Participate in Local Democracy
Your voice plays a vital role in shaping decisions in Teton County. Public officials make important choices every week and need to hear from the people they represent. Whether you attend a meeting or submit a written comment, your input helps guide local government.
In Jackson Hole, decisions made at the local level directly shape the future of our wildlife, open spaces, and quality of life. Whether it’s land use, development proposals, wildlife protections, or recreation policy, local government is where these choices are debated and decided.
If we don’t speak up, others will make choices for us. Participating in local government is how we protect the future we love.
How to Join Public Meetings
You can attend a meeting in person, write an email, or make a comment via Zoom. When possible, attending meetings in person has a big impact.
The Town of Jackson and Teton County public meetings are available via Zoom. Meeting links and participation details are included in the official agendas.
Town Council: Town Hall, Council Chambers, located at 150 E Pearl Avenue, Jackson, WY 83001. Find meeting agendas and schedules here.
Board of County Commissioners: Commissioners Chambers, located at 200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001. Find meeting agendas and schedules here.
How to Provide Public Comment (Live)
You may speak at public meetings in person or remotely via Zoom.
In Person:
-
- When the agenda item you wish to comment on comes up, listen for an announcement inviting public comment. If enough people volunteer to speak, you may be asked to line up.
- If someone before you has offered the same comment you prepared, you can say “ditto.” Council members and Commissioners will appreciate that.
- When you make your comment, be sure to state your name clearly for the public record. You have three minutes to speak. Afterward, you may be asked to write your name down.
On Zoom:
- Navigate to the meeting agenda. Click the link marked “TO MAKE PUBLIC COMMENT VIRTUALLY” at the top of the agenda.
- When public comment is open for the agenda item you wish to comment on, use the raise hand function to indicate that you would like to speak.
- The facilitator will call your name and allow you to unmute when it is your turn to speak.
- If someone before you has offered the same comment you prepared, you can say “ditto.” Council members and Commissioners will appreciate that.
- When you make your comment, be sure to state your name clearly for the public record. You have three minutes to speak.
Submitting Written Comments by Email
Written public comments are another effective way to participate. To be most impactful, write yours to be brief and focused.
Writing Tips:
- Aim for a comment that can be read in about 3 minutes.
- When possible, email comments one week before the meeting. This makes it more likely that your comments are included in the packet.
- Identify yourself clearly (include your name and address).
- Use a clear subject line referencing the issue.
- Be respectful and professional—your comment becomes part of the public record.
Find detailed instructions here:
- Town of Jackson Comment Instructions
- Teton County Comment Instructions
Tips for Effective Public Comment
Whether spoken or written, follow these best practices:
- Introduce yourself: State your name and briefly describe your connection to the community.
- Be respectful: Use official titles and thank officials for their service. (ie. “Chair Newcomb, members of the Commission, or Mayor Jorgensen, Council Members)
- Be personal: Share a brief story about how the issue affects you.
- Be factual: Reference historical examples and data when possible.
- Be specific: Clearly state what action you’d like officials to take.
- Be constructive: Offer solutions or ideas, not just criticism.
Write a Letter to the Editor
A letter in the local paper can amplify your message and help mobilize the community. Submit letters to:
Jackson Hole News & Guide / Jackson Hole Daily
publisher@jhnewsandguide.com
Submission Guidelines:
- Letters: ~400 words, double-spacing between paragraphs, due Monday by 5 p.m.
- No thank-you notes or promotional content.
- Guest editorials: ~800 words.
