NEWS
Approved: $400 Million to Fund Projects in North & South Omaha gains approval; now to Governor Pillen
Some estimate as much as $500 million will be invested in North and South Omaha as a result of the historic and unprecedented legislation and other related bills
Published: Thursday, June 1, 2023
The bill to provide funding for North Omaha and South Omaha cleared a significant hurdle and won final approval from the Nebraska State Legislature today. The legislation once referred to as the North Omaha and South Omaha Economic Recovery plan, LB1024 in 2022 and LB531 this year won approval today on a 37-8 vote.
“We got it across this finish line,” said Senator Terrell McKinney. “I’m looking forward to the projects getting started and doing what we said we were going to do.”
Read the most up to date bill here: LB531.pdf (nebraskalegislature.gov)
It now expected to be signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen.
With support from the community and nearly 50 testifiers in 2022, State Senators Justin Wayne and McKinney introduced the legislation and worked with South Omaha senators Tony Vargas and Mike McDonnell to gain approval of $335 million in 2022.
“This is a huge win for the community,” said Willie Barney, CEO and Founder of the Empowerment Network. “Senators Wayne and McKinney have done an amazing job leading and navigating this historic legislation through the Legislature. The community also participated in the process at an unprecedented level. Now, the goal is to make sure the community, small businesses, contractors, developers and organizations help lead the development efforts.”
Senators Wayne and McKinney reviewed plans developed by the community over the years and put together the North Omaha Recovery Plan. South Omaha then developed a proposal and it was added to the original North Omaha legislation and the bill became the North and South Omaha Recovery Plan. As the plan was making its way through the state senate last year, Sen. Wayne added funding elements to include high poverty census tracts from around the state.
Some projects were identified in the legislation to move forward immediately through an RFP process implemented by the Department of Economic Development. Projects including internships, IHUB, the airport business park planning grant, tourism and others were approved for funding.
For the remaining $225 million, the state legislature instructed the Economic Recovery Committee to contract with an engineering firm to put together a master plan. The North and South Omaha communities were then engaged in stakeholder meetings, planning sessions and submitted over 367 applications.
Olsson, the engineering firm which was selected to collect the submissions and develop the master plan, reviewed the proposals and made recommendations to approve 37 of the plans for funding. Other projects were identified as high scoring and listed as supplemental plans that could be funded if more dollars were allocated by the State. Find the Olsson report here: https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/committee/select_special/econrec/LB1024_2023.pdf
After some concerns were voiced by the community, small group meetings and two large town halls were held to attempt to address additional high priorities that were not among the initial recommendations.
Groups and individuals representing small businesses, contractors, the Malcolm X Foundation, Charles Drew, arts and culture organizations, immigrants and refugees, and potential economic development projects along the corridors of Ames, Sorensen and 30th Street all made their case to be considered for funding. The community also recommended an additional $200 million in funding and a desire to have an accountability committee.
State senators agreed to take the additional amendments to the Economic Recovery committee for consideration. With that agreement, nearly 50 residents, leaders, small business owners, neighborhood representatives, organizational leaders and others traveled to Lincoln to support the legislation. Others wrote letters, sent emails and made phone calls.
State Senator McKinney has said he shared the other suggested amendments with the committee but had difficulty gaining support with the limited time available and the filibustering that has taken place during the entire session.
Three amendments were introduced. One for a museum tied to an individual listed in the hall of fame. A second for federally qualified health centers. And, a third for a cultural museum was introduced by Senator McDonnell.
Senator McKinney said the best way for the other groups to be considered is to resubmit their proposals to the Department of Economic Development once the bill is approved in the final round and signed by Governor Pillen.
“This gives everyone another opportunity,” said McKinney.
What happens next?
The process moving forward after the legislative vote and Governor’s signature is that DED will issue RFPs and accept proposals as early as July. DED will then review and score the proposals.
State Senators are encouraging DED to use the recommendations and amendments identified in the Olsson report, but the current understanding is that DED will review and score everything again using the criteria outlined in the legislation with a heavy emphasis and focus on economic development, entrepreneurship, job creation, housing and tourism.
State senators are recommending that all proposals that were submitted to Olsson be considered eligible for funding and those recommended should receive priority.
