City seeks renewal of economic development program

June 16, 2026
Updated: June 16, 2026
By Dan Swanson for News Channel Nebraska
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NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City City Council approved a resolution to put a continuation of its economic development plan to a vote in November.

The state Legislature authorized public funds to invest in local business in 1991 and Lisa Walker of the Nebraska City Area EDC said the city has invested over $5.7 million dollars from plans previously adopted  in 2006 and 2016.

Walker: “These are existing dollars generated when purchases are made right here in Nebraska City and they are strategically reinvested back into our community, so every time someone shops locally here in Nebraska City they are helping to support business growth, community amenities and future opportunities.”

The plan on November’s ballot requires economic success of the program. The Nebraska City Growth Fund will not be funded until sales tax collections exceed $2.2 million. If the city collects $2.6 million in sales tax, up to 12 percent of the sales tax would be available for the growth fund.

Jim Kuhn of Nebraska City testified on behalf of the economic development program for filling needs from tap beer to beef steaks.

Kuhn: “Need some salmon for dinner? Just wait, it’s coming. Need daycare? We have that also. These are all the programs LB840 has done.”

Former Finance Commissioner Gloria Glover said the program has had a track record of success over the past 20 years.

Glover: “It does not increase taxes. It does not increase sales taxes or any taxes. It is just a partitioning of some of the sales tax that comes into the city towards economic development.”

Former Street Commissioner Vic Johns said the growth fund was critical to establishing Mission Field six years ago and increasing the city’s employment base over the years.

He said the LB840 program allowed Mission Field to renovate the former Duff’s Nursing Home with an  elevator and updated fire alarm systems.

Johns: “Without the timely assistance of LB840, our organization would have been placed in an incredibly precarious situation.”

Under its original loan agreement Mission Field was required to employ up to 14 full-time employees, but Johns said Mission Field employs 39 full-time career positions today.

Johns: “We are profoundly grateful to LB840 and to the committee for taking a calculated risk on our business plan when we were just beginning. Nebraska City has a long, beautiful history of helping people regardless of their circumstances.”

Walker said the Growth Fund is an important tool to support the growth and vitality of the local economy.

She listed businesses that have benefited including Whispering Pines, Molly McNeely dental, Henry Motors, Better Life Chiropractic, Union Orchard, A1 Locksmith, Arbor Psychiatric, Runza and Cornhusker Beef.

There was no testimony in opposition to placing the economic development plan on the November ballot.