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Lincoln-based Native American media company awards the last of its public media funds

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 2:02 GMT by Omaha.com
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Omaha City Council Approves a $50‑Million Downtown Revitalization Bond, Setting the Stage for a New Mixed‑Use Development

On Tuesday night, Omaha’s City Council delivered a decisive blow to the city’s aging downtown infrastructure by approving, 5‑1, a $50‑million bond that will fund a comprehensive downtown revitalization program. The bond—an ambitious effort to modernize roads, lighting, public spaces, and to pave the way for a new mixed‑use development at the heart of the city—was the subject of a lively debate that highlighted the city’s growing economic optimism and the lingering concerns about fiscal responsibility and community impact.

The Scope of the Bond

The $50‑million bond is earmarked for a three‑phase plan:

1. Infrastructure Upgrade (Phase I) – $12 million will be used to replace cracked sidewalks, re‑grade streets, and upgrade street‑level lighting. The plan also includes new storm‑water drainage systems to address flooding issues that have plagued downtown for decades.

2. Public Space Enhancement (Phase II) – $8 million will fund the creation of two new public plazas, a pocket park, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the downtown core with the North Omaha Arts District. This phase also includes a new community garden and a small performance stage.

3. Mixed‑Use Development (Phase III) – The remaining $30 million will support the construction of a mixed‑use tower that will house 200 residential units, 50,000 square feet of retail, and office space. A city‑wide public‑private partnership (PPP) model will be used to attract a private developer, and the city will retain a 15‑percent equity stake in the project.

The bond will be repaid over 20 years through a combination of property tax levies and a modest increase in the downtown business tax district. Councilor David M. Coon, who chaired the Finance Committee, explained that the bond’s long‑term fiscal profile is “balanced and conservative, ensuring that our communities will not be burdened beyond what the market can support.”

Why the Vote Matters

The downtown revitalization has been a long‑term goal for Omaha’s leaders. After a decade of stalled projects, the city’s population growth (estimated at 2.5 % annually) and increasing tourism numbers have underscored the need for a vibrant downtown core that can attract residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The bond, according to Councilor Coon, is “a catalyst for economic growth, a reinvigoration of civic pride, and a commitment to making Omaha a place where people want to live, work, and play.”

Mayor Charles H. “Chuck” Hinton, who announced the council’s proposal earlier this week, welcomed the decision. “This bond is an investment in our future,” he said in a statement. “With the right partners and the right oversight, we’ll create a downtown that offers quality housing, vibrant retail, and safe, walkable streets for all Omaha residents.”

Opposition and Concerns

Not everyone was on board with the bond. Councilor Maya S. Thompson voted against the measure, citing concerns over the projected cost and the potential for rising property taxes in the surrounding neighborhoods. “While downtown revitalization is essential, we must ensure that we are not pushing up taxes for the very communities that will benefit from the project,” she said.

Community advocates echoed Thompson’s worries, especially about gentrification and the displacement of long‑time residents. A recent Omaha Daily news article linked in the council’s briefing—“Downtown Revitalization and the Gentrification Debate”—provides a deeper look at how similar projects in neighboring cities have affected low‑income households. The article highlights the need for affordable housing components within the mixed‑use development and suggests that the city’s planning commission adopt a “right‑to‑stay” policy for existing downtown tenants.

Next Steps

With the bond approved, the city’s planning commission will officially begin the design phase in the next fiscal quarter. The commission will solicit bids from engineering firms, develop the final master plan, and secure the private developer for Phase III. In addition, the city will launch a public information campaign to keep residents informed about the project’s progress and any potential impacts on traffic, public services, and local businesses.

The city has also set up a task force that will coordinate the implementation of the public space enhancements. Task force member, landscape architect Emily R. Lee, emphasized the importance of community input: “We want the public plazas and gardens to reflect Omaha’s diverse culture. We’ll be holding several workshops over the next six months to gather feedback from residents, business owners, and civic groups.”

Looking Ahead

This bond approval marks a significant milestone in Omaha’s journey toward a modern, vibrant downtown. While the project promises substantial economic and social benefits, it also underscores the need for careful planning and community engagement to ensure equitable outcomes.

For readers who want to delve deeper into the policy’s nuances, the council’s official page (https://www.omaheacouncil.gov/bond-approval) offers the full vote transcript and a downloadable PDF of the bond’s financial projections. Additionally, the Omaha Public Library’s digital collection hosts a recent report titled “Economic Impact of Downtown Revitalization Projects in the Midwest” that situates Omaha’s efforts in a broader regional context.

As the city moves forward, the eyes of both residents and neighboring cities will watch closely to see how Omaha balances growth with affordability, and how the $50‑million bond will reshape the city’s skyline—and its people’s everyday lives.