nov. 3, with opponents warning it could cut local funding for services like fire, law enforcement, and schools. Local Government Watch: Cheyenne tourism funding and a Cheyenne City Council “Council Corner” update highlight how local decisions and votes shape state-level outcomes. Campaign Trail: Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel is pitching an anti-corruption message, while Democratic House candidate Lisa Kinney is centering housing affordability and public lands. Public Safety & Courts: A Wyoming DUI case included a claim the driver was hunting Josh Allen to recruit him for the Cowboys. Immigration Enforcement Transparency: A Virginia town’s 287(g) ICE partnership resumed without Town Council knowledge, fueling transparency concerns.

Wyoming Election 2026: The Nov. 3 ballot’s biggest fight is Proposition 1, which would cut residential property tax assessments on primary homes in half—supporters see relief, while opponents warn it could ripple through funding for local services like fire, law enforcement, schools, and water/sewer. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council advanced multiple annexations and zoning actions, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District, with final votes expected in October. State Policy & Transportation: WYDOT’s Safe Pass Program now requires steep Teton Pass drivers over 10,000 GVW to pre-certify before crossing beyond the Idaho/Wyoming border. Public Safety & Accountability: A Laramie County Sheriff advisory reiterates state law on notifying residents when a registered sex offender lives within 750 feet of schools and youth-related sites. Federal & Regional Water: Governors including Wyoming’s Mark Gordon urged Congress to remove a Missouri River diversion/export restriction from the 2026 Water Resources Development Act. Politics & Campaigns: Secretary of State candidates are pitching election oversight and fraud prevention as Wyoming’s business filings surge. Congressional Outlook: Polling shows Trump’s approval is negative in most battleground states, with Wyoming still his strongest.

Wyoming Election 2026: The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on crossover voting in primary elections, backing Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s 2023 push and confirming the system used in 2024 and 2026 primaries. Secretary of State Race: Three candidates—Brian McCarty (D), Tamara Trujillo (Constitution), and Robert Short (R)—are competing to replace Gray, all promising tighter election oversight and fraud prevention amid Wyoming’s booming business filings. Governor’s Race: Democrat Ken Casner and Republican Eric Barlow are pitching different priorities—Casner wants easier elections and more independent access, while Barlow highlights education, healthcare, and water rights. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge denied qualified immunity for Wyoming Boys’ School staff in an abuse lawsuit, with the first case set for trial Nov. 9. State Policy: WYDOT’s Safe Pass Program now requires steep Teton Pass drivers over 10,000 GVW to self-certify before crossing. Local Government: Cheyenne’s Council Corner reports annexation public hearings moving toward October final votes, including Orchard Hills and the Hitching Post District. Energy Costs: Torrington is disputing a 189% jump in electricity transmission charges after a provider change, seeking interim relief through the PSC. Federal Law Enforcement: U.S. officials announced the final chapter of a multi-county meth trafficking ring, sentencing seven people to a combined 83.5 years.

Wyoming Politics & Government: Wyoming’s Safe Pass enforcement is now underway on Teton Pass, with WYDOT posting new regulatory signs and the Highway Patrol warning drivers that ignoring the safety materials could put lives at risk. Federal Policy Impact: A nonpartisan think tank says federal policy changes will push Wyoming households to pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040, driven by canceled clean-energy projects and higher demand for natural gas and gasoline. Elections & Governance: A new analysis of November ballot measures flags elections/redistricting, taxes, and transgender policy as top themes, with many states weighing multiple direct-democracy questions. Courts & Security: A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general is urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in serious incidents. Local Wyoming Politics: Green River’s mayoral and city council candidates will face off at a public forum Oct. 7 at Western Wyoming Community College’s Green River Center, with Wyo4News streaming. Public Health: The CDC reports 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, including cases reported by Wyoming and 42 outbreaks in 2026.

School Board Watch: Laramie County School District 1 candidates for the Nov. ballot faced questions at a Cheyenne Teachers Education Association forum, with At-Large incumbent Dr. Rene Hinkle taking on challenger Tanya Barcelona and other triad races drawing attention. State Politics: Wyoming Democrats rolled out a new legislative caucus website and brand—“Defend. Deliver. Demand Better”—to lay out positions on public lands, health care, schools, housing, and “honest government.” Elections & Courts: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised the Wyoming Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the state’s primary system and ban on crossover voting. Healthcare Policy: A Wyoming Legislature committee advanced a bill creating an alternative licensing path for internationally trained physicians, including provisional licensure and a path to full practice. Local Government: Cheyenne City Council advanced key steps for the Orchard Hills data center project, approving annexation and zoning changes despite resident objections. Public Safety/Transportation: WY22 Safe Pass certification for certain heavy-vehicle and towing drivers on Teton Pass took effect Oct. 1. Economy & Jobs: Wyoming’s labor market improved in Q2 2026, with unemployment easing and job growth led by private education and health services. Federal/Legal: A fugitive wanted since 2021 was arrested after a U-Haul chase in Cheyenne. Energy Costs: A think tank says federal policy changes could raise Wyoming energy bills by about $9,000 for households by 2040.