Casper Housing Authority secures funding for Urban Farm team from Zimmerman Family Foundation

The City Council Work Session for the City of Casper took place on April 22, 2025, focusing on several key agenda items, including budget preparations and community initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a review of upcoming events, notably the initiation of the formal LED process for the second phase of Westridge improvements, set to begin on May 6. City officials emphasized the importance of this project as it will span throughout May and June. Additionally, a preliminary overview of the city budget is expected to be presented on May 6, fulfilling statutory requirements, although detailed analysis will not be available at that time.

Council members shared updates on their recent activities, including discussions on cost containment measures within the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. These discussions aimed to balance savings with maintaining the quality of services and facilities. Councilor Amber highlighted the importance of community input in these decisions, noting that user feedback is invaluable for making informed adjustments.

The council also discussed the upcoming budget work sessions scheduled for May, where major themes such as employee impacts, revenue forecasts, and enterprise performance will be addressed. These sessions are designed to prepare the council for a formal budget vote in June, allowing ample time for review and consideration of the proposed financial plans.

In a notable development, the Casper Housing Authority reported that funding for an AmeriCorps team, essential for work at the Urban Farm, had been secured through the Zimmerman Family Foundation after initial funding was lost. This support will enable the continuation of important community projects, including the construction of geodesic domes and irrigation systems at the old North Casper Elementary School.

The meeting concluded with a legislative update from the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM), highlighting upcoming opportunities for advocacy on issues affecting the city, particularly regarding cost containment and funding challenges. Additionally, the council recognized Lieutenant Mike Ogden's retirement from the Casper Police Department after 20 years of service, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the community.

Overall, the work session underscored the council's commitment to engaging with community needs while preparing for the upcoming budget cycle and addressing ongoing projects.