Safer Streets, Smarter Planning: Casper Council Highlights Public Safety and Policy Readiness

🏛️ City Council Work Session Recap – October 28, 2025

 

Topics included Poplar Street safety, legislative coordination, holiday leave policy, and upcoming leadership nominations.

Casper City Council covered a full agenda Tuesday evening, addressing public safety, government coordination, employee policies, and community initiatives. Here’s your detailed breakdown from City Hall.

 

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🚸 Poplar Street Crosswalk & School Safety

 

After a concerned parent’s son was struck by a vehicle while biking across Poplar Street, City staff launched a full safety review of the corridor between Wyoming Boulevard and 25th Street.

 

Engineers found elevated accident rates and limited pedestrian access between Southridge and Crest Hill Elementary Schools.

✅ A new marked crosswalk with reflective signage and striping was installed by September 4, 2025 to improve safety for students.

“Our goal was quick action and a clear, visible crossing,” said City Engineer Alex Speed.

 

The corridor will also be included in Casper’s ongoing Safe Routes to School study, alongside an evaluation of the Whispering Springs area.

 

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🏛️ City Legislative Calendar & Coordination

Chief of Staff Flur Treml introduced a new Legislative Calendar aimed at keeping Casper proactive ahead of the 2026 Wyoming Legislative Budget Session.

The City formed a team of “legislative watchdogs” across departments to monitor state bills affecting municipalities.
Key dates include:

• December: Drafting Casper’s 2026 legislative priorities

• January: Hosting the Legislative Dinner with Natrona County’s delegation

• February–March: Monitoring and testifying during the legislative session

 

Council members emphasized coordination with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) to avoid duplication and strengthen advocacy for all Wyoming cities.

“The goal is to stay ready, stay informed, and make sure our city’s voice is heard,” Treml said.

 

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🎄 Employee Holiday Policy Update

 

Interim City Manager Zulima Lopez proposed continuing Casper’s long-standing tradition of granting employees one extra holiday when both Christmas and New Year’s eves fall on weekdays — which applies this year.

Estimated overtime costs are about $25,000, mostly affecting Fire-EMS and Public Safety operations. Firefighters will receive double-time pay for work on the additional holiday per union contract.

Council unanimously supported continuing the tradition and formally documenting the policy in the employee handbook to ensure consistency moving forward.

“It’s a small gesture that means a lot to city staff who keep Casper running,” Lopez noted.

 

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⚖️ Leadership Nominations Process

 

City Clerk Amanda Ainsworth outlined the schedule for mayor and vice mayor nominations:

• 🗓️ Nominations due: Wednesday, November 26

• 🎤 Nominee speeches: December 2 pre-meeting

• 🗳️ Straw poll: December 2 executive session

• ✅ Official vote: First business meeting of January 2026

Mayor Ray Pacheco confirmed he will not seek another term, encouraging new leadership within the Council.

“I’m honored to serve, but it’s time for fresh voices,” Pacheco said.

 

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🌳 Community & Future Agenda Highlights

 

• David Street Station Agreement: Council will review a maintenance amendment allowing City crews to assist with the splash pad, irrigation, and ice rink systems.

• Stone Ridge Park: Discussion of a potential property resale is planned for early 2026.

• Joint County Meeting: Coordination underway for a joint session with the Natrona County Commission.

Community Updates:

• Tree Planting at Sage Park: Volunteers and partners from Enterprise and Arbor Day Foundation successfully planted dozens of trees.

• Homelessness Task Force: Police reported 1,238 calls involving 32 repeat individuals this year, sparking renewed focus on housing and treatment programs.

• Downtown Development Authority: New art projects, banners, and public murals are planned, with the David Street Station ice chiller now fully funded — nearly $500,000 raised to extend the skating season through February.

• 250th Anniversary Planning: City staff and Visit Casper are coordinating with museums and cultural groups for upcoming America250 celebrations.

“Casper’s collaboration across agencies and volunteers is what keeps our community thriving,” said Vice Mayor Pollock.

 

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🎅 Christmas Parade & Local Events

 

The Casper Chamber of Commerce confirmed the annual Christmas Parade is on schedule, with early-bird float registration now open.
The Chamber requested in-kind city services such as traffic control, police assistance, and waste management.

Council also praised recent local efforts, including:

• Downtown Trick-or-Treat patrols supported by Casper PD

• The J Foundation’s Veterans fundraiser

• Community tree planting and trail cleanup events

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💬 Closing Notes

Casper was recently recognized as one of Wyoming’s safest cities, a distinction highlighted by Mayor Pacheco in his closing remarks.

The Council ended the evening with executive session discussions and expressed continued commitment to transparency, collaboration, and community impact.

 

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📰 Casper Buzz Takeaway

 

From neighborhood safety upgrades to statewide legislative prep, the City continues building a proactive, well-connected future for Casper residents.

When Casper works together — from City Hall to Main Street — everyone wins.