AGP Executive Report

Water Safety & Local Impact: Jackson’s town water system remains under an EPA boil water order after E. coli was found in untreated well water, prompting school closures and operational changes for food service and some businesses while officials plan a Monday reopening. Energy & Costs Watch: GasBuddy price checks show Wyoming drivers still face elevated fuel costs, with Laramie County regular hitting a low of $4.05/gal and diesel in Johnson County as low as $5.65/gal in the week ending Sept. 19. Property Tax Relief Ballot: Voters will decide a 2026 initiative that would exempt qualified homeowners’ primary residences from property taxes on 50% of assessed value, with major projected impacts in Teton County and statewide revenue estimates. Cheyenne Climate Planning: Cheyenne City Council is set to vote on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan tied to an EPA grant, with critics warning it could affect energy choices and housing costs. Wyoming Business & Education: The University of Wyoming jumped in national rankings, and city of Laramie departments are moving back into a renovated City Hall Annex—both signals of ongoing local investment and workforce focus.

Wyoming Water & Public Safety: Jackson’s water advisory triggered class cancellations and a community scramble for bottled water, with local businesses and even a plumbing shop offering free UV-disinfected water while officials investigate the cause. State Budget & Local Infrastructure: The Wyoming County Commissioners Association honored the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee as 2026 Legislators of the Year for creating more predictable direct distribution funding for counties and towns. Cheyenne Energy Deal: Cheyenne City Council is weighing a lease proposal for Belvoir Ranch that could support a 140-megawatt solar plus battery storage project, with Hanwha Renewables seeking an option-to-lease to run studies first. Business & Finance: Zaria Systems filed with the OCC to charter Zaria National Trust Bank, aiming to bring regulated trust services to structured finance markets. Health Care Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice expanded no-cost mental health services for employer plans, including Wyoming coverage through outpatient and virtual options. Crime & Courts: A Jackson bookkeeper, Laura Means, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for embezzling about $1.48 million via wire fraud and tax evasion. Energy Markets: Stocks moved higher as crude prices fell on US-Iran deal hopes, while Wyoming’s diesel squeeze continues to pressure trucking and the state’s freight-dependent economy.

AI Policy & Politics: Trump pushed back on chatter that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would be the “super intelligence” czar, while reporting notes Bessent’s ongoing role in AI negotiations and a proposed AI safety notification channel tied to China. Local Business & Community: Exeter’s Valenti Ristorante is opening under new ownership by longtime industry veteran Jim Jake, aiming to bring back the “family restaurant” feel. Wyoming Heritage & Indigenous Links: Rare Lewis and Clark peace medals in Wyoming were authenticated, with researchers pointing to possible connections to Indigenous leaders in what’s now North Dakota. Energy & Jobs: Weld County approved a $1.67B wind-and-solar project that will span into Wyoming, with construction starting in 2027 and major power output targeted by 2029. Cheyenne Data Center: A Cheyenne council committee backed the Orchard Hills data center plan and recommended overruling the Planning Commission’s denial. EV Charging Funding: WYDOT’s first NEVI RFP is now live, seeking proposals for rural and corridor charging clusters statewide. Wild Horses: The BLM announced $30M for fertility control to manage wild horses, a major shift in a long-running debate. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Wyoming’s lowest E85 and regular/midgrade/premium prices across multiple counties for the week ending Sept. 19.

Wyoming Energy & Resources: Peninsula Energy says delineation drilling at the Lance uranium project’s Ross area lifted its Wyoming resource, with more material moving into higher-confidence categories as it pushes toward full-scale in-situ yellowcake production. Wyoming Business & Community: Cheyenne is seeing new growth on the retail front, with a 7Brew drive-thru coffee shop under construction and a south-side Taco Bell moving through planning review, while Depot Plaza in downtown Cheyenne is taking down tents for winter. Banking Update: Hilltop Bank reports most personal and business services are back online after its recent cyber attack, with daily updates and brief nightly maintenance windows. Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $11.2 million for rural medical residency programs, including $750,000 for a new family medicine residency in Buffalo, aimed at keeping more doctors in rural Wyoming. Insurance & Risk: A new report warns surplus lines insurance is increasingly filling gaps as property coverage tightens in the Mountain West, raising concerns about affordability and availability. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices in Wyoming remain elevated versus last year, with multiple county-by-county lowest-price reports showing premium and regular fuel still moving week to week.

