Jackson to end joint planning position

The Town of Jackson is reclaiming its Planning Director.

For four years, Tyler Sinclair has led both the town and Teton County’s Planning and Development Departments simultaneously. Since 2014, the county has contracted with Jackson for management and leadership services. But, the workload has been significant and Town Manager Larry Pardee said Jackson needed more availability and access to the Planning Director.

“Planning and building functions in a resort community require the most time and attention and we want to make sure we are providing the best services to the community that we can while not unduly overloading our key staff member in the process,” said Pardee. But, he added that the town would continue to partner with Teton County to provide the best possible service to the community. He added, ” “this arrangement has benefited both the Town and the County and has built a foundation for working together and created a better understanding of the needs of both entities.”

There is a 90-day termination notice. The town and county have several jointly funded long range planning positions that will continue to serve both entities to implement and track progress in the comprehensive plan.

Since the joint management began, the town and county have completed the major strategies identified in the Comprehensive Plan, adopted an Integrated Transportation Plan, Housing Action Plan, rural and town zoning, and housing mitigation requirements.