Cox Ranch addition now halfway through city process after positive Cheyenne vote

The Cheyenne City Council has voted to advance a series of ordinances aimed at annexing 1,259 acres for a new data center project, known as the Cox Ranch property. This decision moves the project halfway through its municipal approval process, with a final vote anticipated later in September. Developers SkyBox and ViaWest Group acquired the land in spring 2026 and initiated the annexation, pausing briefly to address community concerns before resuming the process.

Despite the council's advancement of the ordinances, the project continues to face significant opposition from a group of local residents led by Heather Madrid. Opponents have consistently urged city and Laramie County leaders to slow down development, advocating for a pause on annexations until state statutes regarding such projects can be reviewed. Their concerns include potential impacts on water usage, noise levels, light pollution, wildlife, and traffic.

However, the Cheyenne City Council, with a 6-3 split, has largely supported the developments. Council members, including Ken Esquibel and Council President Tom Segrave, argued that the city lacks the authority to prevent owner-initiated annexations for legal land uses. Segrave also cited recent election results, where candidates opposed to data centers and economic development largely lost, as an indication of broader public support for growth. The ordinances will now go back to the Public Services Committee before returning for final approval. Additionally, a separate 162-acre annexation for a lot south of the Orchard Valley neighborhood also began its council journey.