Beating the Boom and Bust

Boom and bust are two words all too familiar in Natrona County. They describe more than an economic pattern. They shape job security, business confidence, family decisions, and whether people see a future for themselves here. The question now is whether something more sustainable and prosperous is within reach to help our beloved community weather the familiar cycle.

Natrona County’s economy has long been shaped by natural resources and energy. When demand rises, economic activity increases across nearly every sector. When markets soften, that activity slows, often resulting in periods of uncertainty felt throughout the community. It’s a well-known cycle and one that affects everything from household stability to long-term planning.

For many, the consequences of this cycle extend beyond economics and into generational decisions. As Angie Schrader, COO of FLOWSTATE, puts it, “For decades, we have been exporting our greatest resource — our youth. Innovation, growth, and a balanced economy will not only strengthen our communities but will give our talented people confidence and opportunities to stay.” Her observation underscores a reality many families recognize: When opportunity feels limited, leaving can feel inevitable.

That sense of connection between opportunity and progress is echoed by Mountain West Technologies of Casper. Lesha Thorvaldson, Chief of Operations for Mountain West Technologies, points to connectivity as a catalyst for long-term growth. “As a company built entirely around creating connection, we see every day how connectivity fuels progress,” Thorvaldson said. “That’s why we’re proud to support local economic development that empowers businesses, sparks new opportunities, and strengthens our community for everyone who calls it home.”

Is this cycle unique to Natrona County?

Statewide research suggests it’s not. A 2023 working paper produced by the Growth Lab at Harvard University, in partnership with the State of Wyoming, found that the state’s economy remains highly concentrated, with its reliance on fossil fuels increasingly challenged by global decarbonization trends. The report notes that limited diversification increases vulnerability to economic swings, raising broader questions about long-term sustainability and prosperity across Wyoming.

What does that mean at the local level? In 2025, a statewide poll indicated that many residents are paying attention and thinking about what comes next. Nearly eight in 10 Wyoming voters say they favor their local community taking steps to grow the economy and job market. In Natrona County, 82% of voters support taking strong local action to strengthen the economy, reflecting an awareness of the risks tied to continued economic volatility and a desire for greater stability over time.

What kind of future are residents prepared to consider?

According to the same statewide survey conducted by the Tarrance Group, nearly three-quarters of Wyoming voters support a future that includes new people and businesses moving into their communities, even when that growth brings added pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. The findings suggest that many residents are in favor of the opportunities versus the tradeoffs that come with economic change.

What does it take to move beyond the cycle?

To beat the boom-and-bust cycle, it will take open-mindedness and commitment to engage, not retreat from non-traditional growth opportunities. Our community must engage in conversations about business growth, innovation, and unconventional paths to move forward, rather than be dismissive, before they are fully understood. Economic diversification does not begin with agreement. It begins with the willingness to stay at the table.

It is crucial that community members of Natrona County turn to credible resources, ask difficult questions, verify what is uncertain, and share knowledge so the conversation continues beyond a single moment and becomes part of the community’s collective understanding.

As a community, we hold the power to change the narrative, the future, and ultimately the cycle. We can choose to beat it rather than be broken by it, because Natrona County Means Business.