Gratitude for SPET     

Through this month's General Election our community approved many different SPET initiatives including two that the Town will work on directly to continue improving pedestrian access and walkability and to provide housing for Town employees. The Town is thankful to everyone who supported these initiatives, and also wants to extend our gratitude to several organizations and businesses who helped us educate community members about SPET projects. Thank you to JH Chamber of Commerce, Pinky G.'s, Rotary Lunch Club, League of Women Voters, JH News & Guide, Buckrail, KHOL, Teton County Library, and the Senior Center for hosting forums and open houses. The Town is extremely appreciative to have community support for funding to continue creating walkable, connected streets and to provide housing for Town employees. 

Jackson Police Busy with Community Outreach   

The Jackson Police Department (JPD) had a busy month from celebrating Veteran's day to speaking at the Governor's Business Conference. In addition to supporting the largest Veteran's Day celebration ever on
Town Square, members of Jackson's Police Department filled ruck sacks with food, covered two miles on foot, and then donated both food and funds to the Jackson Cupboard to commemorate veterans. This was the third annual 'Ruck Walk,' which has quickly become an annual tradition here in Jackson. 

A few days later, Police Chief Michelle Weber and Sergeant Tony Matthews presented about Mental Health and Wellness at the Governor’s Business Council Forum in Laramie. The day after that, Chief Weber, Sergeant Matthews, Sergeant Peery, and Sergeant Traphagan presented to senior members of the Bureau
of Land Management's staff in Cheyenne about their experience with peer support, mind-fulness training, recruiting, retention, and creating a positive culture. Keep up the good work!  

Visit with Tlaxcaltecans  

As part of the Town's Sister City relationship with Tlaxcala, Mexico, we welcomed a group of visitors from Tlaxcala to Town Hall. The group was here in Jackson representing the state of Tlaxcala's Governor Lorena Cuéllar Cisneros and the government agency, Casa del Migrante. This organization provides Tlaxcaltecans with assistance on legal matters including driver's licenses and passports, repatriation of deceased persons, and processing of identity documents among other services. Representatives were here to consider possibilities for opening a Casa del Migrante office in Jackson. Visiting with the group from Tlaxcala, the Town's very own Amy Renova was able to share about her father, Salvador Flores', story of bringing the very first person from Tlaxcala to this area many years ago. One person from Tlaxcala came here and the rest is history with many neighbors from that part of Mexico having moved here since. 

Staff Highlight:
Riley Taylor  

As Town Clerk, Riley Taylor is consistently focused on the details. Taylor grew up in Ventura, California and moved to Idaho to attend Boise State University. While working two jobs in addition to a graduate assistantship, Taylor earned a bachelors in Communications and then a Masters in Public Administration. It wasn’t all nose to the grindstone though as Taylor spent a summer studying abroad in San Sebastian Spain surrounded by beaches and the Bay of Biscay in Basque Country. Taylor was first drawn to government as an intern with the City of Boise where she helped launch a Sustainability Ambassador Program. Upon graduating, she moved to Cheyenne to take on the role of Office Coordinator for the State of Wyoming’s Water Development Office until we lured her north to join our team. When she is not knee-deep in the details of the day, Taylor is camping, soaking in hot springs, baking delicious treats, and reading. “I enjoy my job. I really feel well informed and know what’s going on in the community, and I enjoy reading the fine print,” Taylor shared. Thank you for your service Riley!

Town Awarded 'Excellence in Finanial Reporting'  

Each year the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) ranks municipal financial reports. For its FY21 reporting, the Town of Jackson was awarded GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and represents a significant accomplishment. Finance Director, Kelly Thompson leads the Town's budgeting and reporting efforts with his trusty team including Melanie Adams, Mary Hurst, Shellie Morillon, and Pauline Scholes. Huge kudos to this entire team and gratitude to everyone involved in budgeting and providing the Finance Department with the numbers they need!