DDA Plan of Development Update: Q3 2025

Sep 7, 2025

DDA Plan of Development Update: Q3 2025

Downtown Cheyenne continues evolving through development projects, revitalization efforts, and a new communications strategy designed to strengthen vibrancy, attract investment, and support a thriving downtown community.

DDA Sidewalk 50-50 Improvement Grant

Sidewalk improvements help create a safer, more welcoming, and visually appealing downtown environment. Through the DDA Sidewalk 50-50 Improvement Program, participating property owners cover half of the repair costs while the City and DDA coordinate project implementation.

Learn more about the DDA Sidewalk 50-50 Improvement Program.

Parking Downtown Just Got Easier

Accessing Downtown Cheyenne is now more affordable. Beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the monthly fee for the Spiker Parking Garage has been reduced from $45 to $30 per month.

Whether visiting downtown for work, shopping, dining, or entertainment, the updated pricing helps make downtown access more convenient and affordable.

Disclaimer: Downtown parking rules, including time limits and garage fees, are established by the City’s Governing Body and enforced by the Cheyenne Police Department. The DDA shares parking information and resources but does not create or enforce parking regulations.

Trees change colors along the sidewalk outside a parking garage.

DDA Comprehensive Communications Plan

Downtown Cheyenne represents the historic and economic heart of the city, offering culture, opportunity, and energy unique to the community. The DDA’s new communications plan is designed to strengthen that story through a modernized website and strategic outreach efforts that better connect investors, businesses, and residents with downtown resources and revitalization opportunities.

By aligning messaging and highlighting downtown’s value, the DDA aims to support a stronger and more vibrant district for future generations.

Business Resource Highlight

The Business Studio at LCCC serves as a resource hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout southeast Wyoming. Located on the LCCC Cheyenne campus, the studio provides personalized support, mentorship, consulting services, and access to advanced product development tools through partnerships with the Concept Forge and the Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Center.

Entrepreneurs launching new ideas or growing existing businesses can receive tailored guidance, funding connections, and access to a statewide entrepreneurial network.

Visit the Business Studio at LCCC website and complete an interest form.

A logo for The Business Studio at LCCC

Q2 Sentiment Survey Results

Survey Scope and Structure

  • Purpose: To evaluate perceptions of the Cheyenne DDA among residents, business owners, employees, property owners, and visitors
  • Sections Covered:
  1. Reasons for visiting downtown
  2. Community feedback and improvement opportunities
  3. Perception of the DDA
  4. Marketing and public relations

Visit Motivations

Respondents were able to select multiple reasons for visiting downtown.

Bar graph showing survey results of why people visit Downtown Cheyenne. 63% said Dining/entertainment, 51% said Work, 38% said Events, 31% said Personal Services, 30% said Shopping, and 9% said Other.

This feedback indicates that dining, entertainment, and workplace needs are major factors attracting people downtown. Downtown vitality depends on experiences that encourage visitors to return not only for work, but also to dine, shop, and connect with the community.

What Visitors Like About Downtown

Visitors shared a variety of positive comments about Downtown Cheyenne. Common themes included:

  • Historic character and architecture
  • Walkability and accessibility
  • Public lighting, art, and aesthetics
  • Local businesses and shopping
  • Dining and entertainment options
  • Community atmosphere and sense of place
  • City maintenance and safety
  • Future growth and development potential

Areas of Improvement

Community feedback identified several key concerns throughout downtown. Vacant storefronts were the most common frustration, followed by concerns related to walkability, infrastructure, and parking. Residents also expressed interest in expanding retail, dining, and nightlife opportunities while improving safety, beautification, and green space throughout the district.

Perception of the DDA

Community feedback reflects strong recognition of the DDA’s role in attracting investment, supporting local events and businesses, and guiding downtown growth. Respondents also identified opportunities to strengthen public trust through increased transparency, communication, and accountability.

Marketing & Public Relations

Survey responses indicated that social media is the primary source of information for many community members, though respondents believe the DDA could expand its digital outreach efforts. Participants expressed interest in receiving more frequent updates regarding events, development projects, and grant opportunities.

Feedback also highlighted the need for a stronger presence throughout downtown and at community events. Website improvements, more consistent communication, and expanded engagement with businesses and residents were identified as opportunities for continued growth.

Downtown Events

Sign Up to Participate in Downtown Trick-or-Treat and More

As the DDA shifts its focus toward district-wide development, downtown businesses and the Downtown Development Foundation continue helping create memorable community experiences. These events bring visitors downtown, strengthen community connections, and support local businesses.

There is still time for businesses and property owners to participate. Opportunities include serving as a vendor, providing photography services, or positioning your business to take part in event activity throughout downtown.

Businesses are encouraged to decorate in a festive and seasonal style, ideally using elevated or indoor displays to help keep decorations secure.

Upcoming DDA Sponsored Events

Downtown Fall Festival

Saturday, October 11 | 10 AM – 3 PM

Throughout Downtown Cheyenne

Celebrate the fall season in Downtown Cheyenne with games, photo opportunities, and activities throughout the district.

Beach Please, located at 200 E. 17th St., will serve as a primary east anchor location. 17th Street will be closed between Central Avenue and Capitol Avenue. Additional street closures, activities, and live music may be added to support participating businesses.

Downtown businesses are encouraged to participate by offering specials, photo opportunities, or other visitor incentives throughout the district.

Businesses interested in vending, photography services, or coordinating street closures may contact Corey at [email protected] or Amber at [email protected].

Downtown Pub Crawl

Friday, October 24 | Begins at 6:30 PM

Downtown bars, breweries, and pubs join together for an evening event throughout downtown Cheyenne. For participation details, contact Jamie at [email protected].

Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat

Saturday, October 25 | 11 AM – 2 PM

Families and children are invited to enjoy a safe and festive Halloween tradition throughout downtown. The DDA will provide a starter candy supply, and participating businesses are encouraged to bring additional candy.

For additional information, contact Corey at [email protected].

Businesses must register by October 17 to participate in the Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat event. Complete the participation form.

New Board Members

We are excited to welcome Candice Wisdom and Stan Hartzheim to the Downtown Development Authority Board.

Candice Wisdom, an Investment Adviser at RW Baker Wealth Management, has been part of downtown Cheyenne since 2013 and is committed to supporting small businesses and community growth. She also serves on several local boards and volunteer initiatives. Candice was appointed to the DDA Board in May 2025.

Stan Hartzheim, co-founder of Double H Homes, brings a strong investment in Cheyenne’s future and actively participates in numerous community organizations, including Leadership Cheyenne and the Cheyenne Board of Realtors. Stan was appointed to the DDA Board in August 2025.

Welcome, Candice and Stan.

To everyone who expressed interest, thank you for your commitment to downtown Cheyenne. Stay informed about future Board openings and volunteer opportunities by signing up for the DDA newsletter.

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.

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