AGP Executive Report

Fed & mortgages: The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate to 3.75%-4.00% and signaled more hikes ahead, pushing the 30-year fixed mortgage average to 6.76%—its highest in over 14 months—raising borrowing costs for Wyoming homebuyers and businesses. Wyoming policy & energy: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon welcomed the EPA’s move to repeal power-plant greenhouse-gas rules, a shift that could reshape energy costs and investment expectations for the state’s fossil-fuel economy. Local property taxes: Western Wyoming College’s trustees approved a resolution warning that Initiative 1’s proposed 50% property tax cut could reduce funding for community college operations, staffing and student services. Teton County immigration message: Jackson-area residents urged Teton County commissioners to draft a resolution supporting immigrants, aiming to build trust and a welcoming local climate. Cheyenne-area housing & planning: Cheyenne City Council advanced the Cox Ranch data center project toward a final vote, keeping local tax and infrastructure questions in focus. Energy efficiency tool: A new Teton County “digital twin” model lets residents explore estimated building energy use and potential upgrades, targeting efficiency and peak-demand reductions. Business & jobs: Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance acquisition was finalized, expanding coverage across Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Wyoming business pulse: Plains to acquire Powder River Basin assets from Silver Creek for $585 million, boosting pipeline connectivity and storage capacity in key Wyoming counties.

Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac says the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.76%, the highest in over 14 months, pushing borrowing costs higher for Wyoming homebuyers. Federal Reserve Watch: Markets are bracing for a Fed rate hike as inflation stays sticky and oil prices remain elevated, with Asian stocks wavering ahead of the decision. Crypto Regulation: Bitcoin slid about 3.8% after the U.S. Senate rejected the Clarity Act, a setback that also triggered heavy outflows from major spot Bitcoin ETFs. Wyoming Energy & Uranium: Premier American Uranium agreed to sell non-core Colorado projects to DISA Uranium for $2 million, while Wyoming-focused uranium and AI power demand stories continue to drive investor attention. Local Business & Growth: Cheyenne City Council advanced the Cox Ranch annexation and rezoning process for a proposed data center, despite resident concerns over noise, traffic, water use and pace of development. Community Impact: A Casper man and UW student, Ethan Romero, faces a long recovery after a Sept. 1 vehicle crash in Laramie. Higher Ed: Laramie County Community College faces opposition over its proposed name change to Wyoming State College.

Mortgage Rates & Housing: Freddie Mac says the average 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.76% for the third straight week, the highest in 14+ months, pushing up monthly costs and cooling homebuying power. Healthcare Costs & Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Wyoming Transit Funding: Jackson and Teton County approved a plan to cover a $1.5 million START budget shortfall, including service reductions and a fare jump to $4 starting Oct. 1, while directing work on a more durable regional funding model. Maternal Care Policy: A growing number of western states now let Medicaid reimburse doulas; Wyoming lawmakers and advocates are watching as Colorado’s program shows demand and potential outcome benefits. Insurance Transparency: A Public Citizen push urges state insurance regulators to make homeowners insurance data public, arguing it’s an “information crisis” amid rising premiums and shrinking coverage. Local Food Access: Campbell County’s Edible Prairie Project is expanding operations from one acre to 41 acres to address food insecurity. Sports Betting Harassment: Major U.S. leagues and players’ unions are asking regulators for lifetime sportsbook bans for people who harass or threaten athletes and officials. Federal Rate Decision: The Fed is widely expected to raise rates again, with oil prices above $100 and stubborn inflation keeping pressure on policymakers. Wyoming Business & Broadband: Clearwave and Visionary Broadband announced a definitive deal to combine fiber operations across multiple states, including Wyoming. Energy & Infrastructure: Wyoming Energy Authority selected Energy Strategies for a statewide electricity transmission study.

Stablecoin Security Switch: Wyoming’s Stable Token Commission says it completed a full migration of the state-issued FRNT stable token from LayerZero to Chainlink’s CCIP after repeated LayerZero security lapses, including mishandled production authorization and loss of control of a critical private key tied to the live deployment. Federal Policy & Costs: The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate, pushing borrowing costs higher as inflation remains stubborn and oil prices stay elevated. Healthcare & Coverage: Guardant Health’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is set to be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible patients. Local Government & Pay: Sweetwater County commissioners will weigh cost-of-living adjustments for county employees, with options from 1% to 6% based on Wyoming’s cost-of-living index. Community Support: The Food Bank of Sweetwater County kicked off its Thanksgiving drive, targeting about 600 families and releasing a specific wish list of holiday staples. Cyber Resilience: Hilltop Bank is reopening branches after a cyber incident, with limited services returning first and a reminder that small institutions are not immune. Wyoming Business & Growth: Rock Springs URA launched “Rooted in Rock Springs,” a shop-local campaign spotlighting local storefronts and businesses.

Fed & Rates: With inflation still sticky and oil above $100, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to deliver its first rate hike since 2023 under new chair Kevin Warsh, a move that could further squeeze affordability for Wyoming homebuyers. Healthcare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Crypto Policy: Senate Republicans released a revised Clarity Act with tougher ethics and illicit-finance protections, including a role for state attorneys general; Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis says Democrats got their asks, but Tuesday’s procedural vote still needs 60. Local Business & Workforce: Sweetwater County schools are expanding vocational capacity in Rock Springs with a new 50,000-square-foot facility to grow welding, metal shop, robotics and CAD enrollment. Energy & Permitting: State lawmakers are still pushing back on the federal Seminoe pumped-storage project as FERC weighs approval by Sept. 17. Wyoming Community: Rock Springs Main Street/URA launches “Rooted in Rock Springs” to drive residents and visitors to shop local and support downtown businesses.

Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac says the 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.76% for the third straight week, the highest in over 14 months, squeezing homebuyer purchasing power. Healthcare Policy: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare “overcharge” refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to federal exchange user fees. Crypto Regulation: Trump agreed to a key ethics provision in the Clarity Act, giving state attorneys general a “meaningful role” in enforcing rules on federal officials’ digital-asset activity, as a Tuesday Senate vote nears. Local Governance/Data Centers: Cheyenne City Council will take up the Cox Ranch annexation for a data center project, with supporters citing economic upside and opponents warning the public is being steamrolled. Higher Education Finance: Western Wyoming College’s board approved a resolution warning that a proposed 50% property-tax cut (Initiative 1) could force reductions in programs, staffing, and student services. Community & Food Security: United Way of Southwest Wyoming awarded the Food Bank of Sweetwater County $50,000 for emergency food assistance, while also honoring local volunteers and partners. Energy/Markets: Peninsula Energy pulled current-year Lance uranium production guidance due to slower wellfield ramp-up, though it reaffirmed next-year outlook. Wyoming Sports: Wyoming beat Northern Colorado 21-13 in the home opener, with Tyler Hughes leading two late touchdown passes after a lightning delay.

Housing & Rates: Mortgage rates rose for the third straight week, with the 30-year fixed average climbing to 6.76%—the highest in more than 14 months—pushing borrowing costs higher for Wyoming homebuyers and refinancers. VA Home Lending Snapshot: Wyoming ranked 24th for average VA home loan size in Q2 2026 at $380,759, while South Carolina was 27th at $367,811. Healthcare Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will receive $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Wyoming premium gas averaging $4.89 statewide for the week ending Sept. 5, with Niobrara County’s lowest premium at $4.99; diesel averaged $5.48 statewide, with Campbell County’s low at $5.29. Local Business/Preservation: Cheyenne’s Twin Chimneys Motor Court was demolished for a 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru, drawing criticism from preservation advocates who wanted the historic chimneys saved. Community & Public Safety: Rock Springs held a 9/11 Memorial Walk honoring first responders, with participants completing a route designed to mirror the World Trade Center’s steps and floors.

Housing & Rates: Freddie Mac says the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.76% (up from 6.71%), the highest in over 14 months, pushing borrowing costs higher and keeping home sales largely stagnant. Healthcare Finance: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges. Wyoming Business & Tech: Gov. Mark Gordon and Custodia Bank of Cheyenne CEO Caitlin Long are set to speak at the Sept. 30 Wyoming Blockchain Stampede at UW, alongside banking and digital-innovation leaders. Energy & Policy: EPA granted 29 small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements and proposed restoring the lost renewable fuel volume for 2026-27. Water & Agriculture: Colorado River researchers warn federal cut plans could force Arizona reductions on a scale “not seen since 1935,” with deeper impacts possible after next winter. Public Safety: WYDOT’s WY22 Safe Pass program would require certification for RVs, trailers and vehicles over 10,000 pounds on Teton Pass, aiming to reduce crash risk.

