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Planning commission forwards draft blight study to city council for review
Summary
The Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted to find that a spring 2026 draft blight study is consistent with the 2017 comprehensive land use plan and forwarded the study to city council; commissioners discussed tax increment financing (TIF), statutory steps, and next phases of urban renewal work.
The Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward a draft blight study that identifies seven general areas in Casper potentially qualifying for urban renewal tools to the City Council, finding the draft study consistent with the Generation Casper Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Staff told commissioners that preparing a blight study is the first statutory step under Wyoming Statutes 15-9-101 through 15-9-121 to establish an urban renewal area and that an initiative resolution by council would authorize preparation of urban renewal plans but would not itself authorize specific projects, financing mechanisms or expenditures. Staff and the consultant, Mark Christensen of AVI PC of Cheyenne, outlined the consultant's methodology and said the study supports plan objectives for revitalization, infill development and efficient use of infrastructure.
Commissioners asked about plan timing and the meaning of 'blight'; staff confirmed comprehensive land use plans are typically updated every 10 years and that the commission’s role is a narrow consistency determination before council acts. The city attorney clarified that after the commission forwards its recommendation the council may act after receiving the commission’s report or after 30 days elapse, and that subsequent actions — including forming an urban renewal agency, preparing specific plans, and pursuing financing options such as tax increment financing (TIF) — would require additional public processes and council decisions.
Commissioners and other participants discussed tax increment financing as a potential tool to reinvest incremental tax revenue from development into defined areas; speakers recounted past use of federal grants and TIF in the Old Yellowstone/Old Elston area and emphasized that establishing TIF would be a council-level decision requiring public outreach.
After discussion, Commissioner Ruble moved and Commissioner Hunter seconded a motion finding the draft blight study (spring 2026) consistent with the adopted 2017 comprehensive land use plan and forwarding the recommendation to the City Council; with all members voting aye, the motion carried.
Next steps identified in the hearing include council consideration of an initiative resolution and potential subsequent development of urban renewal plans and public outreach on financing options if council decides to proceed.
