Omaha City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Omaha City Council convened on July 28, 2026, at 9:59 PM (local time) to consider a wide range of agenda items, including liquor licenses, zoning changes, affordable housing projects, a curling facility, tax increment financing, and city operations. The meeting featured multiple public hearings, substantial discussion on a proposed apartment development at 7630 Pacific Street, and unanimous votes on most items except for one denial and several postponements.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6: Class C liquor license for Amara Vathi's at 12317 West Maple Road. Approved 6-0.
• Items 7-9: Rezoning, final plat, and subdivision agreement for property east of 165th and Bonneton Streets. Approved 6-0.
• Item 10: Rezone 4617 Davenport Street from R4 to TOD SFA4 district for two townhomes. Approved 6-0.
• Item 11: Rezone two lots at 2924 North 24th Street and 2411 Half Benny Street to R5 district for Habitat for Humanity. Approved 6-0.
• Items 13-15: Rezone, ACI district boundary, and master plan amendment for 1059 Park Avenue to allow a 50-unit senior affordable housing project. Approved 6-0.
• Item 19: Special use permit for indoor curling facility at 7405 Irvington Road (Exarbon Curling). Approved 6-0.
• Items 22-24: Resolutions supporting Sienna Francis House homeless shelter and Step Up Omaha job training program. Approved 6-0.
• Item 25: Extension of dockless scooter agreement with Lime until December 31, 2026. Approved 6-0.
• Item 26: Purchase order for janitorial services for street maintenance. Approved.
• Item 27: Vacate State Street from Raven Oaks Drive to Willett Street. Approved.
• Item 28: Accept $54,488 grant from University of Nebraska for "Beat the Heat Trees for Streets" program. Approved.
• Item 29: Accept $127,376 grant for "Beat the Heat Trees for Neighbors" program. Approved.
• Item 30: Agreement for public art improvements at four downtown parking garages. Approved.
• Item 32: Agreement with IO Solutions for employment testing for police and fire departments. Approved.
• Item 33: Accept $50,000 Youth Climate Action Fund grant from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Approved.
• Item 34: Approve $125 million lease purchase bonds for streetcar project. Approved.
• Item 35: Approve $110 million lease purchase bonds for parking garages (Crossroads and Mutual Tower). Public hearing held; no vote taken after executive session motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 12 (3204 North 16th Street): Cheryl Weston, a nearby resident, expressed full support for the project, stating the siding is "attractive, functional, and appropriate" for the neighborhood and called the city's requirements an unnecessary barrier. The developer, Don Curry, argued the project is 99% complete and that the changes were due to funding loss.
• Items 16-18 and 31 (7630 Pacific Street): Multiple opponents testified against the proposed 34-unit apartment building. Connie Wentz (801 S. 78th St.) said a five-story building on a half-acre is too large, with insufficient parking and green space. Louis Dirks (620 Beverly Dr.) cited 10 variances needed, dangerous traffic access, and lack of visitor parking. Mary Dirks (620 Beverly Dr.) argued the project is not affordable (rents starting at $2,200) and that the city is making too many exceptions. Larry Storer (5015 Lafayette Ave.) said the council should prioritize citizens over developers.
• Item 25 (Scooter program): Councilmembers discussed safety concerns, including a recent fatality in Bennington involving scooters, and the need for better regulation in the next RFP. No public testimony from opponents.
• Item 31 (7630 Pacific TIF): Mary Dirks and Larry Storer again opposed, stating the TIF would rubber-stamp variances and damage the neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 (PUR Amendment): The council heard extensive debate on a major amendment to a Plan Unit Redevelopment (PUR) overlay at 3204 North 16th Street. The developer, Don Curry, explained he changed the exterior siding from brick to vinyl after losing funding, but the planning department recommended denial because the changes were not pre-approved. City Planning Director Dave Fanslaw stated the PUR requires adherence to approved plans, and the amendment significantly altered the building elevations. Councilmembers Goodwin, Rowe, Melton, and President argued that enforcing codes ensures fairness and consistency, despite the project's near-completion. The council voted 6-0 to deny the amendment.
• Items 16-18 (7630 Pacific Street): The council discussed the proposed rezoning, ACI overlay, and PUR for a six-story apartment building at 7630 Pacific Street. Public works staff confirmed the driveway meets codes and peak-hour traffic impacts are minimal. Planning staff noted the parking ratio is 1:1 (34 spaces for 34 units). Councilmember Goodwin requested the item be laid over to allow more community input. The council voted 6-0 to lay over the public hearing and vote to the next meeting (August 4, 2026).
• Item 25 (Scooter Extension): Councilmember Festerson raised safety concerns about scooters and e-motorcycles, noting a recent fatality and the need for regional consistency. Public Works Director Hannah DePunnu confirmed the extension will allow time for a new RFP. Assistant City Attorney Matt Cousey noted that state law prevents requiring helmets for scooter operators. The council approved the extension 6-0.
• Item 34 (Streetcar Bonds): Steve Jensen, interim executive director of the Omaha Street Car Authority, outlined that the $125 million bond issuance is part of the previously approved $440 million, with total expenditures to date at $215 million. The bonds are repaid by increased property tax revenue from nearby commercial and multifamily properties. No opposition was voiced.

Key Outcomes

• Item 12 Denied: The major amendment to the PUR overlay at 3204 North 16th Street was denied 6-0. The developer must either restore the original brick facade or seek alternative approval.
• Items 16-18 Laid Over: The public hearing and vote on the 7630 Pacific Street rezoning, ACI overlay, and PUR were laid over to the next council meeting (August 4, 2026) to allow additional public testimony.
• Item 20 Postponed: The TIF redevelopment plan for 2501 Center Street (180-unit affordable housing project) was postponed to the August 25, 2026 meeting at the applicant's request.
• Item 31 No Vote: The public hearing on the TIF agreement for 7630 Pacific Apartments was held but no vote was taken; the item is expected to be considered alongside items 16-18.
• Executive Session: The council voted 6-0 to enter executive session to discuss litigation related to item 35 (parking garage bonds).