A ballot initiative to halve property taxes for Wyoming homeowners will appear on the 2026 general election ballot. The “People’s Initiative to Limit Property Tax in Wyoming through a Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption” received certification after organizers, led by Brent Bien, Cheryl Aguiar, and Rich Weber, secured 30,251 verified signatures, surpassing the 29,730 required.
The proposal would exempt 50% of the assessed value of primary residences for homeowners living in the state for at least one year and occupying the property for six months annually. To pass, it must gain more than 50% voter approval, with blank ballots counting as opposition.
The effort began in October 2023 but faced challenges, initially falling short of the signature deadline for the 2024 ballot. After correcting errors and resubmitting signatures, the initiative met the requirements, including support from 15% of voters in two-thirds of Wyoming counties.
This is the first citizen-driven ballot measure in Wyoming in 30 years. Secretary of State Chuck Gray called it a historic moment, highlighting the significance of citizen initiatives in addressing property tax issues. Supporters view the 2026 vote as a critical opportunity for tax relief, though similar measures have struggled to gain voter approval in the past.
Read more at Jackson Hole News & Guide here: https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/state/local/initiative-to-cut-property-taxes-in-half-set-for-2026-ballot/article_2883dcea-ca17-11ef-b930-af03dd46f46b.html
