Building the Wyoming We Want
High Plains Initiative
What is the High Plains Initiative? Under the leadership of local economic development leaders, Platte and Goshen counties requested to become the first project for Building the Wyoming We Want in March 2010. 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. High Plains Initiative’s visioning process emphasizes public involvement, accurate information, local control, private property rights, and voluntary, market-based implementation strategies so communities can guide their own future growth. 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.
- 2011 February update about HPI project
- 2010_High_Plains_Brochure
- 2010 Governor_Freudenthal’s_High_Plains_Letter
- Press Releases and News Articles
- Shale Oil Seminars
NEW!!! Final Document: This document provides community members and elected officials with a sound understanding of the values of Goshen and Platte counties and information, based on public input, to consider while making decisions regarding future growth and development. This document gives a detailed report of this community conversation on how to handle future growth and still preserve the close-knit communities that make the region so special. The document covers all the steps taken, the data collected, and growth scenarios considered in the process.
Scenarios: These growth scenarios were developed from thoughts and recommendations by residents who participated the October workshops, attended other community meetings or gave their input through the online survey. These scenarios are tools to identify how changes and growth that may come to the region in the future are addressed and how this impacts the things that residents of Goshen and Platte counties value. This also allows the public to compare various quality-of-life measures among all scenarios including the “business as usual” scenario.
- Table Comparing the Scenarios (1MB)
- Dispersed Scenario (12 MB)
- Business as Usual Scenario (10 MB)
- Combined Scenario (12 MB)
- Compact Scenario (12 MB)
Baseline growth analysis for Goshen and Platte counties: The High Plains Intiative contracted with Envision Utah to review data for both counties, work with the local steering committee and develop estimated growth trends for the region, which is composed of the two counties. This baseline analysis provides a picture of the area’s projected fate if current development trends continue. According to the baseline growth analysis, the 2040 projection for the region estimates a 24 percent growth in population and a 25 percent job growth. (Click here to download the Baseline Growth Analysis presentation made at the Sept. 28 Growth Summit – 7.5MB)
Values Study: Heart + Mind Strategies, a nationally respected polling firm, conducted the 2010 values study which compared attitudes in Goshen and Platte counties to ones held by Wyoming residents as measured in a 2009 survey by the Building the Wyoming We Want initiative. This study allows residents to begin a much needed conversation on impacts and costs of projected growth, especially considering the pending wind energy development and the potential oil play from the Niobrara formation. Click here to learn more about the Values Study.
Sponsors: In addition to BW3, the High Plains Initiative sponsors include: Goshen County, Platte County, Torrington, Glendo, Guernsey, Wheatland, Wyrulec, Broker Real Estate Guide, Missouri Basin Power Project, Platte County Economic Development Corp., Goshen County Economic Development Corp. and the High Plains Economic Development District.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION! 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 becoming a fan of the “WY High Plains Initiative” Facebook page and talking with your elected officials or the key contacts listed below.
CONTACTS
- Julie Kilty, Co-Chair, High Plains Initiative Steering Committee Phone: 307-575-0928 E-mail: barx@actcom.net
- Cindy Witt, Co-Chair, High Plains Initiative Steering Committee Phone: 307-331-1123 E-mail: Cindy.Witt2004@gmail.com
- Anja Bendel, Executive Director of High Plains Economic Development District Phone: 307.331.0012 Email: anja.bendel@gmail.com
- Dan Brecht, Director of Platte County Economic Development Corp. Phone: 307.322.4232 Email: dcbrecht1951@gmail.com
- Lisa Johnson, Executive Director of Goshen County Economic Development Corp. Phone: 307.532.5162 Email: ljohnson@goshenwyo.com
