DOUGLAS - A joint planning effort among all five governing bodies in Converse County is garnering state-level attention, where officials expect the experience could serve as a template for other counties or regions.

"We're really excited to see the results of this," said Steve Elledge, director of field operations for the Wyoming Business Council. "This could set some new directions. It is absolutely innovative."

Communities have invested time and money in development plans for years, although typically as isolated units. This new effort brings together the county and its four municipalities, and leaders want to also incorporate input from cities outside the county, including Glendo, Casper and Wright. Much of the energy-related growth Converse County is experiencing either comes from those areas or will draw employees from those areas.

That growth and more projected for the future have spurred the development plan, as the Douglas housing market tightens and Glenrock and Rolling Hills brace for impacts. According to some estimates, Converse County could double in population within seven to 10 years if proposed energy projects proceed as planned. Those include development of natural gas fields, increased uranium and coal mining activities and installation of two PacifiCorp wind farms near Glenrock.

Historically, municipal and county governments have been at odds when it comes to planning, in part due to a lack of understanding about each other's purpose, powers and duties, Douglas city administrator Bobbe Fitzhugh said. Cities and towns are municipal corporations with taxing authority and other statutorily authorized self-governing powers. County governments are political subdivisions created by the state Legislature, with leaders possibly changing every election cycle. Some county elected officials have been reluctant to take action that would surpass their tenure, binding future commissioners.

Now, however, the need trumps any political misgivings.

The "comprehensive growth management plan" is intended to serve as a framework for governments to base policy decisions to manage growth propelled by the energy industry. The plan will direct public policy, primarily in regard to future land use as cities supersede their boundaries into the county. In particular, the plan would direct infrastructure expansion, residential growth, economic development, development of open spaces and operations in transportation and public services.

The local governments paired $20,400 with a $25,000 Business Council planning grant to hire a consultant. The city is releasing a request for proposals, and hopes to enter into a contract with a consulting firm at the end of March.

Already, however, it's clear that money will fall short of an anticipated $150,000 to develop the plan, Fitzhugh said.

"We're certainly going to need to round up some additional funds," she said, adding that the county entities "are committed politically, as well as financially, to doing this."