Town of Jackson Government

The Town of Jackson operates under a council-manager form of government, combining democratic representation through elected officials with professional administrative management. This structure ensures that community values guide policy decisions while day-to-day operations are handled by experienced municipal professionals.

Elected Leadership

Jackson residents elect a Mayor and four Town Council members who serve as the governing body for the municipality. These elected officials are responsible for setting policy direction, adopting ordinances and regulations, approving the town budget, and making decisions that affect the community's future. Council members serve staggered terms to ensure continuity and institutional knowledge within the governing body.

The Mayor serves as the presiding officer at Council meetings and represents the Town at official functions and events. While the Mayor has ceremonial duties, the position also carries voting authority on all matters before the Council. This ensures that all elected representatives have equal voice in governance decisions.

Town Council meetings are open to the public, providing opportunities for citizen participation through public comment periods. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, review meeting agendas and minutes, and engage with their elected representatives on issues affecting the community. This transparency and accessibility are fundamental to democratic local government.

Professional Administration

The Town employs a Town Manager who reports directly to the Mayor and Town Council. The Town Manager serves as the chief administrative officer, responsible for implementing policies adopted by the Council, overseeing daily operations, managing town staff, and ensuring efficient delivery of municipal services. This professional management structure allows elected officials to focus on policy and strategic direction while administrative details are handled by experienced managers.

A Town Attorney also reports to the elected board, providing legal counsel on municipal matters, reviewing contracts and ordinances, representing the Town in legal proceedings, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Legal guidance is essential for navigating the complex regulatory environment in which municipalities operate.

Town Departments and Staff

The Town of Jackson employs approximately 150 dedicated staff members who work across multiple departments to serve the community. These professionals provide essential services that residents rely on daily, from public safety and infrastructure maintenance to community planning and administrative support.

Administration: The Town Manager's office coordinates overall municipal operations, strategic planning, intergovernmental relations, and administrative services. This department ensures that all town operations align with Council direction and community needs.

Community Development: This department guides growth and development in alignment with community values, working to balance economic vitality with preservation of Jackson's character and quality of life.

Building & Planning: Staff review development applications, issue building permits, conduct inspections, and administer land use regulations to ensure safe, appropriate development that complies with adopted codes and standards.

Public Works: Public Works employees maintain streets and sidewalks, operate water and wastewater systems, provide snow removal services, maintain town facilities and equipment, and respond to infrastructure emergencies. This essential department keeps Jackson's physical infrastructure functioning reliably.

Jackson Police Department: Sworn officers and civilian staff provide professional law enforcement services, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, and work proactively to ensure public safety. The department emphasizes community policing and positive relationships with residents.

Municipal Court: The Municipal Court enforces statutory laws and municipal ordinances, adjudicates violations, and ensures fair administration of justice at the local level.

Finance: The Finance Department manages the town budget, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, purchasing, and fiscal planning to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.

Personnel: Human Resources staff handle recruitment, employee benefits, training and development, labor relations, and workplace policies to support a professional, effective workforce.

Legal: In addition to the Town Attorney, legal staff provide research, document review, and administrative support for legal matters affecting the municipality.

Intergovernmental Partnerships

The Town of Jackson collaborates extensively with Teton County to jointly fund and operate several departments and programs. This partnership allows both governmental entities to provide enhanced services more efficiently than either could alone. Joint operations include Fire/EMS services, affordable housing programs, long-term planning, victim services, regional transportation planning, parks and recreation, pathway systems, START Bus public transportation, and the animal shelter.

These collaborative efforts demonstrate how local governments can work together to serve constituents effectively. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, the Town and County provide comprehensive services while controlling costs for taxpayers.

The Town also maintains important relationships with state and federal agencies. We work regularly with the State of Wyoming on matters ranging from transportation funding to environmental regulation. Coordination with federal agencies including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and other entities is essential given that much of the land surrounding Jackson is federally managed.

Civic Participation

Democratic local government depends on active citizen engagement. The Town of Jackson provides multiple ways for residents to participate in civic life:

• Attend Town Council meetings and provide public comment on issues
• Serve on boards, commissions, and advisory committees
• Review meeting agendas, minutes, and proposed ordinances
• Contact elected officials and town staff with questions and concerns
• Participate in public hearings on development proposals and policy changes
• Vote in municipal elections
• Stay informed about town projects and initiatives

Your voice matters in shaping Jackson's future. We encourage all residents to engage with local government and contribute to our community's decision-making processes.

For more information about municipal government in Wyoming, visit the Wyoming Association of Municipalities website.