Cheyenne City Council Delays Annexation of WY Fresh Farm After Public Outcry

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne City Council voted unanimously on Monday to postpone the annexation of WY Fresh Farm and Farmstand, a local urban farm, until at least November 9th, following hours of emotional appeals from the farm’s owners, supporters, and Wyoming residents. The decision affects County Pocket 10, a group of 16 unincorporated properties surrounded by the city.

Concerns Over Urban Farm Definition

The annexation faced strong opposition due to concerns that existing city codes lack a clear definition of an “urban farm,” potentially leading to the criminalization of the farm’s agricultural operations. WY Fresh co-owner Tommie Kniseley argued that the farm represents a commitment to a “western way of life” and expressed a willingness to work with the city, but emphasized the demand for more time.

“I do believe we can find a way to be incorporated into Cheyenne. However, today is not the day. More time is needed. More work is needed,” Kniseley told the council.

Failed Attempts to Exempt the Farm

Councilor Mark Moody introduced a motion to exclude Parcel 4 and the agricultural portion of Parcel 7, which includes a historic dairy barn, from the annexation. A subsequent motion from Councilor Michelle Aldrich to divide the question also failed, both on 5–5 tie votes.

Postponement to Allow for Policy Drafting

After the failed attempts to exempt the farm, Councilor Aldrich proposed postponing the vote. WY Fresh co-owner David Kniseley requested an eight-month postponement, stating he felt “like a bride who’s been kidnapped” and pressured into a municipal union. He argued that a shorter delay would force them to navigate municipal meetings during the peak of the growing season.

Charles Bloom, Director of the Planning and Development Department, informed the council that drafting and codifying rules for urban farms would require at least six months, as they are currently governed only by an uncodified policy interpretation.

Unanimous Vote for Delay

Councilor Jeff White advocated for the longer postponement to Nov. 9, believing it would protect the farm’s summer season and allow for collaborative policy drafting. He expressed confidence that the council did not want to see WY Fresh disappear.

“I firmly believe there is not one person sitting up here who wants WY Fresh to go away,” White said. “I really believe that with all my heart and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to build a bridge.”

The annexation ordinance will now return to the Public Services Committee for review in late October before being presented to the full City Council again.

About WY Fresh

WY Fresh is an urban farm located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, specializing in salad greens, microgreens, and seasonal vegetables grown without herbicides or pesticides WY Fresh. The WY Fresh Farmstand, opened in 2021, showcases local food from various farms, ranches, and artisanal producers cheyenne.org. The farm has been operating for fifteen years cheyenne.org and is a popular local resource WY Fresh Facebook.