Justice Center

Progress Summary

Why Are We Doing This Project

Teton County’s courthouse, built in 1968, has been found to be structurally deficient with severe issues in energy efficiency, security, and ADA accessibility. After extensive research starting in 2018, it was determined that remodeling the existing courthouse was not feasible. The most efficient and safe option is to rebuild the Courthouse and Detention Facility as a Category IV essential facility to serve the community for the next century.

Who Will Benefit

The entire Teton County community will benefit from a modern, safe, and efficient Justice Center. This includes the Teton County Detention Facility, District Courtroom, Clerk of District Court office, Circuit Courtroom, Clerk of Circuit Court office, County and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Teton County Sheriff’s Office, and other office spaces.

Progress: From Planning to Ribbon Cutting

In June 2025, the Town Planning Commission approved the Justice Center design plan and on Monday, July 28, the Town Council unanimously approved the Justice Center design plan. Teton County is currently working on a more detailed development plan that will go before the Town Council for approval later in the year. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2026.

Projected Timeline:
- 2023–2025: Planning, design development, and public engagement.
- 2026: Construction begins.
- 2027–2028: Major building milestones, downtown construction impacts.
- 2028: Completion, ribbon cutting, and transition to new facility.

Funding And Costs: Where Your Dollars Go

In November 2024, Teton County voters approved a specific purpose excise tax (SPET) of $88,000,000 to fund the planning, designing, demolition of the old jail and courthouse, and construction of the new Teton County Justice Center. An additional $30,000,000 has been budgeted through the Teton County FY2025-2026 Budget. Any unexpended funds will be used for operations and maintenance of the new facility.

Funding Principles:
- Transparent tracking of every dollar
- Independent oversight and reporting
- Lifecycle cost savings through sustainable design

Hansen Courthouse: Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

The Hansen Courthouse has served Teton County for decades. However, aging infrastructure, high maintenance costs, and safety concerns mean it is no longer suited for community needs.

Why Replace the Hansen Courthouse?
- Outdated and overcrowded
- Safety risks transporting inmates downtown
- Non-compliant with ADA standards
- Costly to maintain and upgrade

Transition Plan:
- Services will relocate into the new Justice Center.
- Demolition avoids millions in redundant costs.
- Historical elements documented and preserved where possible.

Myth vs Fact:
Myth: Demolishing Hansen wastes taxpayer money.
Fact: Relocation avoids costly repairs and improves efficiency.