Election 2026:
Albany County Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Laramie City Council

Samuel Buckwalter
Brett Ralston
Brandon Newman
Nicholas Jesse
Erin O'Doherty

Albany County Commission

Merav Ben-David
Erik Boss
Klaus Halbsgut

In 2026, voters in Laramie and Albany County will elect local leaders who will make important decisions about housing, land use, infrastructure, public investment, and community growth.

Wyoming Neighbors for Housing reached out to candidates for Laramie City Council and the Albany County Commission to ask how they would approach the local housing shortage if elected.

We are focusing on these two offices because they have direct responsibility for many of the decisions that shape whether homes can be built here. City Council helps determine local development rules, infrastructure investments, public land use, housing partnerships, and city funding priorities. The County Commission makes key decisions about county land use, growth areas, infrastructure, and coordination with the City of Laramie and other partners.

Other offices matter too. But this questionnaire focuses on the local governing bodies with the most direct authority over the rules, costs, partnerships, and public decisions that affect housing in Laramie and Albany County.

Laramie needs more homes.

The Wyoming Community Development Authority’s 2024 Wyoming Housing Needs Assessment estimates that Albany County will need roughly 3,700 new homes by 2030, while Laramie is currently building about 60 homes per year. A 2025 Albany County Housing Coalition survey of more than 600 residents found that 65% of renter respondents and 55% of homeowner respondents were cost-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30% of their income on housing.

We asked candidates where they stand, what role they believe local government should play, and what actions they would support to help more people afford stable homes in the communities they serve.

Read responses from 2026 candidates for Laramie City Council and Albany County Commission below.

Merav Ben-David, Democrat

County Commission Candidate

  • The main responsibility of county commissioners with respect to housing is approving subdivisions and changing zoning. As a member (and currently vice-chair) of the Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), I helped draft changes to the previous zoning classifications. The added categories “Agricultural Residential”, “Ranchette”, and “Small lot” allow landowners to add dwellings to their property without drastically changing the nature of rural areas in the county, minimizing conflicts with neighbors and evert the need for massive infrastructure development (roads and utilities). In addition, the new fencing regulations (that I wrote), significantly reduce these costs for new subdivisions (and are also wildlife friendly). I believe our continued discussions and decisions on accessory dwellings will further increase the number of residences available in the county. In all decisions we consider the need and effects of individual wells (no city water), wastewater and septic systems, as well as roads, utilities, and critical wildlife habitats to ensure responsible development.

    Although construction of new homes (of various types) would solve some of the housing strain, it is not guaranteed to solve the problem of cost. Developers may set high prices based on demand regardless of availability. For example, when out of state corporations bought many of our trailer parks, increased the lot rent and started charging for water, the cost for residents skyrocketed and affected the rest of the market. When rent in student apartments (including University of Wyoming dorms) became overwhelming, many affordable family homes were(are) rented by multiple students again elevating rental fees. Unfortunately, unlike other states, in Wyoming local governments do not have the authority to cap rental costs. Therefore, changing state statues may be the main vehicle for controlling housing costs in Laramie.

    A more immediate relief from high costs of living in Albany County may be achieved by reducing costs of electricity and heating. By applying for state and federal grants to establish rooftop, community co-ops and plug-in solar initiatives, our local governments can help multiple households save on monthly expenses.

  • As mentioned above, we in the county P&Z have already taken important steps to ease the change from agriculture to various densities of housing developments. We believe that housing developments in the county should be concentrated near the City of Laramie in order to reduce the cost of building houses as well as associated infrastructure. Two years ago, the City of Laramie and the Albany County Commission worked together to develop the Laramie Growth Area Plan (LGAP). The goal was to identify those areas in and around Laramie suitable for high-density development. The current County Commission rejected the plan. Although as a P&Z commissioner I voted against the plan because it was NOT comprehensive enough and largely concentrated on water and sewer infrastructure (little attention to planning roads, schools, recreation, etc), I believe resurrecting this planning type of cooperation between city and county is essential for moving forward with housing expansions. I would like to see such an effort accounting for water security, maintaining wide open spaces and wildlife habitat, and ensuring quality of life (recreation infrastructure).

  • Collaboration between Albany County, the City of Laramie, UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING (UW), ALBANY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (ACSD), utility providers, developers, employers, and nonprofit partners could result in filling in the gaps in housing within city limits and in the nearby surrounding areas. Many vacant lots within the city limits belong to UW and ACSD. These partnerships will provide necessary funding for UW and ACSD and allow for some regulation of rental fees (pending changes in state statues). Establishment of community co-ops (similar to those I propose for electricity production) that include the various local governments and private developers with funding from state, federal, and non-profit grants could lead to rapid construction of affordable housing, like those currently under development in Teton County (see https://tetoncountywy.gov/3038/Affordable-Housing).

