Council approves DDA contract modification moving staff into CRE; citizen auditor requests documents

The Cheyenne City Council approved a contract modification Aug. 24 that moves Downtown Development Authority (DDA) staff from the Planning Department into Community Recreation and Events (CRE) for the 2026‑27 fiscal year.

Charles Miller spoke during public comment, urging the council to publish contract 8374 and the cost‑benefit task force report that recommended the reorganization, and he cited a January 2025 audit that produced a qualified opinion because auditors were unable to obtain adequate documentation from the prior DDA board. "The Downtown Development Authority's financial statements drew a qualified opinion, and the auditors weren't able to get adequate documentation and information from the previous board," Miller said.

Several council members spoke in favor of the modification. Council member Layborn said the change could better coordinate downtown efforts and noted downtown's vibrancy, while Councilwoman Aldrich said she was cautiously optimistic and expected director Sanchez and staff to help rebuild relationships with downtown merchants. The modification passed by voice vote.

The council did not place the underlying contract or the cost‑benefit task force report into the meeting packet during the public portion on Aug. 24; Miller requested those documents for the public record and urged transparency before approving amendments in the future.