Wyoming Workforce & Reentry: A new $2 million RESTART grant will help justice-involved Wyomingites (25+) move into skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, registered apprenticeships and training, with support before and after release. School Funding: The Wyoming Supreme Court largely upheld the current school-funding framework, keeping the Legislature in charge of education appropriations while striking down parts of a lower-court order tied to operational costs like student resource officers, nutrition and technology. Main Street & Downtown Revitalization: Cheyenne-based Wyoming Main Street is taking applications for the Wyoming Main Street Advisory Board, a governor-appointed volunteer group shaping downtown services and small-business support statewide. Energy & Infrastructure: Albany County commissioners updated the Rail Tie Wind Project permit process and approved related zoning and community funding agreements, with construction still targeted for later phases. Local Business Recognition: 4Rivers Equipment marked its 100th anniversary and earned a John Deere Onyx Circle Award for the 10th time, highlighting dealership service and leadership across multiple states including Wyoming. Food Insecurity: Wyoming food pantries reported another year of rising demand as federal TEFAP and SNAP cuts squeeze supplies and force more reliance on local donors. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data showed Wyoming regular gas averaging $4.44 in the week ending Sept. 19, with the lowest reported regular price in Campbell County at $4.20.

Wildlife Policy: The Trump administration’s top wildlife official issued a directive that lets developers and loggers kill endangered animals during projects, as long as the activity isn’t “for” killing—sparking backlash from conservation groups that say the Endangered Species Act could become toothless. Cheyenne Development & Finance: Cheyenne City Council is set for a work session on a Belvoir solar project, while a finance committee advances nearly $5 million in final budget reappropriations. Local Business & Gambling: A Cheyenne council committee recommended approval for a Bally’s off-track betting facility at the former Old Chicago site. Energy & Infrastructure: WYDOT released its 2026 statewide airport economic impact study, projecting $3.5B in annual impact and 21,683 jobs; WYDOT also scheduled Belt Loop closures for grinding and set updates on a Worland-area highway improvement timeline. Tech & Startups: Liveteq launched Songer, an AI music generator that turns text prompts into full songs, reporting 20M+ songs created since launch. Insurance Deal: Idaho Farm Bureau insurer acquired Wyoming-based Mountain West Farm Bureau, keeping the Wyoming service center while expanding multi-state operations. EV Tax Fix: A new Wyoming law targets the “EV triple tax” by changing how charging stations are treated.

Property Taxes: Wyoming voters face a ballot initiative that would exempt qualified homeowners’ primary residences up to 50% of assessed value, with analysts projecting major revenue hits—especially in Teton County—raising questions about impacts to counties and towns. EV Charging Fees: A new Wyoming law (HB 145, signed as House Enrolled Act 33) targets the “triple tax” problem for electric vehicle charging stations, changing how alternative fuel taxes apply to help align EV fees with the state’s existing $200 upfront charge. Education & Workforce: The University of Wyoming won a $4.12 million federal grant to expand credentialing for teachers of multilingual learners, aiming to fund advanced training for about 160 educators statewide. Energy & Construction: TerraPower says it will rebid the EPC contract for its $4B Natrium nuclear project in Wyoming after Bechtel won’t proceed into full EPC scope, while Bechtel stays for sodium test and fill work. Wildlife & Ranching Costs: Wyoming’s grizzly-related livestock damage payouts are expected to drain the state’s $500,000 wildlife-damage budget again, underscoring pressure on ranchers and the compensation system. Local Business: A Wyoming-based ESL educator training grant and community programs also highlight ongoing investment in people, while diesel prices continue to squeeze trucking economics nationwide.