    The city and county do not build homes, so the only way to increase attainable housing is by making it more practical for developers to pursue these projects. That means reviewing processes, reducing unnecessary barriers, and ensuring multi‑unit and workforce housing proposals can move forward without getting stuck in red tape. Developers will build what is financially viable, and attainable housing should not be the hardest type of project to get approved.

    Affordability also depends on economic strength. Without good‑paying jobs and responsible growth, families will continue to struggle with housing costs no matter how many units are added. Supporting business development and expanding the economic base is part of any long‑term housing solution.

    Some protections must remain firm. Water security is essential, and I will not support weakening aquifer safeguards for any project. The Commission’s responsibility is to balance affordability, growth, and community protection in every decision.

Erik Boss, Democrat

County Commission Candidate

  • We live in a complex world with competing solutions; in some cases the best solution could be combining many options. Build north, build south, change zoning laws to make basement apartments more achievable, blight privately owned land to encourage development while considering contaminated soil, sell ACSD1 property to developers and build affordable housing/ compact housing/ 10-30 acre lots, etc. Amid all these considerations, the main issue is that people cannot afford to live in Laramie, Wyoming and our economy and services are suffering.

    Albany County is experiencing an economic cycle where the market is not able to support new businesses, there aren’t enough houses being built to support the number of people interested in bolstering Laramie’s market, and people who are excited to move to Laramie are pushed out by the housing market. There has been good work done to find solutions to Laramie’s housing needs. According to the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment, this city needs 2400-3600 more houses by 2030 in order to keep up with demand and that only around 60 homes are built each year. A Wyoming Public Media (8/20/2021) article reports, “code changes are a ‘long-term play.’ Some solutions in the shorter term could also include sweetening the deal for developers by, for example, publicly funding the city infrastructure developers usually have to pay for, such as road improvements.” A Laramie Reporter (10/11/2025) article states that some of these code changes are currently underway, but questions whether the voice of the neighbors will be considered. The Laramie Growth Area Plan (8/1/2023) is a good starting point and three years into implementation needs consistent monitoring and assessment of how the plan has been successful and how the plan needs continued action in order to achieve stated goals.

  • In 2025 there were code changes aimed to streamline affordable housing development. In April of 2026 commissioners approved an amendment to terminology and process for permits creating a “zoning certificate” that will divide into types which apply to structures. These codes and terminology changes have not had time to create measurable impact, but having standards to monitor and track growth are essential to make a plan that considers the impact of what has already been done and assess the need for further changes. Since arriving in Wyoming with my family, I’ve known that this is a place where I see us taking root and growing. My interest in finding creative and forward-thinking solutions goes beyond this election, it is a matter of survival and will determine the ability of many families in similar situations to settle down in Albany County. The more research I do to answer these questions in an informed and concise way, the more I understand how much there is still to learn in order to be an effective county commissioner. Where I may lack direct experience, I make up for it because of my drive to learn how to support the residents of Albany County. I support exploring ways that the local government can work with local real estate groups and developers to achieve projects like lifting water up to the northern most property out 30th Street, a complicated and long-term project., Also, advocacy for reviewing barriers to creating safe basement apartments and accessory living spaces is a concern I’ve heard. My next self-assigned homework is to ask questions about the benefits of subdivisions outside of city limits vs. annexing land for the city to build on.

  • Working with the members of our community and their connections is a commitment that requires effort and coordination. It requires asking difficult and complex questions to people who will not always agree on the means or methods to solve these questions. It demands a commitment to justice and the many competing truths that exist in any community and an outcome that is just and fair. Using the Laramie Growth Area plan as a guide is clearly a roadmap to understanding the context of Laramie and gaining wisdom from city leaders who have put their time and energy into creating the resource. Pages 4-6 of Appendix 1 - Public Engagement Summary lists many opportunities that residents consider Laramie to have. This is an excellent starting point, and two points that it lists include “attract and retain builders and trades workers to mitigate housing shortages” and “ensure denser areas are developed as ‘complete neighborhoods’ meaning that in addition to residential buildings there are also businesses and job opportunities. These are not issues that a county commissioner can take on in a vacuum, but when these community suggestions are centered it allows attention to focus on the solutions. To see through the Band-Aids and stop playing catch up.

Klaus Halbsgut, Democrat

County Commission Candidate

  • Albany County has a responsibility to understand the pressure residents are facing and to make sure our policies don’t make housing more expensive than it already is. Housing affordability is shaped by many factors — wages, infrastructure, transportation access, neighborhood conditions, and the overall cost of doing business in the county. Commissioners have to look at all of those pieces together.

