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Priorities

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Protecting the Plains

 I am concerned about the environmental impact of data centers.  I also understand that elected officials and LEADS have welcomed this new industry with open arms.  Laramie County is an undisputed host region for data centers for better or for worse.  We should remember that our land, approvals, water, and electricity give us more leverage than it did in the past  decade, when data centers required much less of our resources.  We have an opportunity to create lasting prosperity for Cheyenne in the form of high-value investment from Big Tech--not just tax revenue and jobs.  We can enact laws that protect our prairie ecosystem and neighborhoods from careless industry practice.  I support true partnership and strict regulation.​​​

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Historic Preservation

The History of Cheyenne makes us a unique attraction for tourists from all over the world.  We are home to legendary outlaws, the American cowboy, Buffalo Soldiers, the mighty railroad, the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes, and Women’s Suffrage.  I care about saving the places and spaces that keep Cheyenne's history alive for future generations. 

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5th and 6th Penny

I support 5th and 6th Penny ballot initiatives.  It is a crucial funding mechanism for maintaining our roads and infrastructure.  In addition, it enriches our cultural amenities like the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, the Cheyenne Greenway, and the West Edge vision.    

Public Safety

With unprecedented drought, it is imperative that our city government supports a robust fire rescue so that we can protect our property and our lives when catastrophe arrives.  Our police department is also tasked with protecting our welfare, and elected officials have the responsibility of ensuring our officers have the resources they need to be of proper service to Cheyenne.

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Affordable Housing

I will continue the problem-solving efforts already initiated by City Council to expand affordable housing options to Cheyenne residents.  Allowing for more density, as well as encouraging development of all types of housing--not just single family homes, would create more opportunities for both buyers and renters. One local developer I spoke with, suggested that Cheyenne could help offset upfront development costs by leasing city land to builders.  The rent money paid to the city could be used to create a Community Land Trust, which would help provide long-term affordable housing solutions.  There isn't a single method to alleviate the rising cost of housing, but I believe if the city can adopt a creative approach, there can be more opportunity for both developers and home buyers.

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Mental Health

Suicide rates in Laramie County rose 63% in 2025 according to the Coroner's Office.  One third of those cases were service members or veterans.  The youth in our community make up a significant portion of this statistic as well.  This is a serious public health problem and should be given more attention. The resources available to Cheyenne citizens who are experiencing a mental health crisis are sparse.  City Council could do more to promote awareness and support local organizations to provide both inpatient and outpatient care. ​​

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Homelessness

Declines in mental health often result in homelessness. This contributes to 200 children experiencing homelessness in Laramie County every year.  I support greater partnership efforts between the city and seasoned organizations to provide more opportunities for shelter and rehabilitation. Simply providing equitable access to public restrooms and washing stations can help those experiencing homelessness maintain their dignity while improving sanitation for neighboring homes and businesses. 

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Dark Sky Advocate

Growing up in Cheyenne,  it was easy to study the constellations, and I could see the milky way from my backyard.  Light pollution in our community has dramatically increased over the decades with the advent of high wattage blue light LEDs. I will be an advocate for a transition to narrow-band amber LEDs with reasonable wattage so that Cheyenne can stargaze again without reducing safety.

Maren Kallas For Cheyenne
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