Housing & Rates: Mortgage rates climbed for a third straight week, with the 30-year fixed average rising to 6.76%—the highest in over 14 months—pushing borrowing costs higher for would-be buyers and refinancers. Health Care Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will receive $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges. Wyoming Energy Planning: The Wyoming Energy Authority hired Utah-based Energy Strategies to lead a statewide electricity transmission planning study, citing future demand and data center growth. Local Infrastructure: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities plans a water main replacement next week, including a westbound East 19th Street lane closure for about six weeks. Wyoming Tech & Finance: UW’s Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation will host the Sept. 30 Wyoming Blockchain Stampede, with speakers including Gov. Mark Gordon and Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long. Business Risk & Safety: Wyoming-based Prepared Hero recalled about 31,000 Hero Fire Spray canisters after reports they can deteriorate and rupture or fail during a fire. Transit Funding Pressure: UW Transportation Services is shifting evening service to its SafeRide on-call van model after a 37% cut in federal funding for fiscal year 2027.

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: President Trump says the federal government will refund $500 per person to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states for Affordable Care Act “overcharges,” including Wyoming, while New Mexico is excluded. Infrastructure & Local Business Impact: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities plans a water main replacement starting next week, with a westbound lane closure on E 19th Street from Rayor to Albany for about six weeks, then work continuing toward Converse into November. Public Safety & Community Events: Cheyenne hosts the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run Truck Convoy on Sept. 19 at WYDOT’s yard, raising funds for Special Olympics Wyoming. Rural Health Access: A new analysis warns Medicaid changes could force rural pregnant residents in Wyoming and the Mountain West to drive farther for maternity care as delivery units close. Wyoming Agriculture & Food Security: The Food Bank of Sweetwater County received fresh Wyoming sweet corn via a state grant, helping expand local produce distribution. Education & Workforce: UW Extension’s John Hewlett is helping organize a Federal Reserve agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne, bringing producers together to discuss real-world farm and ranch conditions. Historic Preservation: Cheyenne’s historic airport terminal preservation push has stalled as the airport board shelves a National Register nomination amid uncertainty over rehabilitation costs. Business & Community Growth: Kaiser Foundation awarded 10 Wyoming $5,000 scholarships to top high school seniors, including two Cheyenne students.

Health Care & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will get $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges tied to the federal exchange, with payments starting in October. Wyoming Workforce: The state’s Department of Workforce Services won a $2 million federal grant to help justice-involved adults (25+) train for skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and registered apprenticeships, with employer hiring supports available. State Economic Leadership: The Wyoming Business Council and Wyoming Main Street boards will meet in Gillette Sept. 15-16, including funding actions and updates on growth priorities. Inflation Watch: New inflation data points to stubborn price pressure, with diesel and gasoline costs still driving the story as the Fed heads toward its Sept. 16 decision. Local Business & Community: First Interstate Bank will close branches at noon Sept. 16 for its annual Volunteer Day, including projects in Wyoming. Public Safety & Industry: Union Pacific says it tested exporting Wyoming coal via a cross-border rail route to Mexico’s Port of Guaymas, aiming to expand global market options. Community Events: Goshen County hosts the Wild West Equifest Horse Expo Saturday at the fairgrounds, with proceeds supporting an equine therapy program.

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Wyoming, will get $500 ACA refunds starting in October, funded by alleged excess federal “user fees” from the Biden-era Healthcare.gov marketplace. Energy Infrastructure: The Wyoming Energy Authority selected Energy Strategies to run a statewide electricity transmission planning study required by recent legislation, aiming to map constraints and future build needs. Tech & Economic Development: Google’s $17 billion “Project Tembo” data center campus in Laramie County drew public questions at a Cheyenne open house, including water, power, jobs, and environmental impacts. Local Business & Community Grants: The Wyoming Community Foundation announced Microsoft Technology Grant funding for Laramie County nonprofits, targeting tech upgrades and skills-building. Cybersecurity & Banking: Hilltop Bank resumed limited services after a cyber incident, reopening some Casper and other offices and adding a limited call center. Public Safety & Travel: WYDOT will close eastbound I-80 on/off ramps at Exit 173 in Wamsutter for paving Monday, with a same-day detour plan. State Policy Watch: Senate Republicans released a revised 630-page Clarity Act draft adding federal oversight for certain crypto trading protocols ahead of a Sept. 15 procedural vote.

