Cheyenne Governing Body Meeting – June 8, 2026

On June 8, 2026, the Cheyenne Governing Body convened to address a wide-ranging agenda including multiple annexations, the final adoption of the FY2027 budget, a $3.5 million affordable housing donation, and several zoning and fee ordinances. The meeting featured extensive debate over the proposed annexation of 3,459.99 acres for a potential Microsoft data center campus, as well as the approval of a five percent water/sewer rate increase and a three percent solid waste fee increase. Public testimony was heard on several items, and multiple votes were taken, including amendments to the budget and the adoption of a substitute resolution for Bellvoir Ranch access.

Consent Calendar

• Items CA-27 (BOPU debt discharge), CA-28 (Bellvoir Ranch access resolution), and CA-42D (contract modification for 18th Street reconstruction) were removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. The remaining consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget (Item 10): Charles Miller (frequent commenter) called the budget a “mathematical fiction” and raised concerns about the use of reserves, the unfunded lead service line liability, and subsidization of data centers. He noted that the general fund appropriates $82.7 million while extracting $2.07 million from reserves. His comments were acknowledged but not directly addressed.
• 3,459.99-acre annexation (Item 6C): Multiple residents and officials spoke:
  • Brian Pixley (resident) expressed total opposition to the annexation, linking it to data centers.
  • Jim Chirrell (Ward 1 candidate) strongly opposed the annexation, arguing it affects quality of life for the entire city and urged the council not to approve it at this time.
  • Heather Madrid (Harmony Meadows resident) questioned the logic of annexing such a large area without updated land use regulations, and argued the statutory criteria for health and safety were not met since no people live there yet. She noted that Microsoft could not provide the number of buildings at planning commission.
  • Brant Miller (Laramie County Groundwater Control Board) expressed concern about water supply and the impact on Crow Creek and groundwater in the Carpenter area. He urged consultation with the state engineer.
  • Mark Christensen (AVI PC, agent for applicant) stated the annexation is owner-initiated and needed for Microsoft to proceed with studies for a data center campus. He noted an open house had only three attendees but answered neighbor questions.
  • Rachel Irving (Microsoft Land Development and Permitting Manager) explained the scale allows comprehensive planning and phasing over 10-20 years, and emphasized Microsoft’s 14-year presence and community investments.
  • Lucas Downey (Microsoft Community Affairs) reiterated Microsoft’s commitment, cited $4.7 million in local donations since 2018, and outlined the “community first” commitments including paying full power costs and minimizing water use.
  • Brian Napier (Microsoft employee and Cheyenne resident) advocated for the annexation, describing personal benefits from Microsoft jobs and health benefits, and emphasized job creation and tax contributions.
  • Betsy Hale (CEO, Cheyenne Leads) provided a map of adjacent land uses (gravel pits, EOG fracking, solar farm, state lands) and argued that economies of scale make annexation in total beneficial. She supported the annexation.
  • Charles Miller (remote) attempted to speak but was cut off after straying off-topic.
• Affordable housing donation (Item 29): Heather Madrid spoke in favor of affordable housing but expressed concern about low-income housing as a poverty trap and the broader housing affordability gap. Mayor Collins responded that the project targets 60% AMI and will stabilize families, and that building affordable housing helps market-rate prices through the vacancy effect.
• Other business: Richard Johnson (former councilor) addressed various issues including wildlife control, park maintenance, speed cushions, and a request for a proclamation honoring tattoo artist Greg Skibo. Charles Miller submitted a “formal constructive notice” criticizing council’s handling of the annexation and budget, and alleged the city attorney had dismissed his notices.

