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Jackson council and county direct staff to prepare RFP for comprehensive-plan update after scoping debate

Jackson Town Council and Teton County Board of Commissioners (joint meeting) · February 5, 2026

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Summary

Town and county officials agreed to prepare a fiscal‑year 2027 request for proposals for a consultant to help scope a possible comprehensive‑plan update after staff reported the community likely hit a 7% residential growth trigger; the council approved the motion unanimously and the county approved it 3–2.

Town and county elected officials agreed Jan. 5 to prepare a request for proposals for a consultant to help scope a possible update of the joint comprehensive plan, after a lengthy debate over staff capacity, cost and how much public engagement the process should include.

Paul Anthony, planning director for the Town of Jackson, told the joint meeting that staff believe the plan’s growth trigger — now set at about 7% residential growth — has likely been reached and that the bodies need to “take…a step back to look at our comprehensive plan, vision, and goals” to determine whether a light update or a full overhaul is necessary. “I think we probably have reached the 7% growth trigger,” Anthony said.

Ryan Laster (Ms. Laster), the joint long‑range planner, outlined three options: hire a consultant and split costs under the existing joint funding MOU; proceed with a staff‑led outreach and scoping; or have the town carry out a targeted outreach effort on its own. Laster said staff can perform scoping work but the time and resources required depend on how extensive elected officials want the outreach to be.

Several commissioners urged caution about diverting limited planner time from near‑term priorities. “We need to focus on action rather than sentiment,” Commissioner Brooks said, arguing for a narrower, town‑led approach so county staff can continue work on water‑quality LDRs and other projects. Others, including council members, said the town is facing fast, concentrated development and that a public check‑in is warranted.

After discussion, the town council moved to direct staff to prepare an RFP for a consultant to assist with the next comprehensive‑plan update in fiscal year 2027. Councilor Beaman moved the motion; Councilor Regan seconded; the council approved it by unanimous voice vote. The county adopted the same motion; the county vote was recorded as 3–2 in favor after further debate about staffing and fiscal trade‑offs.

Staff said the RFP will be prepared and returned to the joint bodies for review before being released; proposals will describe different approaches and costs, allowing elected officials to choose between a light, surgical outreach or a more expansive, multi‑year engagement. Christian Becker, planning director for Teton County, said the joint funding split would follow the MOU in effect at the time of any contract.

The next procedural step is for staff to draft the RFP and bring it back to the council and commission for review and potential amendment before any contract is executed.