Current Situation

The current inventory of improved land that LEADS can use to entice new companies into our area is too low, and too fragmented, to deliver the growth we want. We simply don’t have the space in inventory that larger companies require. Waiting until we are “sold out” to deal with the issue does not recognize the lengthy planning and decision cycles that exist. Prospects need to be assured, from the very beginning of the process that we have the land and resources they need, already committed, and available, to be taken seriously in this competitive environment. There are too many things that can go wrong for a prospect to “waste” time on a community that requires future funding, or approvals, on any significant issue.

Changing Attitudes

The attitude towards economic and population growth has clarified significantly, at least in this part of the state. Annual opinion surveys have been done in recent years and the results are showing a large and growing desire for more economic growth, even if the population has to grow to attain it. The City of Cheyenne’s most recent Citizen Survey has placed economic growth as one of the highest priorities and concerns the citizens expressed. Eighty five percent of the respondents felt it was either a good idea (29%) or a very good idea (56%). Only four percent believed it was bad or very bad for Cheyenne.

"Cheyenne receives coveted Five-Star, Quality-of-Life ranking"

"We ranked each of 329 communities according to 47 different statistical categories to come up with what we believe are the best places---from a livability and affordability standpoint---for manufacturing companies to grow and prosper."

Expansion Management, June 2003

"Wyoming is ranked fourth out of fifty states for providing one of the friendliest business environments for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The state’s top notch work force training programs serve as prime examples of how well Wyoming puts out the welcome mat for new businesses."

Area Development, May 2002

"Cheyenne is regarded as the eighth best small city for economic performance and job growth."

Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities Report

National Community Development Services, Inc. conducted a feasibility study in October 2002, interviewing a cross section of the business community to determine their attitudes about economic growth. They also studied the satisfaction with Cheyenne LEADS, Progress & Prosperity I, and various other questions about how the community would support a second, more aggressive, economic development campaign.

While 100% of the respondents rated economic development important, and effective, over the last five years, only half felt the current efforts were aggressive enough to “maintain or improve the quality of life in the future.” The messages are very clear:

• The mixed messages from Cheyenne and Laramie County are gone. There is overwhelming support for economic growth initiatives.
• While past initiatives were rated unanimously effective the desire for higher activity and more growth is also clear.
• The strategies employed and the results generated by LEADS and Progress and Prosperity are well received and respected.

The last portion of the survey was a series of questions testing the viability and potential support levels for a campaign to build on the momentum created in the first Progress and Prosperity. The survey indicated that an overall campaign goal of $2.8 million is realistic and attainable. Armed with this information the Governance and Accountability Committee of Progress and Prosperity I approved a second, more aggressive campaign . . .