Economic development conversations in Natrona County often begin with a familiar concern: What will change? Will new industries threaten the Wyoming we know and love? Will development put negative pressure on infrastructure, existing businesses, or our quality of life? And if a company or industry looks different from what has traditionally driven our economy, does it belong here?
Those are important questions and asking them is part of making thoughtful decisions about Natrona County’s future. But concern should only be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it. Looking at economic development through a new lens means being willing to separate facts from assumptions, understanding both the opportunities and potential challenges in front of us and recognizing that choosing not to grow can carry consequences of its own.
Natrona County has experienced economic cycles before, so concerns about history repeating itself are understandable. However, rather than allowing that history to make us afraid of what comes next, we can use what we have learned to ask better questions, evaluate opportunities more carefully, and participate in shaping growth that works for our community. Being tough when it counts and fair when it matters means being willing to have those conversations, even when the answers aren’t immediately clear. As Nick Ellis, Vice President of Pepper Tank, put it, “We need to be more open.”
Why Economic Diversity Matters
Natrona County’s economic roots run deep in energy, and those roots remain one of our greatest strengths. Energy has positively impacted Wyoming residents and our economy for generations, while shaping Casper into the regional hub it is today. At the same time, our history has shown why a stronger, more diverse economy sets a community up for long-term growth and success.
Wyoming has experienced challenging economic shifts firsthand. According to the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division’s Wyoming Demographic and Economic Profile: Economic Patterns & Trends 2024, statewide mining employment remained approximately 19% below its 2019 level, while natural gas prices fell to a four-year low in 2024. Wyoming coal production also declined approximately 20% from 2023 to 2024. In communities with strong ties to energy, fluctuations like these can ripple throughout the economy, affecting not only employees, but also the households, businesses, and community resources connected to them.
That is why diversification should not be viewed as an argument against energy or an attempt to replace the industries that built Natrona County. Instead, it is about building greater economic resilience around an already strong foundation. Ultimately, a broader economic base creates additional sources of jobs, wages, business activity, and revenue, which helps the community better weather changes in any one sector.
New Opportunities Deserve Consideration
Keeping an open mind does not mean saying “yes” to every business, project or proposal that comes to Natrona County. It means giving each one a fair evaluation based on what it could mean for the community and asking good questions.
Questions like: What jobs could a company bring to our community, and what would the added wages contribute? What infrastructure would be required? Could the project create opportunities for existing local businesses or complement industries already here? What resources would it require, and what concerns would need to be addressed? Just as importantly, what would Natrona County give up by deciding an opportunity does not belong here before fully understanding it?
“Be open and not so afraid of something you don’t understand,” said Jonathan Boudreaux, Sr. Manager of Gas Operations at Black Hills Energy. “When a business is looking at Casper and they could bring some things to the table, we need to look at what those things are and if they could offer some substantial benefits.”
A thriving community welcomes growth but also takes an active role in determining what responsible growth should look like. That is why community members and business leaders play a critical role in these conversations: asking questions, understanding what is being proposed and helping ensure growth reflects the needs and priorities of Natrona County is vital to a thriving future.
New Business Doesn’t Always Mean a New Identity
One of the narratives that can quickly surround economic development is that attracting businesses from outside Wyoming means changing Wyoming to accommodate them. But economic growth does not have to come at the expense of the values, industries, or way of life that make Wyoming and Natrona County what it is.
“We’re selling the community and our way of life to the people [and businesses] who embrace it,” Ellis said. “Find the opportunities with those that will honor and share the same values. Let’s grow together. Let’s let this be more of a partnership.”
Bottom line: We do not have to choose between protecting our identity and strengthening our economy, but finding the right balance requires people who are open to participate in discussion and potential partnerships.
Time to Think Differently About What’s Next
Natrona County’s traditional industries have done more than shape our economic history; they have created an experienced workforce, established infrastructure and a strong business foundation that can help position the community for what comes next. As industries and technologies evolve, opportunity lies in harnessing those strengths to help Natrona County compete for new investment, support emerging industries, and create opportunities that complement the businesses already here. This often involves considering the unfamiliar.
As Boudreaux explained, “The businesses that are coming are new to Wyoming — familiarize yourself with what they bring to the table. We have to think differently on how we attract these businesses and how we are going to train the next workforce.”
Facts Before Fear
There will always be legitimate questions surrounding growth. Infrastructure, workforce, resources, community character and the costs and benefits of individual projects all deserve serious consideration. In fact, those questions are exactly why more community members and business leaders must participate in economic development conversations.
In short, don’t leave those conversations to someone else.
The decisions Natrona County makes today will influence the jobs available to the next generation, the businesses that have opportunities to grow here, the resources available to our communities and the resilience of our economy when the next downturn comes.
Natrona County does not have to choose between its roots and its future. We can value what built this community while taking an active role in determining a successful, thriving future.
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