CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors met virtually May 19 and 20, 2026, for its quarterly work session and public board meeting, conducting a sweeping review of the organization’s strategic direction, approving key investments in Wyoming communities, and advancing governance reforms designed to accelerate economic growth across the state.
A New Direction: Vision, Mission, and the Work Ahead
The board’s two-day meeting opened with an intensive work session on strategic alignment – the kind of hard, foundational conversation the organization hasn’t had in years. Drawing on nearly three decades of WBC history and the economic challenges Wyoming has faced across four governor administrations, board members reached consensus on a clear direction for the organization.
By the close of meetings, the board adopted the following draft vision and mission statements:
- Vision: A Wyoming where businesses can succeed, communities can compete, and people have the jobs and opportunities they need to build and maintain a life here.
- Mission: Our job is to lead economic growth. We make the change needed to overcome barriers at the state level and support local communities in charting their own paths.
The conversation was direct and at times uncomfortable – intentionally so. CEO Josh Dorrell framed the moment plainly in his closing remarks:
“Today is a positive inflection point for the Business Council. We are here to bring change to businesses so that there are great jobs and people want and can be in Wyoming. Our team and our board are more aligned after today’s discussion than I’ve ever heard.”
Board member Jason Nelson echoed that sense of urgency: “In order to have radical results, we need to have some radical moves and action. We need to be bold and really think outside the box on the things we need to overcome to move our economic growth forward.”
The board also identified three high-level metrics to track progress against the vision: total jobs, median wage, and outmigration rate.
The WBC will share the draft statements with communities and the public for input over the coming months. Tell us if they ring true at wbc.pub/wbcmission26.
Investing in Critical Housing Infrastructure
The centerpiece of the board’s formal public meeting was a detailed discussion and unanimous recommendation of two Business Ready Community (BRC) Community Readiness grants totaling more than $8.8 million – both focused on housing as a driver of economic growth.
- City of Douglas: $5.7 million to fund publicly owned infrastructure improvements at the Seven Trails Commerce Center, including a sewer main extension, road upgrades, a water main loop, and water treatment plant improvements. The project is designed to make Douglas investment-ready for private capital and business development.
- Town of Wright: $3.17 million to construct roads and utility infrastructure enabling 31 new housing units on property owned by the Wyoming Housing Network – primarily three-bedroom homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet.
The board’s discussion was substantive and at times pointed. Board member Ryan Lance – who chairs the investment subcommittee – did not mince words:
“I am very frustrated about the lack of understanding of the immense (housing) need in the state.”
WBC staff presented data from multiple community studies demonstrating housing is a primary barrier to economic growth in Wyoming – a constraint that limits business hiring, drives workforce outmigration, and caps community competitiveness. WBC Grants Portfolio Manager Noelle Reed outlined the case clearly:
“If we stay focused on investing in projects that help communities alleviate their barriers to growth, there will come a time when we’re no longer investing in housing because that constraint will change as markets change. Right now, the need is great.”
The board also discussed Wyoming’s unusual position as one of only a small handful of states without a dedicated housing department or housing investment fund – and the implications of that gap for communities trying to attract and retain workers.
Both grant requests now advance to the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) for final decision on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
These projects need public support to cross the finish line:
- Attend or watch the June 2 Open Mic: An unscripted conversation on housing as critical infrastructure with local business and community leaders. Noon MST | wbc.pub/BWF_Housing
- Speak up at SLIB on June 4: Public comment is welcome. Learn more on the SLIB webpage.
- Share your story: If housing has affected your ability to hire, expand, or stay in Wyoming, your voice is the most powerful testimony there is. Reach out to your local Regional Director and share your perspective.
Other WBC Business
During the business meeting, the board also approved broadband contract extensions, renewed contracts with partners at the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Manufacturing Works, and Wyoming Women’s Business Center, and heard updates on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Grant, Kickstart, and WYVC investment programs.
A board subcommittee presented preliminary governance reform recommendations. Key proposals include regional representation requirements, strengthened member qualifications, restructured standing committees, and a significant governance shift designating the WBC Board as the final funding authority for BRC grants and loans, rather than requiring SLIB approval.
Lance made the case directly: “In the interest of moving with the speed of business, in the interest of applying our thoughtfulness to projects, and in the interest of removing as much political pressure from what should be straight business decisions, we need the Business Council to be the final arbiter of grant and loan awards.”
CEO Dorrell noted that speed and predictability are concerns the WBC is hearing directly from communities:
“At the Wyoming County Commissioners Association executive meeting last week, speed was raised as an issue – and so was the uncertainty that a political lens can bring. We are not alone in this thinking.”
Formal action on governance reforms is expected at the board’s next meeting. A board retreat is also being planned for late July.
Key Dates
- June 2: Open Mic – Housing as Critical Infrastructure | Noon MST | wbc.pub/BWF_Housing
- June 4: SLIB meeting – Douglas and Wright grants up for final approval ⬅️ Your voice matters here
- June 5: WBC presentation to Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee in Casper
- June 22–23: Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) meeting in Lander
- August 27–28: Combined Joint Minerals and JAC meeting in Cheyenne
- September 15–16: Next WBC Board meeting in Gillette
Meeting recordings available on the WBC YouTube page.
About the Wyoming Business Council
As the state’s economic development agency, the Wyoming Business Council helps Wyoming businesses succeed and communities grow, so people have the jobs and opportunities they need to build a future here. Because a future worth staying for doesn’t build itself.
