Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority: February 2026 Newsletter

Feb 2, 2026

Last Call for Spring Sidewalk Repairs

This is your final opportunity to apply for spring repairs through the Sidewalk 50-50 Improvement Program. We coordinate contractors and scheduling in partnership with the City of Cheyenne and cover 50% of eligible repair costs.

Applications must be submitted by February 20. Funding is limited and participation is not guaranteed.

A sidewalk in Downtown Cheyenne, with a wall and tree.

Pilot Program Brings Water-Friendly Planters to 17th Street

Based on survey results and community input, we’re excited to introduce eight new water-friendly planters as part of a pilot program on 17th Street and Capitol. Stay tuned for more updates when the planting season starts in the Spring.

A stack of plastic-wrapped planters sits atop a wooden pallet after being unloaded from a truck,

A Pivotal Step Forward for Downtown Housing

The Historic Hynds Lofts and The Reserves at The Hole were awarded $6,014,927 to support a 69-unit mixed new construction and acquisition/rehabilitation housing community, funded through a combination of LIHTC equity, HOME, and NHTF resources (announced by WCDA).

While there is still a long way to go, and many, many plans have come before, the award from WCDA is pivotal in balancing the cost of redevelopment. In a capital stack never seen for this project before (which also includes the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming – Government Large Projects Gap Financing Program, funded by voter-approved 6th Penny funds), the Hynds and the Hole now have a fighting chance for redevelopment.

The DDA is proud to support this project as a critical redevelopment for Downtown Cheyenne.

A view of the Hynds Building, with historic brickwork on the side.

Cheyenne Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday on July 4

The City of Cheyenne and the State of Wyoming are teaming up for a huge, week-long celebration in honor of America’s 250th Birthday, and downtown will be at the heart of the action.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Parade in the morning. Parade route to be announced at a later date
  • Live Music at the Capitol in the afternoon/evening. Food trucks, games, and family-friendly activities included
  • Events at the Wyoming State Museum
  • Self-Guided Downtown Tours
  • American Heritage Festival
  • Downtown Fireworks around sunset
  • Concert Version of 1776 at the Civic Center on July 2
  • Plus a full week of events from Super Day through the 4th of July

This is a City- and state-led event (not a DDA event), but many activities will take place in and around downtown, the Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion. We encourage downtown businesses and community members to get involved and help spread the word.

Fireworks overlaying the American flag

Development Incentives Programs Available

The City of Cheyenne offers Development Incentive Programs (DIP) designed to encourage high-quality projects that strengthen the vitality of our community. Expanded in September 2023, these programs provide building permit fee reimbursements for eligible development projects; including downtown reinvestment, affordable housing, and historic rehabilitation.

Eligible projects may qualify for reimbursements of up to:

  • $5,000 for infill, redevelopment, or reuse of properties in the Downtown Core

  • $5,000–$10,000 for income-restricted housing (80% AMI for a minimum of 15 years)

  • $5,000 for rehabilitation of historic structures within designated historic districts

Projects must meet eligibility requirements, receive a building permit, and be completed within one year of permit issuance. Reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a total program cap of $200,000, and applications are open through June 30, 2030.

Questions? Contact the City of Cheyenne Planning & Development Department at 307-637-6282.

COVID Rental Assistance Program Update

The Cheyenne DDA has fully allocated all available Downtown COVID Rental Assistance grant funds. We appreciate the strong interest in this program and thank everyone who applied.

Reed Avenue Rail Corridor Update

The Reed Avenue Corridor Project aims to convert the Reed Avenue right of way in Cheyenne’s West Edge into a public space that would provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access, gathering and event space, and economic development opportunities, all while celebrating the history of the corridor. The BNSF railroad track would still exist and would be separated from the public space on the corridor.

The project area follows Reed Avenue from 15th Street to 23rd Street and includes some blocks on either side of the corridor.

15th Street Experience Update

The 15th Street Experience is a placemaking and infrastructure project that will transform 15th Street, from Capitol Avenue to Bent Avenue, into a walkable, welcoming downtown destination. Rooted in Cheyenne’s railroad heritage, the project improves safety, connectivity, and access while linking key downtown areas and supporting long-term economic vitality.

Conceptual rendering of 15th Street in Cheyenne, WY, with suggested enhancements as part of the 15th Street Experience.

February Work Session

The next Cheyenne DDA Work Session will be held on February 19th at 1920 Thomes (Western Vista conference room) starting at 10 AM.

Upcoming Satellite Days

Join us for our next Satellite Day February 24th from 1–4 PM at Barrett Creek Coffee inside the Cheyenne Depot.

Our March Satellite Day will be March 24th from 1–4 PM at The Cheyenne Cup inside the Laramie County Courthouse. 

Dates and times are subject to change. Any updates will be shared on Facebook.

DDA Office Hours

Due to limited staff, we kindly ask that you request an appointment before visiting our office to ensure we are available when you arrive.

Tuesday
Noon - 5:00 PM
Thursdays
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fridays
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Upcoming Downtown Events

Thanks for the Memories Indoor Concert Series

The Thanks for the Memories free concert series, presented by Cheyenne Presents runs September through May at the Cheyenne Civic Center, featuring a fantastic lineup of artists. We are proud to support this series alongside other community sponsors.

Upcoming shows:

Saturday, March 28, 2026 – The Takes with Jared Strayer

Friday, April 17, 2026 – WAR

Friday, May 8, 2026 – Chamillionaire

See All Upcoming Events: Explore everything happening in Downtown Cheyenne year-round. 

(provided by Visit Cheyenne)

DDA Executive Board

Dave Teubner

President

Wendy Volk

Vice President

Brian Bau

Secretary

Lorrell Bellotti

Treasurer

Amber Nuse

Janelle Rose

Jamie Winters

Candice Wisdom

Stan Hartzheim

Councilman Jeff White

Linda Heath

(Ex-Officio)

Seasonal Plantings Now in Place Downtown

The Cheyenne DDA’s local planter vendor, Air-O-Fresh, completed seasonal planting in the downtown planters, and DDA staff also installed eight new water-friendly planters at 17th Street and Capitol Avenue as part of an ongoing pilot program. 

This year’s design features a red, white, and blue palette in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, paired with Indian Mint and Dracaena Spike to add seasonal color and texture across the Downtown District.

The planter program continues to evolve in response to community feedback and plays an ongoing role in supporting a downtown environment that is visually maintained and seasonally active.

Planting in an Earth Planter

Advancing the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor Project

The Cheyenne City Council has approved Agreement 22905 with BNSF Railway, marking an important step in advancing the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor Project.

The agreement is required for the project’s participation in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Program and establishes the framework needed for continued project development, final design, and coordination within the rail corridor.

With this approval in place, the City can continue advancing planning and design work associated with safety improvements, including the elimination of multiple at-grade crossings and enhanced corridor safety measures.

On April 27, 2026, City Council also approved a $5 million appropriation from general fund reserves to support the Reed Avenue Rail Corridor Project. This funding is contingent upon final approval of the project plan by BNSF Railway and will only be utilized if the project advances through that approval process.

Read the Funding Update

18th Street Reconstruction Project Open House

The City of Cheyenne will host a public open house to share preliminary design considerations for the 18th Street Reconstruction Project, which will impact a key corridor within the Downtown District.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, review informational display boards, and speak directly with the project team. A brief presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Meeting Details:
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Cottonwood Room, Laramie County Library

Community members, property owners, and downtown stakeholders are encouraged to attend and stay informed as planning moves forward.

Opens in a new tab.