The Federal Administrative Act passed the US Congress in 1947.
Wyoming passed the State Administrative Procedure Act in 1966.
Former Governor Mike Sullivan, in 1989, partnered with the state legislature to pass, W.S. 9-1-1701, the Government Re-organization Act of 1989. This legislation transferred locally generated revenue streams to the control of the state executive branch. The City of Sheridan, in 2019, after a third attempt, passed the City Administrator Ordinance. A city administrator is an unelected bureaucrat.
In September of 2023, Sheridan contracted with Ayers Associates to create a additional zoning for the downtown and development areas. This is the new "overlay" zoning. The new zoning could require substantial financial investment by new property owners in the overlay districts.
The city felt that "big money", the Jackson Hole guys, and others, where sniffing around Sheridan. We needed a plan. A consultant is payed, to tell you what you want to hear, to advance what you want to do.
Sheridan City Ordinance 2288, overlay zoning, passed in November 2024. This ordinance is a text book example of consultants and policy over "common sense". I say this because of the blow back over three recent issues. They are the West Corridor, the Wyoming Downs rezone, and the overlay zoning. If the city is successful, who will live in Sheridan, when city administration, transforms the town into Jackson Hole? The rich?
The city is set to produce a new ten year development plan. The plan should be an interesting read.
Over the last 75 years, the nation has moved on the Federal, State,and local levels, into government by unelected bureaucrats.
It has been said, the millstones of the gods, grind slowly, but exceedingly fine.
To join in on the dialog, contact sheridanclash@gmail.com.