Discussion Items

• Annexation of 3,459.99 acres (Item 6C): Staff (Connor White) presented the annexation criteria: 45.63% contiguous, all city services will be provided, utilities will be extended by the developer. Council debated extensively:
  • Mr. Moody asked about planning commission recommendations, which do not apply to annexations.
  • Dr. Aldrich inquired about public comments; staff reported none for the annexation itself.
  • Mr. Wolf questioned staff about meeting with Microsoft, the size of the annexation compared to Sweetgrass, and whether comprehensive plan update should precede such large annexations. Director Charles Bloom explained no size limit, anchor does not have authority to refuse petitions, and that the comprehensive plan is within its shelf life. Mr. Wolf argued the council should consider the magnitude and potential community benefit agreements; Mayor Collins expressed concern that conditioning annexation on contributions would be extortion.
  • Dr. Aldrich asked about case law; Mr. Hopkinson (legal) stated if statutory elements are met, the statute says the council “shall” approve. Mr. Bloom added that arbitrary denial could risk litigation.
  • Multiple council members emphasized that this is only a public hearing; no vote would be taken tonight, and the item would go to committee.
• FY2027 Budget – Third Reading (Item 10): The budget was presented as an $83 million general fund budget. Three amendments were proposed and passed:
  1. Increase facilities maintenance by $250,000 from reserves for a fleet generator.
  2. Increase parks and recreation by $750,000 for pavement improvements at Lyons Park and Cahill Park.
  3. Increase city attorney budget by $158,626 for an additional attorney, offset by council discretionary fund.
  • Dr. Aldrich noted the city now has over 300 days in reserves, allowing these projects.
  • Mr. Moody voted for the budget (contrary to previous year) because frontline workers received raises.
• Bellvoir Ranch Access Resolution (Item 28): The original resolution authorized the mayor to execute site access agreements. Mr. Wolf offered a substitute (dated June 8, 2026) that added provisions for charging fees (where appropriate) and ensuring the city owns all data from studies. The substitute was adopted with Mr. Moody voting no. Council members expressed support for the added guardrails.
• Affordable Housing Donation & Land Purchase (Items 29 & 41A): Mayor Collins described a $3.5 million donation from Related Digital to fund the purchase of 8.37 acres (for $2.645 million) to build a 184-unit affordable housing project. The land will be leased back to the developer for 50 years. The resolution and purchase agreement were approved, with Mr. Moody voting no.
• Historic Horse Racing Overlay District (Item 15): Second reading of an ordinance creating a Regional Entertainment overlay district for gaming centers (historic horse racing). Dr. Rennie explained the legislative background and the need for local control. Director Bloom presented four overlay districts and noted a substitute would be offered at committee to address child care buffer concerns. The ordinance passed on second reading.
• Carport Ordinance (Item 14): Second reading of an ordinance allowing carports in front yards. An amendment to remove administrative adjustment for zero setback (reverting to five-foot setback) passed. The main ordinance failed on second reading (multiple no votes, including Mr. Wolf, Dr. Rennie, Mr. Seagrave, Mr. White, Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Labourne, and Mayor Collins).
• Water/Sewer Rate Increase (Item 12): Third reading of a five percent increase in water and sewer rates and three percent increase in service fees. Mr. Miller spoke against it, citing hidden reserves and unfunded lead service line liability. Dr. Aldrich supported it as fiscally responsible. Passed with Mr. Moody voting no.
• Solid Waste Fee Increase (Item 8): Third reading of a one percent residential and three percent commercial increase. Passed with Mr. Moody voting no.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with items 27, 28, and 42D removed.
• Public hearings held on three annexations (2.69 acres, 26.29 acres, 3,459.99 acres). No votes taken; items referred to Public Services Committee.
• Budget (FY2027) approved on third reading as amended, with a final total general fund of approximately $83 million and an overall appropriated budget of $232,954,329. Passed 10-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• Wastewater discharge limits (Item 7) approved on third reading.
• Solid waste fee schedule (Item 8) approved 10-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• JL Ranch PUD zone change to NR2 (Item 9) approved unanimously.
• Business Park zone change (Items 11, 23, 24, 25, 26) approved with Mr. Moody voting no on some.
• Water/sewer rates and fees (Item 12) approved 10-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• Police terms (Item 13) approved on second reading.
• Carport ordinance (Item 14) failed on second reading.
• Historic horse racing overlay (Item 15) approved on second reading; will return for third reading after committee amendment.
• Electrical code update (Item 16) approved on second reading.
• Multiple first-reading ordinances (Items 17-26) introduced and referred to Public Services Committee.
• BOPU debt discharge (Resolution 27) approved with $18,317.24 written off.
• Bellvoir Ranch access (Resolution 28) approved with substitute, 9-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• Affordable housing donation (Resolution 29) approved 10-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• Land purchase for affordable housing (Item 41A) approved 10-1 (Mr. Moody dissenting).
• Contract modification for 18th Street reconstruction (Item 42D) approved, $313,197.
• Executive session was moved and approved to discuss confidential matters.

Other Business

• Council members announced upcoming events: Fridays on the Plaza, Downtown Summer in the Street, Ward 3 Coffee (June 20), Celtic Festival (June 13-14). Mr. Johnson (former councilor) raised concerns about wildlife control, bicycle safety, speed cushions, and requested a proclamation for Greg Skibo. Mr. Miller submitted formal written objections for the record.