    The city and county do not build homes, so the only way to increase attainable housing is by making it more practical for developers to pursue these projects. That means reviewing processes, reducing unnecessary barriers, and ensuring multi‑unit and workforce housing proposals can move forward without getting stuck in red tape. Developers will build what is financially viable, and attainable housing should not be the hardest type of project to get approved.

    Affordability also depends on economic strength. Without good‑paying jobs and responsible growth, families will continue to struggle with housing costs no matter how many units are added. Supporting business development and expanding the economic base is part of any long‑term housing solution.

    Some protections must remain firm. Water security is essential, and I will not support weakening aquifer safeguards for any project. The Commission’s responsibility is to balance affordability, growth, and community protection in every decision.

  • Land‑use rules determine what kinds of homes can be built and how difficult it is to build them. Albany County needs more options for working families — starter homes, manufactured homes, townhomes, and clustered housing — and our land‑use policies should reflect that.

    I would support updating county land‑use regulations to allow more flexibility for these housing types in areas where infrastructure, services, and transportation access already exist. That includes reviewing zoning categories, modernizing definitions, and adjusting density rules where appropriate. These changes can make it easier for developers to propose projects that meet real community needs instead of only high‑margin single‑family homes.

    Starter homes and townhomes fit well in areas with established roads, utilities, and emergency access. Manufactured homes can be a good option when placed in locations with proper oversight and long‑term stability. Clustered housing can reduce infrastructure costs and preserve open space when planned correctly.

    Every development has a right place and a wrong place. These updates must still protect critical resources, especially the aquifer, and must respect existing neighborhood conditions. Growth should strengthen the county, not create new problems.

  • Infrastructure is one of the biggest reasons workforce housing projects stall. Roads, utilities, drainage, and emergency access all add cost, and in a county with limited revenue, those costs can stop a project before it ever reaches a public meeting. Albany County has to work more closely with the City of Laramie, utility providers, developers, employers, and nonprofit partners to make these projects financially realistic.

    The first step is coordination. Too often, each entity is working from its own plans, timelines, and priorities. A shared approach to infrastructure planning — especially in areas already suited for workforce housing — can reduce duplication, lower costs, and give developers clearer expectations. Employers and nonprofits can also help identify where workforce housing is most needed and where infrastructure gaps are preventing projects from moving forward.

    Second, the county should look at targeted adjustments to its processes. Streamlined reviews, predictable timelines, and modernized standards can reduce delays without compromising safety or quality. When infrastructure extensions are necessary, the county and city should explore cost‑sharing models, phased development, or partnerships that make those extensions feasible.

    Utility providers play a major role as well. Early coordination on capacity, routing, and long‑term service needs can prevent expensive redesigns and help developers plan projects that fit existing systems. Nonprofit partners can assist with planning, grants, and community engagement, especially for workforce housing that serves essential workers.

    The goal is to reduce avoidable barriers, improve coordination, and make sure infrastructure planning supports the types of housing Albany County actually needs.

Samuel Buckwalter, Ward 3

City Council Candidate

  • I believe City Council has the responsibility to enable new homeowners and builders as much as possible. All government is meant to provide order and protection to its society, so as long as builders are responsible in their construction, the city should only facilitate their plans not hinder. With that keeping long term multi-decade goals for City planning is paramount. These ideals also support multifamily homes and keeping rental housing unhindered by government, but safe for all.

  • I think there are still many codes in the Unified Development Code that can be revised, repealed or added to enable easy renting and building. I want to consult with the builders I know locally to decide what will make their job easier. This communication is imperative to foster for growing a City.

  • City Council's first responsibility should be to its constituents, not it's potential constituents. Thus, current residents should not be forgotten or pushed aside for progress, but sacrifices must always be made for growth. I want to use not just collect community feedback for these large projects, and make decisions that will grow and unity Laramie, not divide.

Brett Ralston, Ward 3

City Council Candidate

  • City Council plays a pivotal role in scaling our housing supply. We must actively update zoning laws, simplify the permitting process, and create incentives that make building in Laramie more viable. We’ve proven this is possible by permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under the Unified Development Code; however, this only is eligible in certain single-family residential zones. Expansions to code to allow for higher density housing is also worth looking into, such as the PUD overlay that is in place.

  • It would be wise for to partner with local entities promoting education and entrepreneurship within our community. Housing and economic development go hand in hand and being able to keep students here after they graduate would be only a boon to our community. Furthermore, I think working on developing a positive narrative for why developing, building, and living in Laramie would be useful; working with constituents to find this narrative would be a rewarding project. As far as tools go, I am interested in the URA and use of TIF districts to incentivize development of homes on land that is underutilized. I think it has shown to be a creative method to incentivize development, and Laramie has good safeguards in place to prevent TIF abuse. Creative partnerships, financing solutions, and community engagement will be essential for tackling our housing needs.

