CASPER, WY – Governor‑elect Eric Barlow, a Gillette native, told Oil City News on Wednesday that his first day in office begins now, as he prepares to assume the governorship on Jan. 4, 2027. He said his initial focus will be assembling a capable team that can communicate clearly with the Legislature so lawmakers can address the everyday concerns of Wyomingites, such as access to health care, reliable water, and maintaining critical infrastructure.
Addressing the youth out‑migration challenge
During his statewide campaign, Barlow heard repeated calls from residents about Wyoming’s “youth exodus.” Kaley Holyfield, southeast regional director for the Wyoming Business Council, testified before the Cheyenne City Council that state data shows Wyoming has the nation’s highest rate of young adults leaving for opportunities elsewhere. Barlow echoed that concern, emphasizing that keeping high‑school graduates in the state will require meaningful employment, skilled‑trade training, and strong pathways at community colleges and the University of Wyoming.
“Hopefully we’ll be seeing trends where young people, our high school graduates, are finding meaningful employment, skills, trades with training or finding placement in our community colleges and university,” he said.
Protecting school funding after Proposition 1
Barlow praised voters for rejecting Proposition 1, a tax‑relief measure that would have exempted half of a primary residence’s assessed value from property taxes. The state estimated that passage would have cut annual property‑tax revenue from $92.6 million to $124.8 million, jeopardizing funding for schools, fire departments, police, and special districts. “Wyoming voters showed up to support their schools and to maintain a funding source for local fire departments, police departments and special districts because that’s what property taxes do,” Barlow said.
He called for “meaningful and targeted relief” that balances taxpayer concerns with the need to sustain essential services. Barlow suggested lawmakers refine existing statutes to deliver property‑tax relief that is measured and directed to those who need it most.
Energy, manufacturing and data‑center prospects
Barlow highlighted Natrona County’s deep ties to the energy sector, noting that minerals will remain a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy while new opportunities in uranium, local gas, and manufacturing emerge. He pointed to companies such as DISA Technologies in Mills and High Country Fabrication in Casper as examples of industry leaders driving growth.
One ambitious project on the horizon is a hyperscale data center slated for 940 acres of the Falls Ranch, south of I‑25 between Casper and Glenrock. Although the original developer, Prometheus Hyperscale, withdrew in late October, county representatives say a new developer will continue the effort. Barlow acknowledged resident concerns about water and electricity usage, stating, “When it comes to data centers, we want them to be minimally impactful or not to impact our water resources. They are vital for our communities.” He urged careful review of all proposals to ensure they align with Wyoming’s resources and community needs.
Looking ahead to the legislative session
With the legislative session set to begin eight days after his inauguration, Barlow plans to work closely with lawmakers to advance his agenda. He emphasized that a collaborative approach will help Wyoming maintain its strong fiscal foundation while fostering new economic opportunities for families and young professionals.
“We need to have those conversations so we can make the best informed decisions,” Barlow concluded, underscoring his commitment to transparent governance and the well‑being of Wyoming’s citizens.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
