Laramie Council discusses digital billboard plans and local business opportunities

The Laramie City Council meeting on March 4, 2025, focused on the proposed installation of digital billboards in the city, highlighting their potential benefits and addressing community concerns. The discussion centered around the technical aspects of the signage, including how they could reduce light pollution and enhance safety without contributing to traffic distractions.

Council members engaged in a detailed dialogue about the local business impact of the billboards, with a representative from Lamar, the only billboard company operating in Laramie, stating that 93% of their business comes from local sources. This statistic was presented to emphasize the importance of supporting local enterprises through advertising opportunities.

Questions arose regarding the structure of the digital billboards, which would feature eight slots for messages. Councilor Lockhart inquired whether these slots would be available to multiple businesses or if one business could monopolize them. The response indicated that while a single business could purchase multiple slots, the pricing structure is designed to encourage diverse participation from local businesses.

Concerns about content moderation were also raised, with Councilor Bolling emphasizing the need for regulations to prevent inappropriate content on the billboards. The mayor acknowledged the complexity of content moderation but assured that discussions would take place to establish guidelines.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather further information on pricing comparisons and community engagement opportunities, particularly for non-profit organizations. The council's ongoing discussions reflect a careful consideration of how digital billboards can serve both the local economy and community standards in Laramie.