  • Balancing local need and public sentiment demands many virtues and the city does a great job at announcing council meetings and public forums; so, I think transparency is in a good place. However, transparency only takes us so far. What I would be in support of is a "city engagement toolkit" or something that establishes proactive collection of feedback and fosters community commitment to local participation. This would ideally allow for the building of initiatives early on, and when people are truly in opposition to something. From what I have seen, people get involved the most at the end, when emotions are high; we need to incentivize participation from the very beginning and provide tools to our community to do this. Housing is a huge need, and I am confident we can strike a balance between what is needed and what is wanted.

Brandon Newman, Ward 2

City Council Candidate

  • City Council plays an important role in addressing housing shortages. We need to invest in infrastructure that supports growth and review building codes and regulations that make housing unnecessarily difficult or expensive to build. Increasing supply is essential to improving affordability and meeting Laramie's future needs.

  • During my time on City Council, we have taken important steps to encourage housing growth through zoning updates, the UDC, and the housing infrastructure fund. I want to continue this work by looking outside the box, building partnerships with developers and nonprofits, investing in infrastructure, and identifying additional ways to reduce barriers and encourage new housing in Laramie. We need to partner with the university, LCCC and WyoTech to help with housing, we also need to partner with the hospital.

  • Public input is important, and residents deserve to have their concerns heard. At the same time, City Council must consider the needs of the entire community, including workers, families, seniors, and young people who need housing. The goal should be finding reasonable solutions that address concerns while continuing to support responsible housing growth.

Nicholas Jesse, Ward 1

City Council Candidate

  • City Council often works closely with developers, private property owners, and funding mechanisms to address the housing shortage facing Laramie. One solution in closing the gap that the city recently implemented was voting to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Now folks who own a home can build out a mother-in-law suite on their property following very specific codes and guidelines to expand housing in various ways. This is one good solution to add density to existing property. The city has also built a good relationship with the Albany County Housing and Land Trust which is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding housing affordability and ownership access. I think that we could do more to expand housing including infill within the city and expanding mixed-use zoning to expand not only our housing access, but our economic diversification as well.

  • Looking at areas of the city that could be infilled with development is a good place to start. There is a variety of vacant or empty lots that could be developed. I think expanding mixed-use zoning spaces to allow for economic development and housing expansion simultaneously is a good step. I would also look at mixed-income housing expansion to ensure folks of various economic backgrounds have greater access. I would support zoning overlays in certain areas to ensure areas like the West Side could be developed thoughtfully, with our neighbors in mind. I would also like to explore the possibility of Land Banks to unlock vacant, abandoned, or tax delinquent property for housing development. I would support partnerships with nonprofits like the Albany County Housing and Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity, the Ark, and more to address housing needs for all folks who call Laramie home.

  • Having been born and raised in Laramie, community organizing is a passion of mine and I think it's important to work together across coalitions to ensure the community and the city are making the best decision for the most people possible. I believe the workforce housing project at old Slade is a good example of the city connecting across stakeholders to develop a housing project that would affect a variety of professional industries and intersecting demographics of our population in this city. When entertaining development, the city has an opportunity to ensure the developer is meeting and ensuring community needs. I believe that through the planning process, we can work alongside the developer and the neighborhood to ensure all needs are met and we have an outcome that will positively affect a majority of the population we are seeking to help.

Erin O'Doherty, Ward 3

City Council Candidate

  • The City should remove barriers that drive up the cost, but not at the expense of safety. I believe we should continue to examine code to see if they are causing an undue burden. The responsibility isn't all on the city, however. Our society has decided that housing is an investment and the value of a person's home should always rise. That doesn't seem sustainable to me, but I don't know what role the city would have to keep prices from escalating so fast.

  • I supported these efforts on council over the last 7+ years and will continue to chip away at the problem. We keep looking at code to see what could be revised to help reduce costs.

    I understand that developing land is an expensive and risky proposition. If developers can defer some of that cost until units are sold, we can encourage more housing.

  • We can't allow those who are lucky enough to have a home to prevent others from attaining similar benefits. More than half of our residents live in rentals. For many that is not by choice. I know it is disappointing when your own road becomes a busier street, since I've lived that over the last 30 years, but people need a place to live. If I wanted a street with little traffic, I could live out of town, but then I wouldn't have the benefits of the city (water, sewer, trash collection, professional firefighters, etc.). Besides that, neighbors are great. We help each other.