High Plains Initiative

What is the High Plains Initiative?

Under the leadership of local economic development leaders, Platte and Goshen counties volunteered to become the first pilot project for Building the Wyoming We Want. The High Plains Initiative process is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore growth-related issues and to think together about the future of Platte and Goshen counties. A steering committee of local elected officials and community leaders is heading the initiative, with support from Building the Wyoming We Want. Sponsoring organizations are the Platte County Economic Development Corp., the Goshen County Economic Development Corp. and the High Plains Economic Development District.

What is the initiative’s purpose?

The purpose of the High Plains Initiative is to create a long-term vision that will ensure a high quality of life for our residents for years to come. The initiative will engage the citizens of Platte and Goshen counties in a facilitated conversation about growth, gathering their ideas, employing sound data and scenario analysis, and outlining publicly supported principles to guide future land use, economic growth and transportation decisions.

How can the public get involved?

The High Plains Initiative will host a series of workshops throughout both counties that are open to all interested parties. The steering committee hopes that a diverse cross section of area citizens will participate in the workshops so the brainstorming sessions yield the best possible thinking about our future. Educational workshops will inform the public about regional issues, stimulate informed participation in the process, and seek public input. Using interactive keypad polling, participants will anonymously vote on survey questions to help develop planning ideas.

The initiative is committed to a transparent and public process in which residents can explore the challenges associated with growth and work toward the creation of a long-term vision. The challenge is to envision a place that preserves and enhances the quality of life that residents currently enjoy for future generations.

Challenges associated with this task include thinking about growth locations and patterns, transportation, air quality, water quality, economic development, job growth, agriculture, land consumption, housing, environment, critical lands, and recreation.

Let’s decide what we want and how to get there!

Broad public participation is the key to our success. Watch for announcements of upcoming meetings and public workshops and get involved! You can learn more about the High Plains Initiative and Building the Wyoming We Want initiative by: