Treasurer Meier Outlines Three Priorities for Next Term

Generational investment fund, professional investment governance and greater returns from state trust lands top agenda

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming State Treasurer Curt Meier is thanking Wyoming Republicans for their support in the wake of his overwhelming victory in August’s Republican Primary Election, and outlining three priorities he intends to pursue during his next four-year term. He is emphasizing his desire to work collaboratively with the Wyoming Legislature and fellow statewide elected officials to strengthen the state’s long-term financial position.

Meier, who is unopposed in November’s general election, said his priorities build on the work his office has undertaken since he became State Treasurer in 2019.

“I’m humbled by the support I’ve received from the people of Wyoming, and I’m proud to serve as their Treasurer,” Meier said. “We’ve accomplished a great deal over the past eight years, but there is still important work to be done. I want to spend the next four years working with our legislators and other statewide elected officials to make sure Wyoming’s financial resources are managed responsibly and positioned to serve future generations.”

Under Meier’s leadership, the assets managed by the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office have grown from approximately $20 billion to more than $35 billion. Investment earnings have also become an increasingly important source of revenue for state government, helping support public services without additional taxation.

Meier identified three initiatives he believes can build on that progress.

Building a Wyoming Generational Investment Fund

Meier’s first priority is advancing the proposed Wyoming Generational Investment Fund, which would allow the state to invest designated resources over a longer time horizon, pursuing higher long-term returns while allowing earnings to compound.

The concept is intended to strengthen Wyoming’s financial foundation as traditional mineral revenues fluctuate and the costs of providing public services continue to increase.

Meier has previously presented the concept to legislative committees and hopes to work with lawmakers to establish a structure that protects the fund’s long-term purpose while providing opportunities for future investment income.

“We’ve demonstrated that Wyoming’s investments can produce substantial revenue for our state,” Meier said. “Now we need to look beyond the next budget cycle and think about the next generation. A properly structured generational investment fund can help us build lasting financial security and reduce the pressure for unnecessary tax increases in the future.”

The proposal has been the subject of previous legislative discussions, including consideration of how a long-term fund could preserve and compound investment earnings before distributions begin.

Strengthening Professional Investment Governance

Meier’s second priority is pursuing changes to the governance structure of the State Treasurer’s Office investment operation, using the Wyoming Retirement System as a model.

The goal is to establish a framework that places investment decisions in the hands of qualified financial professionals operating under clearly defined policies, performance expectations and appropriate oversight.

Meier believes Wyoming’s growing investment portfolio requires a governance structure designed to attract and retain experienced investment professionals while protecting investment decisions from political interference.

“Wyoming’s investments belong to the people, and they deserve to have those resources managed by experienced professionals who understand financial markets, risk and long-term investment strategies,” Meier said. “Elected officials have an important responsibility to establish policy and provide oversight, but investment decisions should be driven by professional expertise and sound financial analysis, not political considerations.”

Meier said he intends to work with legislators and other state leaders to evaluate how elements of the Wyoming Retirement System’s governance model could be adapted to the Treasurer’s Office while maintaining public accountability and transparency.

Increasing the Value of Wyoming’s Trust Lands

Meier’s third priority involves maximizing the long-term value and sustainable revenue generated by Wyoming’s millions of acres of state trust lands.

As State Treasurer, Meier serves alongside the Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor and Superintendent of Public Instruction on the State Board of Land Commissioners. The board oversees state trust lands, which are managed through the Office of State Lands and Investments to generate revenue for public schools and other designated beneficiaries.

Wyoming’s trust lands were established to provide lasting financial benefits, and Article 18 of the Wyoming Constitution limits the Legislature and the State Land Board from diminishing returns to the beneficiaries. State law directs their management toward long-term growth in value and optimum, sustainable revenue production.

Meier wants to work with fellow board members, the Legislature and the Office of State Lands and Investments to identify opportunities to improve the productivity and value of these assets.

“Wyoming has millions of acres of trust land that represent tremendous value for our state,” Meier said. “Just as we’ve worked to improve the performance of our financial investments, I believe we should continually look for responsible ways to increase the value and income produced by our land assets. We have an obligation to manage those resources for the greatest long-term benefit of the people they were intended to serve.”

Meier emphasized that any initiatives involving trust lands must respect the Constitution and statutory obligations, and noted that the interests of trust beneficiaries are even ingrained in the Congressional act of admission that made Wyoming the Union’s 44th state.

Working Together for Wyoming’s Future

Meier said the three priorities share a common objective: strengthening Wyoming’s financial position through responsible management of the resources the state already possesses, and he acknowledged that meaningful progress will require cooperation among the Treasurer’s Office, the Legislature, the Governor and other statewide elected officials.

“These aren’t things the Treasurer can accomplish alone, and I don’t believe they should be,” Meier said. “The Legislature establishes the laws that govern our investments, and my fellow statewide elected officials share important responsibilities for managing Wyoming’s assets. I look forward to working with all of them to find solutions that protect taxpayers, strengthen our financial foundation and provide lasting benefits for Wyoming families.”

Meier said he intends to provide additional information about each initiative in the coming months and welcomes public discussion about the state’s financial future.

“My commitment remains the same as it was when I first took office: honor my oath, protect the people’s money and make sure Wyoming’s resources are working for Wyoming people,” Meier concluded. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that work, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”