Council adopts Downtown Development Authority budget after debate over reserves

The Cheyenne City Council approved the Downtown Development Authority's fiscal year 2027 budget on May 11 after public testimony and a prolonged council discussion about the DDA’s use of reserves and administrative costs.

Why it matters: The adopted budget increases DDA spending compared with prior years and anticipates drawing roughly $434,190 from reserves for operations, prompting questions from council members and the public about sustainability and whether large reserve draws should fund one‑time or recurring expenses.

Dave Tubner, DDA board president, thanked the council and said the organization is increasing investments in downtown infrastructure, including planters and sponsorships. Sofia Mayes, the DDA executive director, told council the board recently held a work session on a five‑year operational plan and said the organization is reconsidering how to balance reserves and programming.

Public commenter Charles Miller urged the council to scrutinize the DDA’s reliance on reserves and questioned specific line items, saying the substitute still required a large draw on reserve balances. "We are actively choosing to drain reserves to pay commercial rent when municipal space was readily viable," Miller said.

Council members debated the legal and political implications of dipping into reserves. Some members, including Mister Layborn and Mister Wolf, expressed support for the DDA and its strategic spending; Doctor Aldridge and others requested additional oversight and noted the possibility of future budget amendments if a large downtown request (a separate $500,000 ask) materializes.

Outcome: Council adopted the DDA budget as amended (substitute) by voice vote; staff recorded the projected reserves after the budget would be about $961,702 by July 1, 2026.