Omaha City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Omaha City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 6:40 PM to consider a range of agenda items, including a major policy on affordable housing and Tax Increment Financing (TIFF), renewal of School Resource Officer (SRO) agreements with four school districts, and acceptance of the new Central Library as a gift. The meeting included public testimony, extensive council discussion, and multiple votes.

Consent Calendar

• Items 24–31 (ordinances and resolutions held over from August 25, 2026) were approved 7–0.
• Items 32–42 (liquor license manager applications and other routine matters) were approved 7–0 after a public hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 43 (Affordable Housing TIFF Policy):
  • Proponents: Dave Fanslaw (City Planning) and Kelly Johnston Dorsey (Planning) presented the proposed policy, citing 15 meetings with 18 developers, a review of 22 comparable cities, and ongoing collaboration with Front Porch. Tracy McPherson (Habitat for Humanity) emphasized the need to include homeownership and urged a timeline for part two. Cheryl Garst (Common Housing) noted the math of building affordable units and suggested a waiting period before selling affordable units to market. Steven Osberg (PGSA) supported the measured approach. A representative from Front Porch supported part one and urged focus on area-wide TIFF districts and a dedicated funding source. A community member (Mr. Meyer) praised the collaborative atmosphere and the no-net-loss policy.
  • Opponents: Stephen Houston (4562 Walnut Street) argued the policy only treats symptoms, called for a full audit of TIFF cash flows, and claimed $49 million in excess TIFF reserves. Larry Sur (5015 Lafayette Avenue) criticized TIFF as a lack of transparency and a subsidy for developers, stating it raises property taxes for residents.
• Items 44–50 (SRO Agreements):
  • Opponent: Mindy Rush (ACLU of Nebraska) opposed permanent police presence in schools, citing a 2026 report that removing police did not increase violence, and noting disproportionate discipline of students of color and disabilities. Larry Sur also opposed expansion, arguing police are needed on streets and parents should be responsible.
  • Proponents: Councilmember Goodwin noted the 31-year program and called Officer Ott to explain the SRO role. Lieutenant Charles Ott (OPD) described the NASRO triad model (teacher, counselor, law enforcement), emphasized relationship-building, and noted that SROs are not school disciplinarians. He highlighted recent incidents at Central High School and Westview that proved the value of SROs.
• Item 51 (Central Library Gift):
  • Proponent: Renee Kekaison (Heritage Omaha) thanked the city and donors, noting the $138 million in donations and $20 million city contribution, and expressed gratitude for the partnership.

Discussion Items

• Item 43 (TIFF Affordable Housing Policy): The planning department presented part one (immediate) and part two (future) recommendations. Part one includes: requiring TIFF applicants to submit existing housing data, a no-net-loss policy (one-to-one replacement of affordable units or payment in lieu), annual rent rolls and sale price documentation, and a development concierge for income-restricted projects. Part two includes state law changes, area-wide TIFF districts, and exploring other funding sources. Councilmembers debated the clarity of part two, the need for details on the in-lieu payment amount and fund administration, and exceptions (e.g., for grocery stores). Councilmember Harding requested a layover for more information; Councilmember Melton sought to separate part one and part two and add specifics. After the layover motion failed 3–4, the resolution passed 5–2.
• Items 44–50 (SRO Agreements): Councilmembers expressed support for the program, citing its 31-year history and recent safety incidents. Officer Ott answered questions about oversight (OPD retains control) and the roles of SROs. The agreements were approved without a recorded vote, moving directly to the next item.
• Item 51 (Central Library Gift): The council accepted the gift of the new Central Library at 72nd and Dodge Streets from the Community Information Trust. The library board had unanimously approved the gift on August 19. The council held a public hearing and proceeded to approval.

Key Outcomes

• Item 43 (TIFF Policy): Approved 5–2 (Festerson, Hug, Rowe, Mr. President in favor; Goodwin, Harding, Melton opposed). The policy adopts part one recommendations immediately and directs the planning department to develop procedures. Part two remains aspirational, requiring further study and state law changes.
• Items 44–50 (SRO Agreements): Approved without formal vote; the council proceeded to the next agenda item after discussion, indicating unanimous consent. The agreements renew the SRO program with Omaha Public Schools, Elkhorn Public Schools, Millard School District, and Westside Community Schools.
• Item 51 (Central Library Gift): Approved unanimously. The city accepts the building and facilities from the Community Information Trust, with operational and maintenance responsibility assumed by the city.
• Other items: All liquor license applications (items 6–9) and development projects (items 10–23) were approved 7–0.

Note: The transcript does not include a recorded vote for items 44–50, but the council proceeded to the next item after discussion, implying approval. The majority of public testimony on SROs was in opposition, but council members expressed strong support.