Omaha City Council Meeting: July 21, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on July 21, 2026, to honor two recently deceased community members, receive the proposed 2027 city budget from Mayor Ewing, and act on numerous agenda items including liquor licenses, rezoning, subdivision plats, and tax increment financing (TIF) projects. All votes passed 7–0 except one abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda items 31–33, which had public hearings on July 14, 2026, were approved on consent without debate.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Early in the meeting, councilmembers delivered heartfelt tributes to city council staff assistant Liz Burkle Letty, who passed suddenly. Councilmember Melton led the remarks; others shared memories of her dedication, humor, and volunteer work. A proclamation honored community activist Sharon K. Olson, presented by Councilmember Fresserson and Goodwin, designating July 21, 2026 as Sharon K. Olson Day.
• During public hearings on item 29 (7630 Pacific Apartments TIF), residents Leslie Myers and Larry Storer opposed the project due to its size, height, traffic concerns, and lack of neighborhood outreach. The developer (Will Spellman) stated that outreach included mailed invitations and a virtual town hall with three attendees, all supportive.
• On items 15–20 (Lake Street Grocery Store), several proponents spoke in favor, including Annette Silence (Sparks DDI) and Zeke Rouse (Spark), citing relief of a food desert and community investment. Opponent Ethel Mitchell Rock, a property owner near the site, raised concerns about traffic congestion, crime, and parking. Councilmember Goodwin addressed these, noting ongoing coordination with police and stakeholders.
• Donnie Johnson of the Johnson-Equeston Foundation spoke on multiple items, advocating for local job creation and criticizing past city deals. On item 44, he and another resident called for transparency regarding police and sheriff relations.
• On item 30 (1053 Park Avenue Senior TIF), no opponents spoke; proponent Rob Woodling presented the project.

Discussion Items

Tributes and Proclamations

• Councilmember Amy Melton eulogized Liz Burkle Letty, a lifelong Omahan and city council staff assistant who died of a heart condition. Her organs were donated. Councilmembers shared memories of her kindness, professionalism, and volunteer work.
• A proclamation for Sharon K. Olson was read, celebrating her decades of neighborhood leadership in Minnelusa, including saving Florence Library, establishing the pollinator garden, and founding community traditions. The proclamation was presented to her cousin Dick Flynn.

Mayor’s 2027 Budget Presentation

• Mayor Ewing presented the $1.7 billion recommended budget for 2027, titled “The Story of Us, One Omaha.” Key points:
  • Property tax levy kept flat.
  • Parks: $5 million increase from general fund (20% increase) plus $5 million in philanthropic matching; 14 new full-time positions; focus on renovating 144 parks in poor condition.
  • Police: Authorized strength of 906 sworn officers; current at 835; lateral and academy classes planned to reach full staffing; 5% salary increase; $10 million for IT infrastructure.
  • Fire: Adding 9 new firefighters (first increase in over a decade); investments in health screenings.
  • Library: 7 grant-funded positions; reduced hold wait times from 35 to 20 days.
  • Public Works: New parking garages downtown (Dual, Beacon, Millwork, Builders District) adding 3,836 spaces.
  • Capital: Proposed $181 million public safety headquarters at Crossroads development (police and fire combined); Fire Station 70 in Northwest Omaha; Tranquility Park soccer magnet with 16 turf fields; Streetcar maintenance facility completion in 2027; CHI Health Center $200 million expansion.
  • Public hearing on budget set for August 11, 2026; vote August 26, 2026.

Lake Street Grocery Store (Items 15–20)

• The project at 24th and Lake Street includes rezoning, a subdivision, and design review. The grocery store, operated by Heart Ministry Center, will be a 58-lot development on vacant land, providing fresh food access in a food desert. Developers highlighted community engagement, workforce development, and a no-liquor-license policy. Traffic calming measures include a crosswalk with a signal and internal loading. Groundbreaking expected October–November 2026.
• Councilmember Goodwin emphasized the project’s role in revitalizing North Omaha and coordination with other developments.

7630 Pacific Apartments TIF (Item 29)

• A 34-unit market-rate apartment building with $14 million total investment and $1.5 million TIF. The site currently has a single-family home. Parking is underground with one-to-one spaces. Opposition focused on height, traffic, and neighborhood character. Public Works confirmed adequate traffic mitigation. Councilmember Fresserson noted the project fits the area’s zoning and will benefit from transit.

1053 Park Avenue Senior TIF (Item 30)

• A 4-story, 50-unit affordable senior living building at Park Avenue and Pacific Street. Total investment $10.5 million, TIF $661,000. Rents set at 40–50% of area median income ($768–$950). Includes LITC credits and Front Porch funds. Construction expected fall 2026, completion spring 2028.

Other Agenda Items

• Items 7–8: Liquor licenses for Forest Game Time Pub & Grill and Ipoca Cantina approved.
• Items 9–14: Subdivision and rezoning for RV park (Walvoard) and industrial (State Highway 133) approved.
• Items 21–28: Various rezoning and master plan amendments approved.
• Items 31–33 (consent) and 34–42: Items 34–42 included a project on North 24th Street; proponent Kyle Keith thanked city staff and expressed confidence in the project’s future. Councilmember Goodwin assured continued engagement. All approved.
• Item 43: Purchase of 48 acorn street light pull installation on Park Avenue from Mason to Woolworth, as part of urban design retrofit. Approved 6–0–1 (President Begley abstained).
• Item 44: Grant agreement for a criminal justice internship program ($60,000). Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All action items passed unanimously (7–0) except item 43 (6–0–1, Begley abstaining).
• Budget Timeline: Public hearing on the 2027 budget will be held August 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM; council vote scheduled for August 26, 2026.
• Lake Street Grocery: Anticipated groundbreaking in October–November 2026, with heavy construction in spring 2027. A community engagement meeting is set for July 29, 2026.
• 7630 Pacific Apartments: A new 34-unit apartment building with underground parking; construction timing not specified.
• 1053 Park Avenue Senior Apartments: Expected to break ground fall 2026, with completion spring 2028. Rents will range from approximately $768 (40% AMI) to $950 (50% AMI).
• Public Safety Headquarters: $181 million facility at Crossroads; pending bond approval in November 2026; anticipated opening spring 2030.
• Fire Station One Relocation: The city purchased 1818 Leavenworth Street for $2.3 million to serve as the future site for a replacement downtown fire station.
• Parks Investment: $10 million combined (city and philanthropic) for capital needs in parks; 14 new full-time positions.