Colorado River Water Cuts: A federal Record of Decision sets new operating guidelines that will reduce Colorado River allocations for Arizona, California and Nevada over the next two water years, with Arizona’s cut described as close to what it’s already facing. WYDOT Fraud Alerts: Wyoming drivers are being warned about cloned websites selling vehicles, trailers and equipment online, with scammers pushing “too good to be true” deals and wiring money before buyers realize the vehicle may not exist. Cheyenne Development Push: A Cheyenne City Council committee advanced multiple west-edge projects, including business park rezoning near the Hereford Ranch Important Bird Area and zoning steps tied to the Hitching Post District and a proposed Cox Ranch data center. Property Tax Fight: The Wyoming Republican Party backed a ballot initiative for a 50% statewide property tax exemption, while local agencies—including community colleges—have raised concerns about impacts to services and local control. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Leaders gathered to address a growing skilled trades shortage, highlighting the need to expand apprenticeships and work-based learning to feed regional employers. Transportation Contracts: The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved several southwestern Wyoming highway and bridge projects, including major bridge replacements in Uinta County. Local Costs Watch: Diesel price pressure is showing up in Cheyenne-area budgets, including contracted delivery and school transportation expenses.

Wyoming Infrastructure: WYDOT will close the Belt Loop (WYO 376) from Dewar Drive to Blair Avenue for two days starting Sept. 23 for concrete slab grinding and repairs, with signals at Blair set to flashing red and local access to West Center Street maintained. State Transportation Contracts: The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded about $44.5 million in September highway work, including a $17.8 million Highway 59 project near the Montana border and multiple bridge and slide repairs across Uinta and Teton counties. Rare Earths Development: American Rare Earths says initial certified assay results from its Red Mountain feasibility drilling in Wyoming show broad near-surface mineralization, with pooled average grades well above its cut-off. Workforce Watch: Wyoming’s workforce report projects about 28,000 jobs added by 2034, but raises the question of whether enough workers will be available to fill them. Business & Policy: Wyoming’s business community also has its eye on data-center growth and local guardrails, as community concerns continue to shape how projects move forward.

Colorado River Water Cuts: The Interior Department released a final framework that would force Lower Basin states to cut Colorado River deliveries by 1.25 million acre-feet annually in 2027-28, with up to 3 million acre-feet in deeper cuts if reservoirs keep falling. Wyoming Data Center Fight: Cheyenne’s council committee advanced key steps for the Orchard Hills data center while postponing one item after the Planning Commission recommended denial—showing how local zoning decisions can still swing big projects. BLM Carbon Storage in Wyoming: The Bureau of Land Management offered right-of-way grants for two southwest Wyoming carbon storage projects totaling nearly 650,000 acres of federal pore space. Endangered Species Rollback: A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife directive would expand what activities can do to endangered animals, raising alarm among conservation groups. WYDOT Online Scam Warning: The state transportation department warned of cloned dealer and auction websites targeting vehicle buyers. Local Business/Community: Cheyenne residents are already leaning into fall spending, while United Way of Southwest Wyoming marked “Give Like Dolly Day” tied to the Imagination Library.

Colorado River business risk: Amazon is pledging $20 million to a new Colorado River Basin Collaborative, joining a broader $100 million corporate push (with Aldi and the Coca-Cola Foundation among participants) as federal plans call for mandatory Lower Basin cuts while Wyoming and other Upper Basin states rely on voluntary conservation. Wyoming legal/finance: Lowey Dannenberg is pursuing a securities class action against Ramaco Resources tied to its Brook Mine rare-earth project in Sheridan, Wyoming. Wyoming consumer protection: WYDOT warns of rising online vehicle and auction scams, including cloned dealer sites that can’t be easily taken down. Crypto market move: Coinbase shares jumped after the SEC issued a five-year conditional exemption for certain tokenized stock trading venues, helping revive crypto-linked equities. Wyoming education dollars: Wyoming began distributing $7,000 vouchers under its Education Savings Account program, with Teton County among the first to move forward after court delays. Energy infrastructure: Regulators delayed a final decision on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project after BLM said more studies are needed. Healthcare business leadership: Banner Health named Kevin Manemann executive VP and chief operating and transformation officer. Local ballot: Sweetwater County Conservation District voters will decide a proposed mill levy on Nov. 3.

Rare Earths Feasibility Drilling: American Rare Earths says its 2026 feasibility drilling at the Cowboy State Mine area in Wyoming returned broad near-surface mineralization, including a pooled average grade of 3,497 ppm TREO and a top sample of 9,084 ppm TREO over 3.02 meters, with 93% of assay intervals above a 1,000 ppm cut-off. Nuclear Project Shake-Up: Bechtel and TerraPower are moving forward separately on Wyoming’s Natrium reactor project after failing to reach an agreement, adding uncertainty to a sector already dealing with shifting timelines. AI Antitrust Suit: Paying subscribers to major AI services filed a class action alleging Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google colluded by endorsing a slower pace of AI development, raising new legal risk for the industry. Wyoming Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Laramie County’s typical home value rose 3.3% to $393,715 in August 2026, while Wyoming’s statewide figure edged up to $371,854. Local Mental Health Funding: Sweetwater County prevention work continues through Wyoming’s Community Prevention Grant, with Southwest Counseling Service connecting schools and community partners to suicide and substance-misuse prevention.

