The Real Story of Building Wyoming's Future

In Wyoming, we’ve never been afraid of a straight answer. Right now, as the 2026 Legislative Session moves forward, the conversation around economic development has reached a fever pitch. There are a lot of headlines, but at the Wyoming Business Council, we are focused on the real story – and we are grateful for the legislators on all sides of the aisle who are engaging with it.

We want to extend a sincere thank you to all our legislators for the grueling, often thankless work they do during these sessions. We especially appreciate those who have taken the time to dig into the data, ask the tough questions, and look past the noise to see the tangible results of our partnerships. Whether through spirited debate or steady support, their dedication to scrutinizing our budget and demanding a high ROI ensures we are the best possible stewards of Wyoming’s future.

The real story of our state isn't found in a political talking point; it’s found in the voices of our youth weighing their futures in "The Exit Interview." It’s found in our new Regional Impact Portfolios that show how tax dollars are working in your own backyard. And it’s found in the commitment of policymakers who, despite varying perspectives, all share the goal of making Wyoming a place where our children can build a life.

As Governor Gordon recently noted, "The talk of killing the Business Council has already put a chill in the air." We are grateful to the leaders working to keep that chill at bay by leaning into transparency and refining our state's strategies. Thank you for being part of this team. Your service and your "real talk" are what keep Wyoming moving forward.

The Exit Interview: A Look at Wyoming’s Future

To build a state where the next generation can thrive, we must first listen to their reality. On Feb. 5, the Wyoming Business Council partnered with WyoFile and ENGAGE Wyoming to host “The Exit Interview,” a high-stakes dialogue with young Wyomingites – those who stayed, those who left, and those currently weighing their next move.

The conversation moved beyond assumptions to explore the real trade-offs our youth make between their love for the Cowboy State and the necessity of career growth, housing, and connection.

Voices of the Next Generation

Throughout the conversation, we polled the more than 250 attendees and compiled those responses. These insights provide a "Real Talk" roadmap for policymakers and community leaders.

• Career over “Jobs”: The primary driver for staying is access to meaningful employment that offers a long-term professional trajectory, not just a paycheck.
• The Affordability Gap: High housing costs relative to local wages remain a significant barrier to young people establishing long-term roots.
• Investment in the Future: Respondents expressed a strong desire to prioritize public education, healthcare, and community infrastructure to support young families.
• Representation & Belonging: Many youth feel their perspectives are missing from public decision-making, calling for a more inclusive, forward-facing political and cultural climate.
• The Community X-Factor: Connection and vibrant "third spaces" turn a town into a home, making Wyoming a first choice for those looking to return and build a life.

Why This Matters Now

Webinar attendees overwhelmingly reported feeling "unseen" or "undervalued" by state policymakers. This data is an invitation to change that narrative. These insights will be shared with Wyoming legislators to ensure the youth perspective is centered in conversations regarding economic development and community resilience.

Explore the Data: 📊 Read the Full Public Poll Responses

The Raw Truth: Inside the "What's the Point?" Open Mic Series

Economic development isn't just about ribbon-cuttings and spreadsheets; it’s about answering the hard questions when the stakes are highest. Our ongoing "What's the Point?" Open Mic series has become the front line for these conversations.

Every week, our CEO, Josh Dorrell, hosts a live, unscripted Q&A session where no topic is off-limits. Whether it’s debunking myths about our investments, discussing the proposed defunding of the Council, or exploring how we keep Wyoming families whole, these sessions are where the Team of Thousands gets the facts.

Recent Discussion Highlights

• Transparency & Accountability: A deep dive into the Business Ready Communities (BRC) program, examining "actuals vs. estimates" and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
• The "Inflection Point": Candid discussions on the legislative effort to repeal the WBC and what it would truly mean for small towns if coordinated economic strategy were redistributed across state agencies.
• Competitiveness & Risk: Why losing companies to other states isn't just a business loss – it’s a loss of career paths for our youth.
• Myth-Busting: Real data behind claims of fraud, job creation, and the ROI of state economic development funding.

Why These Sessions Matter Now

We are at a pivotal moment. The focus on the economy in the 2026 Legislative Session is fortunate because it is forcing a serious conversation about what "Economic Development the Wyoming Way" actually looks like. The Open Mic is your opportunity to move beyond the headlines and understand the expertise required to recruit, retain, and grow businesses in the 21st century.

Join the Conversation

The mic is open. We invite everyone to plug in, ask the tough questions, and help us improve.

