OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyOmaha, Nebraska
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:31:37

Transcript — Verbatim
31:15

Roe.

31:16

Festerson.

31:17

Good one.

31:18

Harding.

31:19

Hug.

31:20

Mr.

31:21

President.

31:21

Here.

31:22

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Brinker Harding.

31:41

Please be seated.

31:43

Since we ran a little long on Board of Eek, I won't take too much time, I'll just say, and this is not self-serving, but I will say, please remember that next Tuesday, if uh you haven't had an opportunity or haven't done so yet, vote.

31:58

Um, but please make sure you do exercise your right to vote by next Tuesday.

32:05

Thank you.

32:06

Thank you.

32:07

An affidavit of publication is on file, and a current copy of the Open Meeting Act is posted in a white binder as well of legislative chambers.

32:14

Good afternoon.

32:15

Welcome to this meeting of the Omo City Council.

32:18

As a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate the conduct of our business, we ask that you please silence or turn off all electronic devices.

32:27

A reminder that you will have three minutes to speak on an agenda item.

32:32

Please stay on topic.

32:33

For those not providing in-person testimony and would like your comments entered into the public record, you can email the City Clerk's office at Cityclerk at City of Omaha.org.

32:46

Council members receive these emails and read them.

32:50

Finally, council members may ask members of the public back up for a clarifying questions, but not for extra time to speak.

33:31

Okay.

33:32

Lady second.

33:33

Okay.

33:35

Um, thank you.

33:37

Whereas Amyothropic lateral sclerosis, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease, in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe.

34:52

And whereas clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, and has enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS.

35:06

And whereas the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of AL research globally and has committed more than 154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries.

35:25

And whereas the ALS Association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone and everywhere.

35:35

And whereas Amyothropic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families and support research to eradicate this disease.

35:57

Now, therefore, we, the City Council, the City of Omaha, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, and call upon all individuals to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease and witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the City of Omaha to be affixed on this fifth day of May 2026.

36:31

I don't believe that the gentleman was able to make it this afternoon, so we'll make sure that they get a copy of that.

36:37

Thank you.

36:38

Thank you.

36:39

Councilmember Goodwin, you are recognized.

36:42

Thank you, Mr.

36:43

President.

36:43

And if we can have the members of the Economic Development Council come down to the podium, and I will read this proclamation, and we will then have a few words from our economic developers.

36:57

And I know we have others in the audience, so if you can please all come down and just stand up together.

37:05

So May 4th marked the 100th year for the International Economic Development Council, and so this week is Economic Development Week.

37:20

So our proclamation reads, whereas more than 100,000 economic development and related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top-tier opportunities that foster long-term equitable community growth, and whereas for generations, the economic development profession has cultivated thriving neighborhoods, championed sustainability and resiliency, strengthened economic prosperity, enhance quality of life, and built robust tax basis, and whereas economic development professionals operate across diverse environments, including rural, suburban and urban communities, local, state, and national governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, institutions of higher education, and other similar organizations and associations, and whereas economic development professionals serve as stewards of progress, connecting residents, business leaders, elected officials, industry executives, and educational institutions to advance job creation, community investment, infrastructure improvements, and long-term opportunity, and whereas economic developers contribute to the continued strength and vitality of Omaha and the State of Nebraska, building on past achievements while shaping a resilient and prosperous future, and whereas since 1926, the International Economic Development Council and its preceding organizations have advanced the profession globally, marking 100 years of leadership dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, sustainability, and resilience in communities of all sizes.

39:16

Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Omaha City Council hereby recognizes May 4th through the 8th, 2026 as economic development week and celebrates 100 years of impact by reflecting on the progress achieved and celebrates 100 years of impact, excuse me, honoring the professionals who strengthened our communities today and inspiring the next century of economic opportunity and growth in witness whereof we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the City of Omaha to be a fixed this day of May 2026 and 5th, 2026.

40:00

And before we have some of our speakers today, I just wanted to say I am a member of the International Economic Development Council, and we are part of a national cohort cohort called the Economic Recovery Corps, the North 24th Street Business Improvement District sets as a host site.

40:18

And our fellow who is actually on a remote fellowship tour in Hawaii, Che Barnett has been with us for two and a half years, where she has held with technical assistance for economic development.

40:34

And so if we could have our speakers first, and then if we could just have each person here simply say their name in the organization that they represent today, Mr.

40:44

Gines.

40:45

Definitely.

40:46

Well, it's good to see everybody.

40:48

You know, exciting time to talk about economic development because I know you all like taxes and the ability to spend them.

40:54

And so I'm Dr.

40:55

Dell Gines, Chief Innovation Officer of the International Economic Development Council, but I am Omaha born and raised and still live.

41:02

Spent 50 years of my life off 43rd in Decatur, now live off 113th in State Street.

41:08

Um I wrote work remote in that role.

41:11

For those that are not familiar with the International Economic Development Council, we are the largest professional association of economic developers in the world.