Federal Reserve & inflation: The Fed raised rates a quarter-point to 3.75%–4.00%, citing sticky inflation and rising bond yields, adding pressure to household budgets and borrowing costs. Wyoming politics & affordability: Sen. John Barrasso said Republicans “need to do more” on the economy and affordability, pointing to gas prices hitting ranchers and farmers ahead of the midterms. Data centers & local impacts: A Wyoming-related debate over data centers continues as critics warn of noise, health effects, and real-estate pressure, while others push for clearer guardrails for development. AI antitrust: Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google face a federal antitrust lawsuit tied to calls for slowing advanced AI development, with plaintiffs arguing coordination could limit competition. Community prevention: Sweetwater County partners with Southwest Counseling Service to connect schools, businesses, and residents to suicide-prevention and substance-misuse resources through the state’s Community Prevention Grant program. Local history & downtown economy: The F.M. Kirby Center marked 40 years, highlighting how the arts venue has become an economic pillar for downtown Wilkes-Barre.

AI Antitrust: Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceX and Google are named in a federal antitrust lawsuit tied to calls by top executives to slow advanced AI development, with plaintiffs arguing coordinated action could limit competition and affect paid AI subscriptions. Press Freedom: CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters were denied White House access after President Trump’s ban, escalating a constitutional fight over the First Amendment. Wyoming Wildlife Research: University of Idaho and USGS researchers say prairie rattlesnakes in Sinks Canyon State Park were repeatedly found shedding in groups—an unusual behavior never before documented for the species. Wyoming Economy & Housing: Zillow data shows Platte County’s typical home value rose 0.6% to $278,336 in August 2026, while Wyoming’s typical value climbed to $371,854. Energy & Water: Lake Powell hit a record low as a weak 2026 snow season left too little runoff to refill the reservoir. Local Business/Community: A Wyoming Valley Mall event brought back “Vinnie the Mall Walker” memories and raised funds for pancreatic cancer research.

White House press fight: President Donald Trump moved to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds, with reporters’ badges confiscated—setting up another First Amendment showdown. Wyoming housing snapshot: Zillow pegged Platte County’s typical home value at $278,336 in August 2026, up 0.6% year over year. Cybersecurity hits local banking: A Hilltop Bank incident forced the bank offline, disrupting online banking, mobile access and customer service—an urgent reminder for Wyoming businesses to tighten cyber readiness. Tax pressure in the background: Wyoming’s combined tax revenues fell 2.5% from Q4 to Q1 2026, while a separate op-ed argues property-tax windfalls are quietly growing with inflation. Data center debate: Wyoming leaders face mounting community pushback over AI data centers, with calls for transparency and guardrails. Cheyenne economic development: Cheyenne leaders highlighted ongoing work tied to major projects and local growth. Wyoming leadership: WYDOT named Maj. KC Ramsey as the next Wyoming Highway Patrol colonel/administrator.

Data Centers & Local Control: The Wyoming Outdoor Council held a Cheyenne-area forum on hyperscale data centers, with residents pressing for “reasonable guardrails” as projects like Tallgrass/Google’s Tembo could scale from 2.7 gigawatts to 10. Housing & Rates: Mortgage rates rose again nationwide, and Wyoming brokers say the impact is showing up as homes taking longer to sell rather than a sudden crash. Cheyenne Development: West End Flats opened in downtown Cheyenne with 101 apartments, aiming to boost foot traffic for nearby businesses. AI Antitrust: Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google face a federal antitrust lawsuit alleging they coordinated to slow AI development. Energy Costs: Diesel prices are climbing, pushing trucking and food-aid groups toward a “tipping point” for smaller operators. Wyoming Education/Business: UW hit record fundraising and a $1B+ endowment milestone in FY26, while Wyoming students and local employers continue to tie workforce training to real industry needs.