2025 WCCA Fall Meeting at the WACO Conference

2025 WCCA Fall Meeting at the WACO Conference

September 23-25, 2025

Sweetwater Events Complex

Rock Springs, WY

Tuesday, September 23

I. Sweetwater County Welcome Reception

The 2025 Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA) Fall Meeting began with a Welcome Reception hosted by Sweetwater County at the Sweetwater County Events Complex. Attendees of the Wyoming Association of County Officers (WACO) annual meeting enjoyed an evening of networking.

II. WCCA Business Partner Dinner

The WCCA hosted its annual business partner dinner at Bunning Hall with board members. President Natalia Macker (Teton County) welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of partnership in strengthening Wyoming’s 23 counties through networking, education and unified action.

She expressed gratitude to the Association’s business partners for their continued investment in county government capacity and recognized Enbridge, Motorola, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, Cowboy Skills, NextEra, Occidental, and Wyoming CLASS.

Wednesday, September 24

I. Welcome and Introductions

The day began with the WACO general session followed by the formal opening of the WCCA Fall Meeting. President Macker opened the meeting by welcoming attendees, thanking Sweetwater County for hosting, and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendees introduced themselves, including the WCCA Executive Committee, staff, and county commissioners.

II. Commissioner Roundtable Discussion

Facilitated by President Macker, Micah Christensen, and Triston Rice, this roundtable covered:

• Congressional tour – 2027 and beyond,

• Evacuation authority, clarifying county powers and coordination with state agencies, and

• Coroners as peace officers, including statutory clarification and policy considerations.

III. Be Alert. Stay Alert. Connecting Communities Through Wyoming PBS’ Statewide Emergency Alert System

Joanna Kail, Chief Executive Officer, and Josh Williams, Chief Technology Officer, from Wyoming PBS presented a live demonstration of their statewide emergency alert system. The session highlighted how the free platform enhances public safety, supports interoperability among counties, and reduces costs by eliminating duplicative local alert systems.

IV. Red Rocks and Reservoirs – Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway Tour

The afternoon featured a county commissioner tour of Flaming Gorge Dam and Reservoir. The tour showcased the dam’s operations, energy infrastructure, and scenic natural resources.

V. WCCA Dinner and Awards Presentation

The day concluded with the WCCA’s annual awards presentation. Honorees for Legislator of the Year were Speaker of the House Chip Neiman and Representative J.D. Williams. Awarded the WCCA’s Riding for the Brand Award was Commissioner Tom Ryan (Hot Springs County).

Thursday, September 25

I. Town Hall with U.S. Department of Agriculture

Kristin Sleeper, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources an Environment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressed the group focused on USDA priorities under the Trump administration, including the importance of collaborating with counties on land and resource management issues, changes to National Environmental Policy Act administration, and staffing issues, among others.

II.Commissioner Roundtable Discussion

Conversation continued from Wednesday.

III. Investing in the Future: Navigating Wyoming’s New Equity Investment Law

Josh Kevan with RVK, Inc. and Micahel Maloney with PFM Asset Management explained Wyoming’s equity investment laws (W.S. § 9-4-831). Key takeaways included understanding the structure of new investment advisory boards, safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability, and guidance for responsible portfolio diversification.

IV. Planning for the Future: Long-Range Fiscal Strategies for Counties

Janine Jordan, Laramie City Manager, Cameron Duff, Sheridan County Administrator, and Mark Pepper, Executive Director of the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems discussed fiscal forecasting, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term budgeting emphasizing scenario planning, communicating deferred maintenance impacts, and aligning capital priorities.

V. Building Bridges: Practical Strategies for Stronger Public Connections

Jessica Jaubert with Three Elephant Public Relations shared communication strategies for county leaders to build public trust through transparency and creative outreach. Topics included storytelling to simplify complex issues, leveraging social media and digital tools, and improving civic connections.

VI. Adjournment

With no further business, President Macker adjourned the meeting.

WACO Banquet

From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., attendees participated in a Social Hour at the Sweetwater

Events Complex. Following the social hour, the WACO Banquet took place at the same

location, starting at 6:30 p.m. The event featured door prize giveaways and entertainment

provided by a DJ who hosted a game of Musical Bingo. Additionally, a 50/50 raffle was held, with all proceeds benefiting Sweetwater County’s Hospice.