Mayor & Town Council

The Town of Jackson is governed by an elected Mayor and four Town Council members who serve as the policy-making body for our municipality. These dedicated public servants represent community interests, set strategic direction, adopt ordinances and budgets, and make decisions that shape Jackson's future. Council service requires significant time commitment and deep care for community well-being.

Elected Representatives

Jackson residents elect their Mayor and Council members to serve staggered terms, ensuring continuity of leadership while allowing regular opportunities for voter input. Elections are held in accordance with Wyoming municipal election laws, providing democratic accountability and representation.

The Mayor serves as presiding officer at Council meetings, provides leadership on community issues, and represents the Town at official functions and intergovernmental meetings. The Mayor votes on all matters before Council, ensuring equal voice among all elected officials. While mayoral duties include ceremonial responsibilities, the position primarily involves policy leadership and collaborative governance with Council colleagues.

Town Council members participate fully in policy deliberations, serve on regional boards and committees, and maintain connection with constituents to understand community priorities. Effective council service requires understanding complex issues, balancing diverse interests, and making decisions that benefit the entire community. Council members receive modest compensation that acknowledges the substantial time commitment but does not approach fair market value for the hours invested.

Council Meetings

The Town Council meets regularly to conduct official business, typically meeting twice monthly. Meetings are open to the public as required by Wyoming's public meetings law, ensuring transparency in local government decision-making. Meeting dates, times, and locations are posted in advance and available on the Town website.

Council meetings follow established procedures:

• Call to order and roll call
• Approval of meeting agenda
• Public comment period (citizens may address Council on any topic)
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Action items (ordinances, resolutions, contracts, approvals)
• Discussion items (policy matters requiring deliberation)
• Staff reports and updates
• Council comments
• Adjournment

Meetings are conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order and Town procedures that ensure orderly deliberation and fair consideration of all viewpoints. Council members may ask questions of staff, request additional information, and debate matters before voting.

Public Participation

Community input is essential to effective local government. The Town encourages residents to participate through multiple avenues:

Public Comment at Meetings: Each regular Council meeting includes a public comment period when any citizen may address the Council on any topic for a specified time (typically 3 minutes). This ensures every resident has opportunity to speak directly to elected officials about matters of community concern.

Public Hearings: Certain matters require formal public hearings where citizens may present testimony, evidence, and arguments. Public hearings are held for land use applications, major policy changes, and other issues where public input is particularly important. Hearing procedures allow both proponents and opponents to present their views.

Written Communication: Residents may submit written comments, letters, or emails to Council members on any topic. Written communications become part of the official record and are considered by Council in their deliberations.

Committee Service: Community members may serve on advisory committees that provide recommendations to Council on specific topics such as planning, parks, transportation, and others. Committee service allows deeper engagement with policy development.

Individual Contact: Council members are approachable and welcome conversations with constituents. Contact information for elected officials is available on the Town website.

According to the Wyoming Legislature, public meetings laws ensure that governmental decision-making occurs transparently with opportunity for citizen observation and participation.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Meeting agendas are prepared by the Town Manager and Town Clerk in consultation with the Mayor, then posted in advance of meetings to allow public review. Agendas include descriptions of items to be considered, supporting documents, staff recommendations, and background information. Comprehensive agenda packets help Council members and the public understand issues before meetings.

Meeting minutes prepared by the Town Clerk provide the official record of Council actions, votes, and decisions. Minutes are approved at subsequent meetings and maintained permanently as part of the Town's official records. Approved minutes are available for public review at Town Hall and online.

Legislative Process

The Town Council exercises legislative authority by adopting ordinances (local laws) and resolutions (policy statements or decisions). The process for enacting ordinances typically includes:

1. Staff development of proposed ordinance text
2. Town Attorney review for legal sufficiency
3. First reading at Council meeting with discussion
4. Public hearing (for certain ordinances)
5. Second reading and final vote
6. Mayor signature and Town Clerk attestation
7. Publication and effective date

This multi-step process ensures thorough consideration and provides multiple opportunities for public input before laws take effect.

Budget Adoption

One of Council's most important responsibilities is adopting the annual Town budget. The budget process involves:

• Town Manager prepares proposed budget
• Council budget work sessions for detailed review
• Public hearing on proposed budget
• Council deliberation and amendments
• Final budget adoption

The budget allocates public resources to municipal services and capital improvements, translating community priorities into spending decisions. Council carefully balances service levels, infrastructure needs, and taxpayer impact when making budget decisions.

Strategic Planning

Beyond day-to-day operations, Council provides long-term strategic direction through comprehensive planning, capital improvement planning, and policy development. Council work sessions and retreats allow focused attention on long-range issues without the time constraints of regular meetings.

Strategic planning ensures that immediate decisions align with long-term community goals and that the Town is prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

Intergovernmental Relations

Jackson's elected officials work extensively with other governmental entities including Teton County, State of Wyoming agencies, federal land management agencies, and regional partners. Effective intergovernmental relations are essential given the complex jurisdictional environment in which Jackson operates. Council members may serve on regional boards, attend meetings with state and federal officials, and advocate for Jackson's interests at all levels of government.

Get Involved

Local government works best when citizens engage actively. Attend a Council meeting, contact your elected officials, serve on a committee, or simply stay informed about community issues. Your participation strengthens democratic governance and helps ensure that decisions reflect community values and priorities.