Billionaire sparks fury among locals who claim he wants to rename beloved Wyoming town to ‘make it more marketable’ to wealthy city elite amid plans to build new swanky resort

A billionaire has sparked anger among locals in a Wyoming city ​​that says it is trying to change its name to be more “marketable” to wealthy city elites.

Bondurant residents claim Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts is trying to erase his identity as he moves to build a swanky new 20,000-square-foot resort nearby.

The founder of Ameritrade reportedly wants to change Bondurant’s name to Little Jackson Hole in an effort to attract tourists.

Ricketts believes city slickers like New York might associate the new name with Jackson Hole, the famous ski resort.

But the suggestion has upset locals, including Pat Burroughs, one of 200 people who have protested at local gatherings.

“We’re Bondurant,” Burroughs said Cowboy stands daily. “This is the Upper Hoback.”

Billionaire Joe Ricketts has sparked anger among locals in a Wyoming town who say he is trying to change its name to be ‘more marketable’ to wealthy city elites

Ameritrade’s founder reportedly wants to change Bondurant’s name to Little Jackson Hole

The idea was reportedly pitched to locals by Ricketts at a glitzy seven-course dinner with goodie bags, most of which went unclaimed in protest.

“About 75% of the people at that point all got up and left the dinner,” Burroughs said. “They left the gift bags on the table and just walked out.”

Bumper stickers reading “Don’t Jackson Hole Our Town” have also been spotted throughout the area.

But it’s not just the name change that has locals concerned; many fear the impact on local wildlife, housing prices and the city’s unique character.

However, it may be too late to stop as Ricketts has already captured more than 1,800 hectares of land in the area.

Most recently, he quietly acquired the historic Haliburton Hotel, which locals suspect will support another recent purchase of the White Pine Ski Resort.

Burroughs explained that locals are already experiencing “annoying” issues with the mail as packages have been addressed to Little Jackson Hole.

“One gentleman even had trouble getting his medication,” she said. “He kept telling them he lives in Bondurant, but they were looking for someone in Little Jackson Hole.”

Ricketts has already acquired more than 1,800 hectares of land in the area, including the White Pine Ski Resort (pictured)

His idea was reportedly presented by Ricketts to locals during a glitzy seven-course dinner with goodie bags, most of which went unclaimed in protest.

Her concerns are echoed by another longtime resident, Richard Pearson.

“He’s bought several houses around here,” Pearson said. ‘It’s like cancer. He just soaks everything up. He buys everything that becomes available.’

Ricketts already owns the 1,300-acre Jackson Fork Ranch and the 160-acre former Dead Shot Ranch.

It is speculated that he may have been eyeing land swaps to try to connect the two into one sprawling estate.

Some residents have expressed concerns that the resort could send housing prices through the roof, making it unaffordable for people in the area.

They point to Jackson Hole’s impact on surrounding communities as evidence of their concerns

“I have a friend who drives a truck with County 23 license plate number 2. That’s how long his family has lived here, and he can’t afford to live here anymore,” Justin Brummett said.

Ricketts claims the name change has a historical basis and highlighted research he commissioned that showed a link to famed explorer Davey Jackson.

Ricketts plans to build a swanky new 20,000-square-foot resort near Bondurant

Some residents have expressed concerns that the resort could send housing prices through the roof, making it unaffordable for people from the area

He states that the Hoback resort will be a “premium resort experience with a mission-driven focus on protecting, preserving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Hoback region.”

Many believe the resort can help revitalize Bondurant, which has suffered shrinking class sizes at the local school and a litany of hotel, store and restaurant closures.

If Ricketts’ plans are successful, he could become the region’s second-largest employer, offering work that isn’t tied to jobs in volatile industries like oil and gas.

“Our federal lands will not be as lucrative as they used to be. In my mind, recreation is probably the easiest topic for Sublette County to get into,” Sublette County Commissioner Mack Bradley told Cowboy State Daily.