Council facilitates mediation over Broadway Theater food ban

Broadway Theater reports record attendance

Downtown parking closure approved for Main Street Market

Local agencies to consolidate SWAT teams

STAR Transit reports 33% ridership increase

Council approves zoning amendment in split vote

Events complex reports record impact, warns of facility limitations

Travel and tourism reports strong ROI as lodging tax vote approaches

Commissioners discuss missed economic opportunities in data centers

Commissioners highlight highway patrol shortages impacting county resources

County restarts process for short-term rental regulations

Commissioners defend association membership amid legislative criticism

Council facilitates mediation over Broadway Theater food ban

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Rock Springs City Council directed the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) and the Actors' Mission to meet later this week to resolve a dispute regarding a new ban on outside food at the Broadway Theater. Representatives from the Actors' Mission, a nonprofit community theater group, petitioned the council to waive the ban for their current season, arguing that providing free meals is a core component of their mission to "feed the body and nourish the mind." While URA Board Chair Maria Mortensen cited cleanliness concerns for the policy change, the council agreed to mediate a discussion between the two organizations to find a solution that honors existing contracts without litigation.

Broadway Theater reports record attendance

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency presented its annual report, highlighting a record-breaking year for the Broadway Theater with over 11,000 attendees across 98 events in 2025. URA Manager Chad Banks and Board Chair Maria Mortensen noted that 32% of ticket buyers came from outside the community, signaling the venue's growing role in regional tourism. The theater generated an estimated $447,000 in total economic activity, though officials noted that heavy usage will require continued maintenance funding, including upcoming replacements for the facility's platform lift.

Downtown parking closure approved for Main Street Market

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The council authorized the closure of the parking strip along the south side of North Front Street and adjacent diagonal spaces to accommodate the 2026 Main Street Market. The closures will take place on Thursdays from July 9 through Sept. 3. This move is part of the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency's efforts to host the market in a location that balances vendor needs with the concerns of local brick-and-mortar businesses.

Local agencies to consolidate SWAT teams

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding to establish the Sweetwater County Tactical Operations Group. The agreement merges the tactical teams of the Rock Springs Police Department, Green River Police Department, and the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office into a single unit. Rock Springs Police Chief Bill Erspamer testified that the consolidation will reduce costs for all three jurisdictions by eliminating the need for redundant equipment and will standardize command roles during critical incidents.

STAR Transit reports 33% ridership increase

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — STAR Transit Director Dwane Pacheco reported a 33% increase in ridership over the past year, attributing the growth to increased staffing and bus availability. During an annual update to the council, Pacheco noted that 70% of their riders have no alternative transportation and that the service is vital for residents needing access to healthcare and employment. The agency also highlighted the success of its new mobile app, which now accounts for approximately 15% of ride bookings.

Council approves zoning amendment in split vote

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The council voted 7-2 to approve Ordinance 2026-02, which amends city ordinances regarding setbacks, height encroachments, and inside and rear yards. The measure passed on its third reading, with Councilors Tim Savage and Rob Zotti casting the dissenting votes. The ordinance updates Chapter 157 of the city's zoning code, specifically modifying regulations outlined in Section 157.132.

Events complex reports record impact, warns of facility limitations

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Sweetwater Events Complex Director Kandi Pendleton reported a record $31 million economic impact for the county in the past year but warned that aging infrastructure is causing the loss of major events. Pendleton noted that the complex lost the National High School Finals Rodeo, the Escapade Rally and the Royal Crown horse event because the facility lacks a large enough indoor venue and modern amenities to compete with cities like Rapid City, South Dakota. While the complex has secured new events for 2026, including the Cowboy State Incentive, Pendleton and the board emphasized the need for capital investment to retain competitive status in the event market.

Travel and tourism reports strong ROI as lodging tax vote approaches

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism CEO Janessa Meredith presented the 2025 annual report, highlighting a $1.5 million lodging tax collection that generated $77 million in visitor spending. Meredith noted that the lodging tax, which funds marketing efforts to attract visitors, is slated for the general election ballot for renewal in November. The report detailed successful initiatives, including the Flaming Gorge bus tours and the recruitment of state high school sporting events, which generate significant revenue for local hotels and businesses.

Commissioners discuss missed economic opportunities in data centers

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioner Keaton West reported on findings from the legislative session suggesting Sweetwater County is missing out on the booming data center industry due to misconceptions about water usage and hurdles with public utilities. West contrasted Sweetwater County with Cheyenne, which has successfully recruited Microsoft and other data centers by utilizing closed-loop water systems and specific utility tariffs. West argued that the county is well-positioned for such development if it can overcome infrastructure and regulatory gridlock with Rocky Mountain Power.

Commissioners highlight highway patrol shortages impacting county resources

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioners expressed concern that staffing shortages within the Wyoming Highway Patrol are forcing the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office to absorb a significant workload on Interstate 80. The board noted that sheriff's deputies are currently responding to a high volume of calls on the interstate, diverting resources away from local community patrol. Officials urged the state legislature to address trooper pay and funding to fill vacancies, noting that the cost of policing state highways is effectively shifting to county taxpayers.

County restarts process for short-term rental regulations

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County Commission voted unanimously to restart the planning process for short-term rental regulations, scrapping the current proposal to allow for significant revisions. County Planner Kassidee Brown requested the reset after receiving conflicting feedback from residents, noting that rural areas like Farson favor fewer restrictions for seasonal rentals, while residential neighborhoods in Wamsutter and other areas expressed concerns over enforcement and density. The Planning and Zoning Department will rework the language to potentially differentiate between the growth management area and rural fire districts before readvertising for public comment.

Commissioners defend association membership amid legislative criticism

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioners defended the county's membership in the Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) against state legislators who have attempted to defund the organization under the guise of stopping taxpayer-funded lobbying. During commissioner comments, the board argued that the WCCA is an essential tool for governance and resource pooling rather than lobbying, while expressing concern over the conduct of some legislators regarding ethics and decorum. Commissioners noted that the association only takes positions on bills when directed by a supermajority of commissioners statewide.

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