41:20

Um we exist to celebrate and champion economic development.

41:23

Two of our primary strategies through our vision and mission is share prosperity across the globe and equitable development.

41:29

And we exist to empower economic developers to make places better for people to live, work, and play by leveraging the economy.

41:36

And so in economic development week, I think it's important to celebrate what we have in Omaha.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████████████████████████48%
Procedural████████████████17%
Liquor Licensing██████████11%
Affordable Housing██████████11%
Public Engagement██████6%
Mental Health Awareness███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Public Works█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Omaha City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Omaha City Council convened on May 5, 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM. The meeting included two proclamations (ALS Awareness Month and Economic Development Week), approval of multiple liquor licenses, tax increment financing (TIF) projects, and routine agenda items. Several public commenters expressed concerns about TIF spending and the use of public funds.

Proclamations

  • ALS Awareness Month (May 2026): The council proclaimed May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, noting that the ALS Association has committed more than $154 million to over 550 projects globally. The proclamation was adopted without a ceremonial presenter.
  • Economic Development Week (May 4–8, 2026): Proclaimed to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Multiple speakers, including Dr. Dell Gines (Chief Innovation Officer, IEDC), Gary Clark (Executive Director, Omaha Inland Port Authority), and others, highlighted local economic development efforts, including the North 24th Street Business Improvement District and the $30 million state fund and $90 million Airport Business Park fund.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Items 12 & 13 (TIF projects): Several members of the public spoke in opposition:
    • Donnie R. Johnson (Johnson Equation Foundation, North Omaha Concerned Citizen Foundation, 4928 N. 52nd St.) questioned using tax money to assist a law firm (Item 12) and, regarding Item 13, expressed preference for job-creating projects over downtown apartments. He also commented on Items 19 and 43, advocating for agricultural donations and indoor growing.
    • Larry Storr (5015 Lafayette Ave.) spoke against TIF financing generally, citing lack of transparency. Regarding Item 12, he argued that lawyers and restaurants make enough money and should not receive tax breaks. For Item 13, he questioned the identity of the developer and construction company and alleged that some TIF recipients later sell units at high prices, calling “affordable housing” into question.
  • Item 46 (Gretna Sanitation appeal): No public testimony was recorded.

Discussion Items

  • Item 6 – Class C liquor license for La Vita Nueva (2620 N. Main St., Elkhorn): Applicant Charles Olson stated the restaurant is in a historic 1897 building on the Lincoln Highway. The council praised the restoration efforts. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 7 – Class C liquor license for A Zasca Beer Company (3548 Center St.): Co-owners Bill Shellpepper and Jason Siebert testified that the taproom will focus on craft beer, with controlled hours (typically 3–9 PM, closing by 10 PM, with flexibility for events). They committed to strict ID checks and noise management. Councilmember Harding noted the location near golf courses and strong neighborhood associations. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 8 – Special designated liquor license for The Broke Down Palace (8805 Maple St.) for an outdoor concert May 15–16, 6 AM–2 AM (music until 1 AM): Applicant Ross Coley presented. Councilmember Festerson praised the event’s track record. Approved 7-0.
  • Items 9–11 – Town Center West (210th St. & W. Center Road): Rezoning from EG to MU district, approval of final plat and subdivision agreement. The applicant’s engineer, Joe Foley, described the project as a straightforward phase two commercial development. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 12 – Douglas Street Office Project TIF (2311 Douglas St., up to $95,270): Developer Adam Astley (Astley Putnam PC) plans to comprehensively rehab a vacant 3,000+ sq. ft. building for an expanding law office, with total investment over $1.35 million. The project includes flex space for future tenants. Councilmember Melton noted the small TIF amount and that no tax dollars go directly to the developer. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 13 – 2211 Douglas Street Senior Housing TIF (up to $1,133,705): Developer Donnell Brown (in partnership with Hoppy Development and Spark) plans a five-story, 70-unit senior apartment complex (45 LIHTC affordable units, 25 market-rate). The capital stack includes LITEC, CHI Health support (transportation to appointments, in-building health services, grab bars, hearing accessibility), and National Trust Fund Housing Funds. Estimated affordable rent under $1,000/month; market rate around $1,500/month for studio/one-bedroom units. Councilmember Goodwin praised the mixed-income approach and infill development. Vote passed 6–0–1 (Councilmember Festerson abstained).
  • Items 14–16 (Consent agenda): Approved 7-0.
  • Items 17–38 (Public hearings): Only Donnie Johnson spoke on Item 19, urging donation of a tractor to North Omaha for agricultural purposes. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 39 – 2025 TIF Annual Report: Approved 7-0.
  • Item 40 – Acquisition for North 24th Street streetscape (Ohio to Sailor St.): No testimony. Approved (motion and second, roll call 7-0).
  • Items 41–43 – Municipal code amendments for employment classifications: (41) Custodian; (42) Budget Manager; (43) Greenhouse Foreman salary change. Personnel board recommended approval. Donnie Johnson spoke in favor of Item 43, referencing past greenhouse initiatives. All approved 7-0.
  • Item 44 – Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association 2026–2027 budget and levy: Holly Barrett, executive director, presented. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 45 – Class B flammable liquid storage district at 2451 N. 90th St.: No testimony. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 46 – Gretna Sanitation appeal of bid rejection for City of Omaha Trash Container Service for Parks: No testimony. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 59 – Postponement to June 16, 2026: Moved and approved 7-0.
  • Items 47–65 – No action taken; placed for future agenda.