Because of the filibustering that has occurred this session, State Senators have been combining bills into “mega bills” incorporating as many as 5-25 bills in one vote.
Even LB 531 passed with multiple amendments and bills included. In addition, the current legislation has switched funding from ARPA to general funds to allow more flexibility and more time for projects to get completed. The use of ARPA funds comes with more restrictions than general funds. And, the ARPA funds must be used by 2026.
State Senators representing the Economic Recovery Plan and Governor Pillen agreed the switch to general funds was a good move.
The legislative update regarding LB531 can be found here: http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34381
The Economic Recovery program can be tracked here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/
The funding allocated can be tracked at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/#dashboard
You may like
-
Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis, nationally-recognized black-owned grocery store to speak at AALC
-
Frank Hayes, Founder of Hayes & Associates to share financial wisdom at AALC
-
Dr. DerNecia Phillips to share secrets to success in Corporate Omaha at AALC
-
Racquel Henderson to speak on keys for youth development at AALC
-
Gibril Mansaray to speak at AALC; creating innovative partnerships with Africa
-
Aileen Warren and Jay Warren-Teamer to present at AALC 2024
Community News
Step-Up Omaha interns gain valuable work experience at UNMC
Front row from left: Evelyn Grixby, UNMC employee relations programs coordinator; Alona Wilson; Jennifer Esqueda; Amari Johnson; Lakeisha Bonam of Step-Up Omaha; and Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources. Back row from left: NeRae Davis; Niara Bowie-Berry; Randy Smith; Mukundaha Devanaboyina; Julia Livingston of Step-Up Omaha; and John Skradski of Step-Up Omaha.
Published: July 21, 2024
WRITTEN BY Jeff Robb, UNMC strategic communications
Step-Up Omaha interns are back at UNMC for another summer of work experience and learning opportunities around the academic medical center.
Step-Up Omaha is an initiative of the Empowerment Network, the City of Omaha and community partners to give youths summer job training and work experience.
Since 2016, UNMC has participated by hosting interns in a variety of departments, centers and offices around the campus. This year, the program, which started June 17, has eight interns.
Evelyn Grixby, employee relations programs coordinator in UNMC Human Resources and the Step-Up Omaha program coordinator, said UNMC’s Step-Up internship program is a coordinated effort with the worksite partners to invest in the interns and intentionally provide them valuable outcomes by the end of summer.
The interns receive job shadowing, mentoring, career guidance and networking opportunities, Grixby said.
“In the short period of time that the interns are on campus, they gain soft skills training that leave them feeling empowered, inspired, connected and more confident about their career interest,” she said.
Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources, said the department is excited to welcome the 2024 interns to UNMC.
Cunningham credited Grixby for her dedicated efforts to the program. She also thanked participating UNMC departments, saying they are mentoring future leaders while also embracing the fresh, new perspectives shared by the interns.
Said Cunningham, “Our campus remains committed to providing thoughtfully designed and impactful learning experiences for our Step-Up interns in a supportive environment that exceeds their expectations and hones their curiosity for career exploration and success.
“We encourage each of them to take full advantage of the rich opportunity, resources and connections available to them during this experience.”
Intern Randy Smith is back at UNMC for a fourth summer through the program, this time working with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Smith, who is studying psychology at Metropolitan Community College, said he was drawn by UNMC’s environment of friendly people.
“It’s great working along with people who are like-minded, driving towards a better future in technology and health care,” he said.
This summer’s interns and their departments are:
- Jennifer Esqueda, UNMC Human Resources
- Alona Wilson, UNMC Human Resources and the Office of the Chancellor
- Randy Smith, UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
- NeRae Davis, UNMC Facilities Management and Planning
- Amari Johnson, UNMC Office of Inclusion
- Mukundaha Devanaboyina, Munroe-Meyer Institute community engagement
- Ajay Repakula, Munroe-Meyer Institute Trailblazers Program and administration
- Niara Bowie-Berry, UNMC Global Center for Health Security
Community News
Ashlei Spivey running for State Senate, marches towards general election
Published: August 20, 2024
As Nebraska’s Legislative District 13 prepares for a new season, Ashlei Spivey is running for office to become the clear choice to lead this truly resilient and diverse community.
