About Dan Powers
I moved to Jackson Hole in 1984, ostensibly to take a winter break from a career path in science. Never really left.
I still think of myself as a ski bum. After a few years working in the restaurant world I took a job on a residential construction crew in Jackson. After 5 years or so I decided to make that more permanent move, and began my own construction business in Teton Valley, Powers Builders Inc. I continued with this business until 2025
I first moved to Driggs, Idaho in 1990, buying an old house on Wallace Ave. I built a spec house on Easy Street in Driggs in 1999, and sold that to my now wife, Lynne Wolfe.
We still live in that house.
I’ve been involved with several non-profits, and have been an active volunteer on trail maintenance and building projects through TVTAP, the USFS, and Mountain Bike the Tetons.
Working to improve our trail networks is another legacy of which I am proud.
My first real political involvement was with the Driggs Planning and Zoning Commission, to which I was appointed in the late ‘90s. I served on that board for about 5 years, eventually becoming the chair. In that time, as a completely volunteer board, we re-wrote the City Land Use code, an accomplishment of which I am still proud.
Around 2006 I was appointed to a vacant City Council seat, serving for about 2 years. Following that I ran for and was elected Mayor of Driggs in 2009, and served in that capacity for one four year term. Following that term I chaired the Driggs Urban Renewal Board for four years.
I thought I was done with politics, but when the opportunity to apply for the County Commission seat vacated by Mike Whitfield arose, I decided to take on the challenge. I was nominated by the Teton County Democratic Party and appointed by Governor Little.
I’ve been serving as a County Commissioner since April of 2025. In that capacity I’ve served on boards such as Eastern Idaho Public Health, Teton Basin Water Users and the Driggs Urban Renewal Board. I’ve also been active working with local non-profits and youth on improving our Juvenile ordinances. Serving as a County Commissioner has been a great honor, and I hope to be elected this fall to continue the work.
