Mayor Morton Levinson delivers ‘State of the Town’ address

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Jackson Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson delivered her second State of the Town address Wednesday via YouTube stream.

“It has been quite a year. One of ups and downs,” the mayor began as she addressed sense of community, funding challenges, and housing issues in 2021.

Morton Levinson shared her number one concern since gaining office—even prior to her mayorship when she was elected to the town council—has been maintaining a sense of community that she said she “grew up with and is still present today.”

“People often remark about the change they have seen in Jackson. The pace of change has certainly picked up in recent years, but community still remains,” Morton Levinson said. “And I am working hard to make sure it remains for years to come…for my kids and yours.”

Council priorities identified at a recent two-day workshop include supporting childcare in the community. Morton Levinson said it is something important to her and she made it a campaign issue as well.

“We know there is a need for space for providers. We are working on that,” the mayor said. “The daycares are all full, and holding waitlists of hundreds.”

Morton Levinson also discussed water quality, sustainable funding in the wake of exponential growth, and ongoing housing challenges as areas where town government remains most focused.

“A 1973 deal was made with residents that an additional penny of sales tax would be added, and the town would forgo collecting property tax. It worked. We have not collected property tax since then but for the half-mill last year,” Morton Levinson said. “Now, 50 years later, the community grows and so do our needs. The town cannot keep up without more recurring revenue.”

Calls for service with Fire/EMS are up 69% since 2010, the mayor shared. She also confirmed the town will put off seeing another penny of sales tax for now, preferring to concentrate on capital projects funded via SPET. But the day will come soon when sales tax will be increased, Morton Levinson said.

“As a prudent businesswoman, I cannot continue to watch needs outpace revenues without asking our community to support another penny of sales tax,” she said.

On the housing front, the Town of Jackson, in cooperation with the county, was able to add 83 more permanently deed-restricted units and 8 dorm beds to housing stock in 2021. The town also broke ground a two new public-private projects last summer, which will provide an additional 42 new homes.

Morton Levinson also mentioned the success of START On Demand, which carries 500-600 riders daily. She also gave a shout out to Police Chief Michelle Weber, who the mayor said has “brought mindfulness to the department.” A dedicated detective has been assigned to handle all sexual assault complaints, and a new social worker hire is the first of its kind in the state.

“The town of Jackson is one worth sticking with. Join me and we will continue to move forward the best possible tomorrow in Jackson Hole,” Morton Levinson closed.