Money

As Wyoming and Cheyenne specifically experience a boom in data center builds, a common concern arises whether the additional energy demand from data centers will result in higher power prices for Wyoming residents. At least two local experts don’t believe that will be the case — at least not directly.

AARP Wyoming hopes that some of the most effective tools for facilitating fraud and scams will come under the purview of Wyoming regulators after the 2026 Legislative Session.

We see this in the current conversation about property taxes. There are individuals offering free ice cream by removing or substantially reducing property and claiming that you can still receive the same services. We all know relief comes with a cost to local services.

Those who wish to take advantage of the 25% reduction in property taxes, which begins in tax year 2026, must register their home as owner-occupied with the property tax division of the Wyoming Department of Revenue. This will allow the state and local assessors to qualify homeowners for the tax break.

Joining AARP Wyoming’s GRT on October 23 will be Wyoming Rural Electric Association’s Shawn Taylor and David Bush of Black Hills Power. As the cost of power has gone up, this duo will tell event attendees what is going into the cost of power as well as offer thoughts on the future of power delivery.

The end of May is important for those who wish to apply for the Property Tax Relief in Wyoming.

Starting May 14, AARP is launching Countdown to 90 Years—a recognition and call to action leading up to the 90th anniversary of Social Security on August 14, 2025.

AARP Wyoming’s GRT is a group of AARP members in the Cowboy State who enjoy learning and advocating for policy that helps older adults in Wyoming. The GRT meets monthly during the legislative interim to do a deep dive into a policy topic, and weekly during the Legislative Session. During a planning meeting in March, the GRT overwhelmingly requested more information on gaming in Wyoming and its impacts to the state’s coffers in light of property tax cuts.

Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed to AARP that beginning April 14, they will allow all claim types to be completed over the telephone as they previously had been.

Property tax relief was a hot topic during the 2025 Legislative Session and Henson will use this event to simplify what passed and what it means to Wyoming residents.