Wyoming Economy Watch: The state’s August 2026 Wyoming Insight shows oil prices rising while natural gas stays under $3, and sales and use tax collections jumping to $94.3 million (+16.9% year over year), with mining driving the biggest gains. Game & Fish Funding: Wyoming Game and Fish leaders kept pushing for more money as a legislative committee weighed options to close an inflation-driven gap, with discussion centered on how license revenue and federal aid/grants fit into the 2027 outlook. Higher Ed Pathways: Western Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming launched an Express Transfer Agreement to map a smoother associate-to-bachelor route, with advising and early UW connections starting from a student’s first semester. University Leadership: UW President Shane Reeves delivered his first State of the University address, highlighting advancement priorities amid enrollment pressures and the growing role of AI in education. Energy & Industry: Enbridge announced a $2.55 billion deal to buy Tallgrass’s crude oil business, including Wyoming storage assets, as the company expands its U.S. footprint. Local Planning: Cheyenne’s Planning Commission denied rezoning requests tied to two proposed data center projects, citing concerns about fit for the area and buffers to nearby homes. Wildlife & Conservation: Two conservation groups sued the Bureau of Land Management over Colorado and Wyoming oil and gas lease approvals, arguing the agency failed to properly consider impacts to wildlife and migration corridors.

Teton Pass Safety: A Wilson widow is carrying the loss of Javier De Luna Chavez into action, leaving a memorial at milepost 7 after a Sept. 2 crash and urging faster, clearer brake-check measures on the highway. Local Commemoration: Rock Springs first responders and community members will mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a Memorial Walk on Friday, Sept. 11. Education Pathways: Western Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming launched an Express Transfer Agreement to let eligible students map an associate-to-bachelor path with dual advising and early UW connections. Healthcare Funding: The Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Foundation kicked off its 20th Anniversary campaign, aiming to build on two decades of local healthcare support. State Policy & Economy: Wyoming’s participation is set for a Federal Reserve agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne, organized with UW Extension to discuss ranching and crop conditions. Robocall Crackdown: Multiple state attorneys general, including Wyoming’s AG Jeff Jackson in a separate coalition push, are urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Data Center Backlash: Reporting highlights growing scrutiny of data centers’ wastewater impacts, including a Wyoming case involving Meta’s Cheyenne construction discharges.

Data Center Policy: Cheyenne’s council committee advanced Cox Ranch annexation and rezoning to business park status, clearing the way for a proposed data center—after earlier postponements tied to developer activity and city water infrastructure questions. AI & Power Demand: A Bloomberg report says Alphabet and Blackstone’s “Project Braid” cloud venture is delaying major data-center sites, including a Cheyenne plan that was scaled down after permit and transformer supply issues. Agriculture & Fed: UW Extension’s John Hewlett helped organize a Sept. 24 Federal Reserve agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne, bringing Wyoming producers to discuss transportation, irrigation, and marketing realities. Small Business: The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped in August, with uncertainty still elevated even as owners remain more positive about their own businesses. Energy/Environment: The National Elk Refuge draft plan would reduce winter feeding but keep it in place; comments are open until Oct. 13. Local Business/Community: Sweetwater County School District No. 2 approved new e-bike rules on school grounds and moved ahead on a greenhouse bid.

Fiber Deal: Clearwave Fiber and Visionary Broadband signed a definitive agreement to combine, building an independent fiber platform spanning 17 states and reaching about 700,000 homes and businesses, with Clearwave CEO David Armistead leading the combined company. Wyoming Water & Courts: Wyoming irrigation and a Colorado reservoir dispute are headed to court amid warnings about major economic impacts from proposed water cuts. Outdoor Economy: Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives are set to hold a second round of fall meetings, bringing residents, business owners, nonprofits and elected officials together to advance local recreation priorities. Crypto Regulation Push: Sen. Cynthia Lummis is urging support for the CLARITY Act ahead of a Sept. 15 Senate vote, framing it as a choice between U.S. leadership in digital finance rules and China writing them. Local Food Security: The Food Bank of Sweetwater County received $50,000 from United Way of Southwest Wyoming to support its Emergency Food Assistance Program and ongoing distributions in Rock Springs and Green River. Energy Demand Watch: Natural gas is leading the race to fuel Wyoming’s rapidly rising data-center driven electrical demand.