Key Outcomes

  • All 31 agenda items (6–13, 14–16, 17–38, 39–46, 59) were approved with votes of 6–0–1 (Item 13) or 7–0 (all others).
  • Item 13 (2211 Douglas Street Senior Housing TIF) passed 6–0–1, with Councilmember Festerson abstaining.
  • The council directed that the ALS Awareness Month proclamation be provided to the absent recipient.
  • The second reading and public hearing for Item 59 were postponed to the June 16, 2026 council meeting.
  • Meeting adjourned at 3:31 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Roe. Festerson. Good one. Harding. Hug. Mr. President. Here. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for opening remarks by Councilmember Brinker Harding. Please be seated. Since we ran a little long on Board of Eek, I won't take too much time, I'll just say, and this is not self-serving, but I will say, please remember that next Tuesday, if uh you haven't had an opportunity or haven't done so yet, vote. Um, but please make sure you do exercise your right to vote by next Tuesday. Thank you. Thank you. An affidavit of publication is on file, and a current copy of the Open Meeting Act is posted in a white binder as well of legislative chambers. Good afternoon. Welcome to this meeting of the Omo City Council. As a courtesy to those in attendance and to facilitate the conduct of our business, we ask that you please silence or turn off all electronic devices. A reminder that you will have three minutes to speak on an agenda item. Please stay on topic. For those not providing in-person testimony and would like your comments entered into the public record, you can email the City Clerk's office at Cityclerk at City of Omaha.org. Council members receive these emails and read them. Finally, council members may ask members of the public back up for a clarifying questions, but not for extra time to speak. Okay. Lady second. Okay. Um, thank you. Whereas Amyothropic lateral sclerosis, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease, in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. And whereas clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, and has enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS. And whereas the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of AL research globally and has committed more than 154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS Association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone and everywhere. And whereas Amyothropic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families and support research to eradicate this disease. Now, therefore, we, the City Council, the City of Omaha, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, and call upon all individuals to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease and witness whereof, we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the City of Omaha to be affixed on this fifth day of May 2026. I don't believe that the gentleman was able to make it this afternoon, so we'll make sure that they get a copy of that. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Goodwin, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. And if we can have the members of the Economic Development Council come down to the podium, and I will read this proclamation, and we will then have a few words from our economic developers. And I know we have others in the audience, so if you can please all come down and just stand up together. So May 4th marked the 100th year for the International Economic Development Council, and so this week is Economic Development Week. So our proclamation reads, whereas more than 100,000 economic development and related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top-tier opportunities that foster long-term equitable community growth, and whereas for generations, the economic development profession has cultivated thriving neighborhoods, championed sustainability and resiliency, strengthened economic prosperity, enhance quality of life, and built robust tax basis, and whereas economic development professionals operate across diverse environments, including rural, suburban and urban communities, local, state, and national governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, institutions of higher education, and other similar organizations and associations, and whereas economic development professionals serve as stewards of progress, connecting residents, business leaders, elected officials, industry executives, and educational institutions to advance job creation, community investment, infrastructure improvements, and long-term opportunity, and whereas economic developers contribute to the continued strength and vitality of Omaha and the State of Nebraska, building on past achievements while shaping a resilient and prosperous future, and whereas since 1926, the International Economic Development Council and its preceding organizations have advanced the profession globally, marking 100 years of leadership dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, sustainability, and resilience in communities of all sizes. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Omaha City Council hereby recognizes May 4th through the 8th, 2026 as economic development week and celebrates 100 years of impact by reflecting on the progress achieved and celebrates 100 years of impact, excuse me, honoring the professionals who strengthened our communities today and inspiring the next century of economic opportunity and growth in witness whereof we have set our hands and caused the official seal of the City of Omaha to be a fixed this day of May 2026 and 5th, 2026. And before we have some of our speakers today, I just wanted to say I am a member of the International Economic Development Council, and we are part of a national cohort cohort called the Economic Recovery Corps, the North 24th Street Business Improvement District sets as a host site. And our fellow who is actually on a remote fellowship tour in Hawaii, Che Barnett has been with us for two and a half years, where she has held with technical assistance for economic development. And so if we could have our speakers first, and then if we could just have each person here simply say their name in the organization that they represent today, Mr. Gines. Definitely. Well, it's good to see everybody.

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