A lifelong resident of North Omaha, Ashlei epitomizes the spirit and core of the district’s culture, rich history and vast potential. With a deep commitment to her community along with a proven track record of advocacy, Ashlei is campaigning to be the leader District 13 needs.
Growing up in North Omaha, Ashlei didn’t just witness the challenges her neighbors faced, she lived them. This personal connection fueled her passion for social justice and inspired her to dedicate her life to serving others.
With degrees in Communications, Marketing, and Urban Social Planning, Ashlei brings a unique blend of vision, intelligence, and Omaha grit to the table. Ashlei believes her educational background, coupled with her vast experience in nonprofit leadership, equips her with the necessary tools to create meaningful change.
Ashlei is a leader on a mission. Having founded the nonprofit, I Be Black Girls and currently sitting as its Executive Director, her impact has driven significant change, notably in Black maternal health. Her tireless work led to the creation of Nebraska’s first statewide Black maternal health coalition, transforming healthcare delivery for Black women across the state.
But Ashlei’s vision extends beyond healthcare. Her goal is to make a measurable difference in the lives of Nebraskans. She plans to tackle head-on issues affecting her constituents, like public safety, economic development, lowering property tax, and improving education. “Residents of District 13 deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe community,” she said. My commitment is to fight for the things that matter, such as affordable housing, quality healthcare, and well-funded schools accessible to all.
Ashlei’s heart is on full display when you examine her professional work and personal life. Having worked alongside many in the district, she has built strong relationships with local community organizations, businesses, and residents alike.
Her unwavering commitment to the region she calls home is palpable. Her ability to listen, empathize, and act on behalf of her constituents is what she says sets her apart and prepares her to bring the voices of District 13 to the Capitol.
Given the successes under her belt, her talent has not gone unnoticed. Ashlei has been nationally recognized, earning such distinctions as the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Award, the Chamber YP Changemaker Award and she has been featured in Forbes and Essence.
Ashlei Spivey is not just running for political office but for the many neighbors who rely on her to make a difference. She wants to empower the residents of District 13 to ensure they have a voice at the highest levels of their government.
“I am ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Ashlei says, “and I look forward to earning the vote and trust of Legislative District 13.”
To learn more about Ashlei Spivey’s vision for Nebraska Legislative District 13, visit https://www.ashleifornebraska.com/
Careers
Curtis Morgan to lead MBK Omaha programs for Empowerment Network
Published: July 21, 2024
The Empowerment Network is pleased to announce the addition of Curtis Morgan as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Omaha Program Manager. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in public administration, youth development, community engagement, and nonprofit management to his new role.
Morgan has spent more than a decade working in various leadership roles, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering community development and youth empowerment.
He previously served as program coordinator for TeamMates, a school-based mentoring program from Omaha Public Schools, where he recruited community members to mentor students in schools across the district. Morgan has also served as the re-engagement specialists for D2 Center, where he helped high school students with chronic absenteeism and truancy find a path to graduation. Additionally, he’s managed and facilitated after-school programming for elementary and middle school students in North and South Omaha. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he also volunteers as the director of the Omaha Kappa League.
“I am humbled and truly honored to join the Empowerment Network team as the MBK Omaha program manager,” said Morgan. “I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering and participating in several Empowerment Networks events and collaborations over the last decade. Now I’ll have the opportunity to lead a collaborative effort with a mission that is closely related to my passion for mentoring and youth advocacy. Together, we will fill the voids that exist for young men of color in our community and provide them the tools they need to be successful.”
In his new role, Morgan will work with Jonathan Chapman, vice president of community collaboratives, and the Cradle to Career director, to lead the MBK Model Community initiatives for the city of Omaha. This initiative aims to achieve a measurable shift in outcomes for boys and young men of color. This role will play a pivotal part in strengthening local collaborations and establishing new partnerships to help the community achieve the six key milestones to success identified by the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Morgan as the MBK Omaha Program Manager,” said Willie Barney, founder and CEO, Empowerment Network. “His dedication to fostering community development and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the innovative and impactful programs he will help us create and implement.”
Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.
With Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Bellevue University, Morgan is currently completing his certification in Fundraising Management at University of Nebraska-Omaha.
To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.
###
About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.
Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
402-502-5153