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The South Omaha Turnback Tax Grant Committee is offering $237,574 in funding for community projects aimed at preserving historical aspects, reducing violence, and promoting small business growth in South Omaha. Applications are due by September 30, 2024, and must be submitted electronically. For assistance, applicants can contact the committee's secretary.
The City of Omaha will hire 18 additional firefighters in 2025, funded by a $6.8 million SAFER grant from FEMA. This funding will enhance emergency services and maintain staffing levels as the city prepares for an increase in fire department personnel.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer is set to review the department's no-knock warrant policies following the fatal shooting of Cameron Floyd during a narcotics investigation. Officer Adam Vail shot Floyd, who was unarmed, while serving a search warrant for fentanyl and weapons. The incident has prompted an investigation involving the Nebraska State Patrol and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
The South Omaha Turnback Tax Grant Committee will hold a public meeting on August 26, 2024, to discuss grant proposals aimed at enhancing the community through historical preservation, violence reduction, and small business growth. Grant applications will be accepted from the meeting date until September 30, 2024. Interested parties can find the application forms on the official city and county websites.
Omaha’s RiverFront Parks have been awarded the Urban Land Institute’s 2024 Award for Excellence, recognizing superior development efforts in land use. This accolade places the RiverFront among 18 finalists selected from 52 projects across the Americas, showcasing its impact and community engagement.
The Market-to-Midtown Bikeway on Harney Street will close after Labor Day to facilitate construction for the Omaha streetcar project. A new, permanent protected bikeway is planned, integrating safety features and multi-modal transit options, with completion expected by 2028.
A study assessing the necessity of traffic signals is commencing at ten locations in Omaha, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency as part of a 12-year modernization plan. This evaluation will last a minimum of 60 days, during which signals will be turned off and traffic data collected. The findings will determine if any signals can be permanently removed.
A multi-agency effort in Omaha successfully concluded with no additional cases of raccoon rabies after the discovery of a stray kitten infected with the virus. The response, led by the Douglas County Health Department, involved extensive wildlife testing and vaccination campaigns to mitigate the risk to public health.
The City of Omaha has launched its first public engagement survey to gather residents' perspectives on the city's current state and future planning. The survey, part of the We Make Omaha initiative, will remain open until August 26, 2024, and aims to inform the comprehensive plan that will guide the city's growth over the next 20 years.
Public Works Director Bob Stubbe has resigned from the Omaha Streetcar Authority due to a conflict of interest related to recent management decisions regarding the streetcar system. Mayor Jean Stothert has appointed Steve Jensen as his replacement, who has a background in city planning and economic development. The Streetcar Authority oversees the design and operation of the streetcar system in Omaha.