Cheyenne, Wyo. — The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors convened a special meeting on April 1 to welcome two new board members and take action on key infrastructure investments, including broadband expansion and long-term community resilience initiatives.
Joining the board are Mark Christensen of Gillette and Katie Legerski Druse of Casper. Their first meeting included several votes tied to statewide connectivity, community planning and the council’s strategic direction following the 2026 Wyoming Legislative Session.
With new board members and the start of a new year, the Wyoming Business Council views this time as an opportunity for a strategic reset. Focusing on responsible use of public funds, maximizing statewide impact and moving decisively to support all Wyoming communities. WBC CEO Josh Dorrell emphasized collaboration as a critical economic development strategy for Wyoming in the upcoming year. With the state’s dispersed population, communities must work together to drive growth.
Reflecting on the recent legislative session, Dorrell outlined the upcoming interim committee work. This includes the Joint Minerals Committee’s comprehensive review of agency structure, programs and services, as well as the Joint Appropriations Committee’s examination of funding models, budget development and infrastructure investment. With a strong statewide desire for action and economic growth, the WBC staff have already begun engagement with legislators and local leaders to clarify the agency’s purpose and strengthen alignment with community needs.
Key Actions
The board advanced several initiatives aligned with WBC’s mission to strengthen Wyoming’s economy and communities:
- Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Awards: The board considered and approved individual grant awards under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, marking a significant step toward expanding high-speed internet access to Wyoming’s most remote areas. These awards support last‑mile projects critical to statewide connectivity.
- Building Resilient Communities (BRC) Planning Block Grant: The board approved a $1.6 million Planning Block Grant recommended by staff as part of the Building Resilient Communities (BRC) program. The funding will support collaborative community planning efforts to identify shared challenges and remove barriers to long-term growth and economic resilience.
Meeting materials and the full agenda are available at wbc.pub/WBC_Board.
