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Public Comment period open until Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Review Existing BRC Rules on the Wyoming Secretary of State website.
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who was involved in or provided the 57 official public comments we received about the proposed rule revisions to the Business Ready Community (BRC) grant and loan program. Reading and digging into these comments was incredibly helpful in the process of creating the best rules possible for today’s BRC program. These changes better focus BRC on addressing critical state and local barriers to economic growth. They also narrow the focus of these public investments to projects that are more focused on economic development than community or amenity development. We understand both are important to communities and their future growth; however, our goal is to serve all communities by addressing economic constraints that are holding them back from thriving. Other program and service offerings are available to help communities with their community development needs.
Many commenters expressed concern that the proposed 25% minimum match requirement will disproportionately hinder smaller and rural communities and those facing declining property tax revenues and limited funding options. Critics argue it forces communities to choose between essential services and development projects. Suggestions included tiered match requirements, waivers for communities in significant need, and increased technical assistance. It is also worth noting that we received several comments in support of increased match and co-investment from applicants.
Additional comments proposed match requirement revisions. Some concerns focused on the revision that previously, BRC-funded infrastructure or property could not be used toward the minimum match, as this may be burdensome for rural communities.
Other commenters expressed concerns about limiting the amount of BRC loans that can be used as a grant match to a maximum of 50%, stating that this addition could restrict some local organizations’ financial flexibility.
We heard from both sides about the proposed elimination of maximum award limits. There were concerns that with larger awards, the BRC account could be depleted too quickly, while the other perspective stated that projects cost more today, and larger impact projects will not fit under the previous limits.
Another major comment theme was about smaller, rural communities and their ability to acquire data, have the capacity to manage the grant process, and the ability to keep up on reporting. These communities often lack the administrative capabilities, financial resources, and dedicated staff (like full-time grant writers) to meet the new demands, making it difficult for them to qualify for or manage BRC projects.
The proposed rules require “barriers to growth” to be “verified by data.” This presents a challenge for many communities that historically struggle with data collection due to small populations, a lack of integrated systems, and limited resources for analysis. There is a call for clearer guidance on acceptable forms of data, a willingness to consider regional or statewide planning data, and the provision of technical assistance to help communities identify and document these barriers without incurring excessive costs or burdens.
We received multiple comments regarding additional resources needed for applicants to be successful in growing their economies. These included providing a walkthrough tutorial for the BRC application, more clarity on timelines and expectations for the process, clarity on how to identify barriers to economic growth, as well as what data sources to use in identifying barriers to economic growth, guidelines for how to present to public boards, and application checklists.
Comments demonstrated that the existing revenue recapture provisions are often confusing. There are concerns that the expanded repayment cap (up to double the original grant amount) and the requirement that a portion (25%) of recaptured funds must be reinvested into another revenue-generating project could limit fiscal flexibility for communities and force them into unsustainable projects.
The new rules aim to simplify project types, primarily focusing on “infrastructure projects” that address barriers to growth. Comments and questions were posed regarding what types of projects fit within the new rules, specifically around quality of life projects, affordable housing, and startup business support.
Comments encouraged allowing Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) and other similar entities to be added to the list of eligible BRC project applicants.
Some comments encouraged the WBC to ensure the publicly owned asset(s) can benefit a business in the long term.
There is a strong demand for greater clarity and transparency in the rules, application process, timeline, and future updates. The current multi-layered approval process involving both the WBC Board and the SLIB is described as unpredictable and lengthy, discouraging organizations from seeking funds.
We received many insightful technical comments about definitions needed, clarity on specific sections, proposed adjustments to public comment periods, and the speed at which WBC reimbursements go out to awardees.
A large number of comments expressed support for the WBC’s efforts at streamlining BRC rules to better communicate and clarify the overall intent of the program.
The BRC Rules Revision Public Comment period closed on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Yes. Once these rules take effect, application categories by deadline will be removed:
Barriers to growth are obstacles or root causes of problems that limit the economic progress of communities, regions, states, or nations.
To develop a strong plan or project, you must first understand the problems you need to address. This involves identifying policies or systematic limiting factors that are economic constraints contributing to your community’s current situation.
Our focus:
Not eligible: Projects that don’t identify or address a barrier to economic growth are no longer eligible for BRC funding.
We are developing a guide to help identify and quantify barriers to economic growth that can be integrated into your current plan if needed.
Plan timeline guidance:
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Public Comment period closed on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
The Business Ready Community (BRC) grant and loan program provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.
Cities, towns, counties, joint powers boards, and the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes are eligible to apply for funding.
Public infrastructure eligible for funding includes water; sewer; roads; airports; rights of way; telecommunications; land; spec buildings; amenities within a business park, industrial park, industrial site or business district; landscaping, recreation, and educational facilities; and other physical projects in support of primary economic and educational development.
Infrastructure such as water, sewer, streets, telecommunications, airports, rights of way, land, spec buildings, or amenities within a business park, industrial park, industrial site or business district or other appropriate physical projects in support of primary economic development. Educational development infrastructure such as workforce training facilities are eligible. Recreational facilities, landscaping and convention centers are also eligible. Finally, utility costs under the managed data center cost reduction grant.
Cities, towns, counties and joint powers boards are the primary applicants for this program. State and local community development organizations can assist and provide project management development under contract to the primary applicant. The Council may enter into contracts/cooperative agreements with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe in order to promote the purpose of the program and fund infrastructure projects.
| Project Highlight | Application Deadline | Board Meeting | SLIB Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Projects** | February 1st | May | June |
| Community Readiness | June 1st | September | October |
| Planning | September 1st | December | February |
| Community Readiness | November 1st | February | April |
* Business Committed and Managed Data Center Cost Reduction applications can be submitted at any time.
** In anticipation of new rules currently being drafted that may significantly alter or fully eliminate this program, the 2026 application date was moved to avoid potential conflict or inconsistencies.
Business Committed: $5 million maximum
Community Readiness: $5 million maximum
Community Project: Tier 1: $500,000 maximum, Tier 2: $750,000
Loan Program: $5 million maximum
Managed Data Center: $2,250,000 maximum (grant amount is determined by business match amount.)
Category One applicants are those municipalities with a population greater than 1,300 or are located in a county where the three-year average of the local government share of state sales and use tax per capita is more than 70% of the statewide average.
Category Two applicants are those municipalities with a population under 1,300 or are located in a county where the three-year average of the local government share of state sales and use tax per capita is less than 70% of the statewide average.
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