2025 WCCA Legislative Conference

2025 WCCA Legislative Conference

Blue Community Events Center

January 22-24, 2025

Cheyenne, WY.

Wednesday, January 22

The WCCA Legislative Conference began with a New Commissioner Workshop at the Blue Community Events Center. Commissioners were welcomed by WCCA President Natalia D. Macker, followed by an overview of the association’s structure, mission, and services by Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman.

Morning Activities

Morning sessions focused on county revenue sources and responsibilities related to road and bridge systems, with presentations given by Sara Janes, Local Government Coordinator, WYDOT; Brian Edwards, P.E., County Engineer, Park County Public Works; and Gene Legerski, P.E., Public Works Director, Sweetwater County.

Risk management experts Torey Racines and Andrea Hixon provided a session on counties as employers, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and training and, further, the role of policies and procedures in minimizing liabilities.

While these events were being held, the WCCA Bill Review Committee was meeting at the WCCA office.

Afternoon Activities

Afternoon topics included Wyoming’s open meetings and public records laws, an introduction to the National Association of Counties (NACo), Commissioner involvement with NACo, and leadership development strategies through the NACo Leadership Academy.

After lunch, the general session began with Teton County Commissioner and WCCA President Natalia D. Macker giving the welcome, pledge, and introductions. Next up were congressional updates from Wyoming’s federal delegation and a timely discussion on cybersecurity and foreign land ownership by Homeland Security Director Lynn Budd. The day closed with a legislative reception at The Gallery at the Met, with trolley transportation provided.

Thursday, January 23

The second day of the WCCA Legislative Conference continued with a full schedule of legislative engagement, voting, and statehouse visits. Commissioners began the day with breakfast and concluded with meaningful discussions at the Capitol and dinner with local legislators.

Morning Activities

The day began with a sponsored breakfast at the Blue Community Events Center, courtesy of Rocky Mountain Power. Following breakfast, WCCA President Natalia D. Macker called the general session to order.

Bill Voting and Review

Jerimiah Rieman, WCCA Executive Director, provided an overview of the voting process. Commissioners then participated in a bill review and voting session, evaluating legislation impacting Wyoming counties.

Voting continued after lunch with additional bills offered from the floor.

Capitol Visit and Legislative Engagement

Commissioners traveled via trolley to the Wyoming Capitol for an afternoon of civic engagement. Riana Davidson from the Legislative Service Office and Jerimiah Rieman provided a session on understanding the legislative process. This was followed by remarks from Governor Mark Gordon, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, State Auditor Kristi Racines, and State Treasurer Curt Meier.

A board meeting was held after Wyoming’s elected officials talked and was followed by a Capitol tour.

Commissioners observed proceedings from the House and Senate Galleries.

Evening Activities

The day concluded with trolleys returning attendees to their hotels. Individual counties arranged their own dinners with local legislators, offering an opportunity for informal discussion and networking to cap off a productive day.

Friday, January 24

Morning Activities

The final day returned to the New Commissioner Workshop, starting with breakfast, sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power, and a welcome by President Natalia D. Macker.

Micah Christensen and Triston Rice offered a primer on counties as cooperating agencies in federal land management. Federal partners from agencies including NRCS, BLM, USFWS, and the U.S. Forest Service introduced themselves and shared how commissioners can effectively collaborate with them.

Afternoon Activities

The conference concluded with a comprehensive Public Officer Training session led by Brian Wilson and Teresia Crain from the Wyoming Department of Audit.

The WCCA Legislative Conference and New Commissioner Workshop adjourned on Friday, January 24.