In a recent interview on the Weekday Wake-up, Josh Dorrell, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council (WBC), discussed significant proposed changes to the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program, which has been renamed “Building Resilient Communities” to better reflect its core mission. Public comments on these changes are open until July 27, and the WBC is urging community leaders and residents to share their insights.

The Building Resilient Communities program has been a vital pillar for local economic and community development in Wyoming for nearly 20 years. However, with shifting economic trends, the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) recognizes the need for adjustments to create lasting impacts. Dorrell emphasized that the program is designed to help communities build essential infrastructure and amenities that support local businesses, rather than providing direct funding to businesses themselves.

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“What we found is that much of the investments that we made, they made some good things in the communities and there are useful amenities in those communities, but it didn’t really change the economy. Really that’s our goal is to create a place where there are a lot of opportunities for young people and Wyomingites, whether they’re older or younger. And what we were finding is that the communities didn’t really change because of those investments, and so we said, ‘how can we utilize this tool to continue to change,’ and so what we’re doing is we’re making some significant changes to the way the program works.”

Proposed Changes

Dorrell outlined two major adjustments to the program:

Increased Community Investment: The new requirements will mandate a 25% match from local communities for any projects funded through the program. This change is intended to ensure that communities are genuinely invested in the projects they propose, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.

Focus on Unique Growth Constraints: The WBC is shifting its focus to identify specific barriers to growth in individual communities. Instead of a generic approach, the emphasis will be on understanding what unique challenges each community faces, allowing for more tailored solutions.

Bert Adam, WBC Investments Director, highlighted the importance of community feedback in this process. He stated, “This isn’t just a bureaucratic process; it’s a chance to roll up our sleeves and ensure these changes truly serve our communities.” The WBC is particularly interested in hearing from past and potential BRC applicants—city, town, county, tribal, and joint powers boards—about their experiences and the economic hurdles they encounter.

Residents of Wyoming, especially those in Lincoln County, are encouraged to participate in the public comment period. Comments must be submitted in writing by July 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MT. The WBC is looking for insights on the proposed changes, including the new emphasis on barriers to growth and revised match requirements.

As Wyoming prepares for these potential changes in the Building Resilient Communities program, community engagement will be essential. Dorrell’s insights and the WBC’s commitment to responsive governance highlight a significant opportunity for residents to influence economic development in their areas. With the public comment period closing soon, now is the time for community members to make their voices heard.

For more information and to submit comments, visit wbc.pub/BRC.