Housing & Property Taxes

Housing in Park County has been the cause of stress for many in our community. From the lack of affordable housing to skyrocketing property taxes, people are desperately seeking relief. While there is no one solution to fix all the issues affecting us, legislative gridlock and posturing have only made matters worse. Band-aid solutions only go so far and long-term solutions are needed.

Housing Shortage

For many working families in Park County the goal of home ownership is slipping away. The average cost of a fixer-upper is over $300,000, and many small to medium-sized houses are selling for over $450,000. To make matters worse, rental options are extremely limited. These factors have led to workers having nowhere to live to the detriment of their families and local businesses. To maintain a vibrant local economy, Park County needs more housing options for workers and families.

Measured Growth

In order to provide affordable housing options there must be an increase in the development of medium and high-density residential properties; however, this growth must be measured and carefully monitored in order to maintain the nature and character of Park County. Agricultural land is an invaluable part of our area’s character and economy and therefore must be preserved.

Residential Property Taxes

Over the past few years, property taxes have been a runaway train wreaking havoc on property owners and renters. Promises to address property taxes have been broken and political posturing has resulted in delayed relief. While the legislature has put temporary “fixes” in place, Wyomingites yearn for real solutions. The most logical solution will require a constitutional amendment to property classifications if residential property taxes are to be effectively addressed. In 2023, the Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 3 for this purpose, but it still needs to be ratified by the citizens. A similar amendment in 2023 through House Joint Resolution No. 2 failed to pass the House, and House Joint Resolution No. 1 failed to be introduced in 2024.