Wyoming Business Council presents poll showing two‑thirds support for population growth; local leaders press for tools to deliver housing and infrastructure

Josh Durell, chief executive of the Wyoming Business Council, told the Sweetwater County Board of Commissioners that a statewide poll conducted in September of registered voters found broad support for population growth and for local efforts to attract jobs and amenities. Durell said, “0.667 of them actually support population growth,” and offered to share county‑level results so local leaders could apply the findings to housing and infrastructure planning.

Durell told commissioners that survey respondents say the state struggles to keep young people and that regulatory burdens and limited infrastructure are key obstacles to growth. He warned the county that the Business Council itself faces budgetary pressure in the current legislative session and said the agency has been a catalyst for infrastructure grants and technical support for communities across Wyoming. “The Wyoming Business Council is, was zeroed out of the budget, and there's legislation being put forth to dissolve the Wyoming Business Council completely,” he said, urging county officials to consider the consequences of losing state resources.

Commissioners said the poll echoes local experience: Sweetwater County’s challenge is not public opposition to growth but a shortage of tools and funding to deliver housing, water, roads and amenities that retain workers and their families. Commissioner Richards and others raised the need for more financing options such as TIF and county‑level tools to support median‑income housing, and encouraged continued collaboration with the Business Council on targeted problem‑solving. Durell offered staff support and detailed polling data by request to inform the county’s planning.