• Next Session: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 @ 1 PM MST
• 🎥 Watch Previous Open Mic Recordings

Local Impact, Regional Scale: Impact Portfolios Now Online

At the WBC, we recognize that a project in Pinedale looks and feels different than one in Powell. Economic development isn't one-size-fits-all; it’s a localized effort to build resilience in every corner of the state.

To help you see the "ROI" in your neck of the woods, we have compiled Regional Impact Portfolios on our individual region webpages. These packages go beyond high-level strategy to provide the data and stories specific to your county and community.

What’s Inside the Portfolios?

• Regional Summary (July 2024–Dec. 2025): A high-level view of investments and outcomes in each region over the last 18 months.
• County Snapshots: Detailed "backyard" data on local business expansions and community projects in your specific counties. Note: We are creating snapshots for each of the 23 counties, and these portfolios will be updated as more of those snapshots are completed.
• BRC Project Profiles: Deep dives into how Business Ready Community (BRC) infrastructure grants and loans are unlocking private investment in our communities.
• Management Audit Report (Oct. 2025): A transparent look at the ROI and accountability measures governing our investment programs.

Put the Data to Work

These portfolios are designed to be used. Whether you are presenting to your town council, chatting with a neighbor, or analyzing the state's investment in your local infrastructure, these documents provide the transparency and clarity you need. We invite you to explore your updated Regional Page and download the portfolio specific to our corner of the state.

Meet the WBC Board: Strategic Leadership in Action

The Wyoming Business Council is more than an agency; it is a partnership. At the helm of that work is our 13-member Board of Directors – a diverse group of business owners, industry experts, and community leaders who volunteer their time to ensure Wyoming remains a place where families can thrive.

As we navigate the 2026 Legislative Session, our board’s role has never been more vital. These leaders serve as a boots-on-the-ground bridge between state policy and local reality. From providing stewardship of public funds to offering the real-world business perspective needed to guide our state’s economic strategy, their expertise ensures we stay focused on what works for Wyoming.

Current Leadership Spotlight

• Mark Law (Sheridan), Co-Chair: A seasoned entrepreneur who advocates for "thinking bigger and acting bolder" to ensure a dynamic future for the next generation.
• Derek Smith (Gillette), Vice Chair: Bringing a younger viewpoint to natural resource management and sustainable community growth.
• Joe Schaffer (Cheyenne), Secretary/Treasurer: A leader in higher education and workforce development, focused on building the career pipelines our youth are asking for.

The Road Ahead: New Perspectives

During this 2026 Legislative Budget Session, we look forward to welcoming three new appointments and two reappointments to the board. These positions will be appointed by Governor Mark Gordon and confirmed by the Wyoming State Senate, bringing fresh insights and renewed energy to our mission.

The Strategic Value of Our Board:

• Responsible Stewardship: Board members provide essential oversight of state investments that build local infrastructure.
• A Voice for Industry: They help tell the story of Wyoming’s economy at the highest levels of state government.
• Regional Expertise: They ensure that the unique challenges of every corner of the state – from emerging tech to traditional agriculture – are represented in our statewide strategy.

Observe Our Board in Action

We invite you to join us for our next quarterly meeting to see distributed leadership in action. This is the best way to understand how we review project ROI and tackle the tough questions facing our state.

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 25
• Where: Virtual & In-Person in Cheyenne

Downtown Inspiration: From Wyoming to Oklahoma

How are other states transforming their downtowns into vibrant economic hubs? This April, Wyoming Main Street is traveling to Oklahoma for an immersive learning experience designed to bring fresh, actionable ideas back to the Cowboy State.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Best Practices Workshop (April 10–11). This unique educational opportunity moves beyond the classroom, taking participants on behind-the-scenes tours of Pryor and Muskogee, Oklahoma. You will learn directly from local program managers and business owners who have successfully revitalized their historic districts.

Why Attend?

• See Results in Action: Observe firsthand how Oklahoma communities manage historic preservation, storefront revitalization, and downtown events.
• Build Wyoming Connections: This is a rare chance to spend dedicated time with fellow Main Street practitioners from across Wyoming, fostering a network of support and shared expertise.
• National Perspective: For those seeking a larger-scale experience, the national Main Street Now Conference begins immediately after in nearby Tulsa (April 13–15). It’s the perfect opportunity to combine local deep-dives with national trends.

Dates & Registration

• Best Practices Workshop: April 10–11, 2026 | Pryor & Muskogee, OK
• Main Street Now Conference: April 13–15, 2026 | Tulsa, OK
• Registration Deadline: March 25, 2026 (or until capacity is reached)

Questions? Contact Kayla Kler, Wyoming Main Street Program Manager

📧 kayla.kler@wyo.gov | 📞 307.630.3801