The Council Chronicle from Councilman Tom Segrave – April 24, 2026

Published on April 24, 2026

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Mayor Collins is traveling this week, so I have been asked to share Council activities. I will provide a short update on the Council goals that were established in January.

This year, the voters of Laramie County will have the opportunity to consider two well-known projects. The first is the Specific Purpose tax, better known as the 6th Penny tax. The second is known as the 5th Penny tax, our main support for roadway improvement. For the 6th Penny, the governing bodies of Laramie County have proposed projects to improve existing infrastructure, provide new infrastructure, improve safety, and community enhancements. Our goal is to provide educational material for the Cheyenne projects. We are actively sharing material and speaking at various community events to answer questions and explain the genesis/need for the proposed projects. If your group or association would like to have a speaker, please contact the Mayor or Council office to make arrangements. Project information is available at www.cheyennecity.org/6thpenny.

Another goal is to develop and implement a proactive information strategy designed to inform of emerging issues and ensure clear, accurate public communication. We are sharing Council agenda actions through the new Council Corner publication – look for the second issue next week. We are reviewing the best practices for additional social media information opportunities. And of course, the Mayors Minute continues to be published weekly.

Our third goal is to develop and implement a standardized project management process or system that improves project tracking and reporting. Currently we are finishing an internal needs assessment, and the selection of a platform will be completed by June.

Phase 1 of the 15th Street renovation will include placement of three restored rail cars by mid-June. Over the next 12 months, street, sidewalk, and lighting improvements will be completed.

Redevelopment of the Reed Avenue corridor is nearing the implementation phase. Designs are being completed at 90%, which is required for approval from the BNSF Railroad. Council has also committed initial funding pending railroad approval. Our goal is to improve this historic warehouse district of downtown and bring business and retail to the West Edge.

Finally, our work continues at the City-owned Belvoir Ranch. As you may recall, the ranch was purchased in 2003 to develop additional water resources as well as a site for a future landfill. A 17-mile bike and hiking trail system will be opened this summer so the public can enjoy this beautiful public asset. We are also working with two solar developers to provide renewable power and create income for the city.

Recently, several new data center announcements have been received, and the Council and Administration are working to understand how this will impact the community. Historically, these developments have occurred in a business park environment, which is somewhat isolated from daily activities.

We want to ensure these developments do not negatively impact our water and energy resources while at the same time providing valuable new employment opportunities.

Our Community Recreation and Events Department is preparing our parks and recreation facilities for an active summer. The Engineering Department and Street and Alley Division are also preparing for the annual cone zone experience as road repair begins. We are freshening up downtown for all the summer activities, such as Fridays on the Plaza, parades, pancake breakfasts and this summer’s 250th celebration!

Please have a safe and fun summer!

Tom Segrave, Ward II