JACKSON, Wyo. — Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson delivered the “State of The Town” address yesterday, Feb. 16.
The 15-minute address covered the council’s priorities and updates on the various departments that keep the town running.
Morton Levinson said, “Yes, the look and feel of the town has shifted and the pace of change has picked up in recent years. But our community still remains and my highest hope is to help ensure that it continues for years to come.”
Morton Levinson went on to share the council’s priorities including early childhood education. She said that childcare will soon be provided during council meetings so parents and guardians can attend meetings. The town staff is also exploring opportunities to provide space in town buildings for early childhood education providers.
Water quality, the equity task force, transportation and funding was also covered.
“The reality is, the town is facing an impending funding challenge,” Morton Levinson said.
“Calls for service for our Fire/EMS increased 69% since 2010. in addition, funding for human service agencies has risen 15% in the last two years.”
The council discussed an additional cent of sales tax during the recent retreat but decided to hold off and focus on SPET for capital projects.
Morton Levinson also discussed housing and upcoming housing projects. “This is the tightest rental market we have ever seen,” she said.
According to Morton Levinson, 83 permanently deed-restricted units and 8 dorm units were built in 2021. One hundred and eighty-nine more deed-restricted homes are currently in the pipeline.
On the public safety side, Morton Levinson unveiled that Jackson Hole Police Department will add the first social worker position in the state and talked about the recent resolution supporting the town’s sexual assault response team.
The entire address is available here.
