2022 WCCA Legislative Conference

2022 Legislative Conference

Monday, February 21, 2022

Little America Hotel & Resort

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Monday, February 21

President Jim Willox (Converse County) and Executive Director (ED), Jerimiah Reiman began the bill reviewcommittee meeting at 10:00am at the WCCA. All committee chairs and co-chairs were present. CommissionerDoc Wendling (Sweetwater County) and Treasurer Natalia Macker (Teton County) joined virtually. 

President Willox called the 2022 Legislative Conference to order at 3:00pm at the Little America. Pete Obermueller, Petroleum Association of Wyoming, introduced Dru Palmer, DRU Consulting and Bailey Brennan, WCCA Natural Resource Counsel, who provided an overview of the best practicesfor implementation of natural resource plans. 

Mitch Daily, Next Era Energy, introduced Paul Ulrich, Board Chairman, Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA), who provided an overview of Wyoming’s energy strategy.  Topics of discussion included: the goals and views of the WEA, where the WEA is headed, energy regulations and the overall state of energy in Wyoming. 

Commissioner Bob King (Lincoln County) introduced Rita Meyer, TerraPower and Jeff Navin, Director ofExternal Affairs, TerraPower who provided an overview of nuclear power and what it means for Wyoming’s energy profile. 

President Willox adjourned Monday’s meeting at 5:00pm and reminded attendees that the WCCA Private Reception will begin at 5:45pm at the Gallery at the Met. 

The WCCA Legislative Reception and Awards Ceremony began at 6:30pm. Commissioner Lee Livingston(Park County) was awarded the 2021 Riding for the Brand award (he was unable to attend the 2021 WACO Conference). Cheyenne Street Railway Trolleys provided transportation from the Little America to the Met. Reception sponsors included: Visit Cheyenne, Wyoming Machinery, Powering Up Wyoming, Stag Arms, and Big R Bridge/Contech Engineered Solutions. 

Artist, Bria Hammock joined the WCCA in unveiling the art that was commissioned with her, with the assistance of sponsors. One piece is titled, The Pack and the other piece is titled, Under One Sky. The pieces were transported to the WCCA. 

Tuesday, February 22

President Willox called the meeting to order at 8:00am and thanked Cowboy Skill for sponsoring the breakfast.  President Willox then led with the Pledge of Allegiance and provided an overview of the upcoming agenda.  TheWCCA Executive Committee and the WCCA staff were introduced, and all attendees introduced themselves. 

ED Rieman provided an overview of the Bill Review voting procedures. ED Rieman stated that the Bill Review Committee had a preliminary meeting a few weeks prior, and the WCCA’s position spreadsheet was shared with Legislators. WCCA position spreadsheets The WCCA committee representatives introduced the bills for commissioner’s consideration prior to voting and there was a consensus list of bills as well. The Legislative bill review and priority setting of the bills took place for the duration of the morning. 

Lunch was sponsored by Visionary Broadband. Following lunch, the Bill Review Committee continued into theearly afternoon. 

Bailey Brennan, Natural Resource Counsel discussed the Congressional Tour which is intended to visit one of the five regions in Wyoming to view public lands and resources to educate staffers. A proposal was provided to attendees to review. Topics of discussion included: a region would be visited once every five years; funds must come from a county government due to Congressional rules; $25,000 annual assessment/based on the due’s formula, lead county responsibilities, and the consultant who will be on board to assist in scheduling, Big Horn Public Affairs Group. Commissioner Robert Short (Converse County) and Commissioner Joel Bousman (Sublette County) provided remarks regarding the value of the tour in the state. Commissioner Short (Converse County) moved that the WCCA adopt thefunding model proposed, Commissioner Rob Hendry (Natrona County) seconded; motion carried. 

Greg Worthen and Stacie McDonald, Visionary Broadband introduced Rita Reynolds, Chief Information Officer,NACo who provided an overview of cybersecurity and how to protect your county in a changing world. 

Attendees boarded the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolleys for the Capitol auditorium. 

President Willox introduced Wyoming’s statewide elected officials. 

Governor Mark Gordon discussed the overall state of Wyoming’s economy, the Attorney General’s office, CARES Act, ARPA funds, SLIB, the Wyoming Energy Authority, infrastructure, forest management and Wyoming’s natural resources. 

Secretary of State Ed Buchanan discussed election equipment, cyber security, SLIB, and the operations of theoffice 

State Auditor Kristi Racines discussed taxes, the CARES Act, ARPA funds and the operations of the office. 

State Treasurer Curt Meier discussed investments, the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund and the accounting systems and operations of the office. 

Newly appointed, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder introduced himself to attendees and discussed his views of Wyoming’s education system. 

ED Rieman provided a Legislative 101 overview and then commissioners were able to attend the legislative proceedings within the Capitol. 

Attendees boarded the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolleys and departed for the Little America. The WCCA positions preadsheets were distributed to commissioners, prior to county dinners with Legislators. 

Wednesday, February 23

President Willox called the meeting to order at 8:00am and thanked Stag Arms for sponsoring the breakfast.

President Willox then began the roundtable discussion and the following topics of discussion included: ARPA funds, consensus funding, pharmacies, health insurance, local sales and use taxes (HB0047), sage grouse (Bob Budd, Executive Director, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust presented on the topic), OSLI/SLIB (Jason Crowder, Deputy Director, Office of State Lands and Investments provided an overview of the office), county staff turnover/salaries, grant writing opportunities with Rocky Mountain Power, and Commissioner Mike Jones (Fremont County) thanked the WCCA for the Leadership Wyoming scholarship.

President Willox provided an update on the building construction, the tenants in the building, the WCCA budget, and the WCCA Business Partner participation. Bailey Brennan, Natural Resource Counsel announced that she will be departing for a position with The National Wildlife Federation.

President Willox introduced Renny MacKay, Policy Director, Wyoming Governor’s Office. Mr. MacKay provided an update on the ARPA funding proposal. President Willox also provided an update on the Governor’s Survive, Drive and Thrive strategy as he sits on the Task Force.

President Willox introduced Dave Glenn, Deputy Director, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails (joined virtually). Mr. Glenn provided an overview of the office and how the office is planning to use ARPA funds.

President Willox introduced Rob Creager, Business and Economic Development, Wyoming

Governor’s Office and Luke Reiner, Director, Wyoming Department of Transportation. Mr.

Creager discussed the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act and his role in the Governor’s office and working with counties. Director Reiner discussed the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act

and the role of WYDOT and working with the counties.

President Willox introduced Brian Ferebee, U.S. Forest Service, Russ Bacon, U.S. Forest Service and Sarah Greenberger, Department of Interior (all joined virtually) to discuss infrastructure priorities in Wyoming.President Willox introduced Allison Slife, Principal, State and Local Government, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. Ms. Slife discussed ARPA funding and the role of her company who is the state consultant for technical assistance.

President Willox adjourned the 2022 Legislative Conference at 12:19pm and thanked the staff for their work over. There was a drawing for an item from Stag Arms and Gunnar Malm (Laramie County) was selected.

President Willox reminded attendees of the 2022 WCCA Fall Meeting at the WACO Conference in Gillette, September 27-29, 2022.