The Wyoming Business Council presented results from a statewide poll examining attitudes toward growth and economic change in Wyoming.

Josh Dorell, chief executive officer of the Wyoming Business Council, summarized economic indicators the council reviewed alongside the poll: flat real GDP per capita relative to neighboring states, stagnating employment, declining wages and out‑migration of people born in Wyoming. “Our economy is in decline,” Dorell said, and he urged deliberate investment in local capacity and projects with measurable return on investment.

The council’s poll (514 registered voters statewide) found three in four respondents believe their local economy is stagnant or in decline; 65% of respondents supported population growth if it meant more opportunities for family, friends and neighbors; 8 in 10 felt communities should take strong actions to grow jobs; and responses split on tax increases—about 35% supported raising taxes for development while 65% opposed it. Among respondents who already thought their local economy was stagnant, support for tax increases rose closer to a 50/50 split.

Dorell said the Business Council will continue prioritizing local capacity, job creation and infrastructure and that the agency is exploring large investments—such as a proposed critical‑minerals laboratory—to retain and create higher‑paying jobs in Wyoming. Commissioners thanked the presenters and invited continued dialogue during upcoming budget and legislative work.