Cheyenne LEADS in Laramie County is Successful Because of Its Private Sector Roots

For almost forty years, Cheyenne LEADS, the economic development organization for Cheyenne and Laramie County, has been a leader in Wyoming’s economic development sector. The organization was founded by individuals representing private companies who volunteered their time and pooled their money to create opportunities in the region. LEADS continues to maintain a long-term focus as it pursues sustainable growth for the capital city and Laramie County.  

“Economic development is not a quick game,” says Betsey Hale, Chief Executive Officer of Cheyenne LEADS. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And it’s a team sport.”

One of the main goals of the Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA) is to share success stories from across the state. Cheyenne LEADS has proven its value to both the local community and elected officials and now serves as a leader to other economic development groups. Learn how this organization started and the impact it has on Laramie County today. 

LEADS is Successful Because 25 Local Businesses Took an Investment Chance    

Cheyenne LEADS was founded in 1986 but one of the most important events in its history occurred in 1989. LEADS bought 914 acres of land east of the city to develop what is now known as the Cheyenne Business Parkway (CBP).

Funding for this project was a grassroots effort, with 25 businesses contributing a combined $63,000 to purchase the property. Three local lenders also supported the project by applying for HUD funding through the State of Wyoming.

“This is the great story of Cheyenne LEADS,” says Hale. “Our roots are private sector.”

The private investment also received community and public sector support. The infrastructure for the CBP was approved by a $500,000 County voter-approved overage while the City of Cheyenne agreed to annex the park and provide city services.

Today, the CBP is one of the city’s leading industrial hubs. It is currently home to more than 22 tenants including Lowe’s, EchoStar Broadcasting Corp., Truss-Craft, Sierra, and Eagle Claw Fishing & Tackle. It supports more than 2,000 employees. 

LEADS Continues to Take a Long-Term Approach to Economic Development

LEADS is built on the idea that anyone who wants to see their grandkids employed should be involved in economic development. The actions taken now will lay the groundwork for success in the future. When LEADS starts a project, it understands that it could take 10 years to reach completion – and there might not be any noticeable results until it’s mostly finished. However, when they do pay off, these projects will have lasting benefits across the region.

“Through our investments, the private sector is winning, the community is winning from job growth and increased opportunities, and the government is winning from tax revenue,” says Hale.

LEADS has reached a point where it can prove its efforts have paid off. The Center for Business and Economic Analysis (CBEA) at the University of Wyoming found that “for every $1 provided as a land incentive, Laramie County and the State of Wyoming received a net gain of $7.4 in the form of fiscal revenue.”

The same study found that between 1992 and 2022, there were 1,951 direct jobs created at the incentivized company and 1,222 indirect and induced jobs in the region. This added 3.2% to the county’s GDP.  

“Wyoming’s growth in recent years is directly related to the economic development of groups like Cheyenne LEADS,” says Brett Kahler, Executive Director of WEDA. “The state has experienced a significant population increase, new industries are moving here, and our GDP is rising. People are starting to notice Wyoming.”  

LEADS is Setting the Course for the Next 40 Years

LEADS didn’t stop with the CBP. It continued to invest in business parks over the past few decades and still develops land to attract companies to Laramie County. Hale encourages other Wyoming communities to take action and develop plans to win industries over.

“Don’t wait for the state to get going” she says. “Tell your unique and extraordinary story and just go. Find the companies who want to come to your community.”

Grow Your Economic Development Skills Through WEDA

The state of Wyoming is stronger when economic development organizations work together. Growth in one county benefits others and raises the profile of the state. Cheyenne LEADS is an excellent economic development corporation, and there are others like it in Wyoming. The goal of WEDA is to bring us all together.

Learn about upcoming networking and education opportunities to connect with other economic development professionals in your area. WEDA has events throughout the year to support development in this state. Share your story and get the help you need from peers across Wyoming. We can’t wait to meet you.