To help, the city council recently adopted a resolution creating a Community Technology Advisory Council (TAC).
During a city council meeting, Collins said he doesn't believe there will be any financial costs in setting up the TAC. He believes it will be a group helping city leaders better understand what can be done to promote the technological environment in the city for businesses. He cited Cheyenne’s recent growth in the tech space with new arrivals such as EQ Capital and the Array School of Technology and Design.
Eric Trowbridge, a resident of Cheyenne and the CEO of Array, voiced his support for the TAC, citing his experience serving on the city’s broadband task force that was supported by both the public and private sector.
According to Trowbridge, his vision for the TAC is a group of people in the tech space who could help prepare the city for changes coming down the road such as 5G and smart transportation. Trowbridge described his hope that the council could help the mayor and city council with easy-to-digest information and recommendations.
Councilwoman Michelle Aldrich, the resolution's sponsor, described it as a nonbinding advisory council, which may include people outside Cheyenne city limits. As she stated, technology does not necessarily stop at the city limit sign.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be a collaborative and cooperative effort with our county partners as well as our smaller communities in Laramie County,” said Aldrich.
Collins said he envisions the TAC as an advisory group to help himself and the council better understand tech as it relates to the city, help the city use tech and create tech jobs.
“What I want to do is get this work started and try to understand if there are things we can do to make the city a more technologically accommodating place to do business,” he said.
The city announced March 30 that it is seeking applications for the TAC until May 14.
