Nebraska Municipal Review, March 2025 by League of Nebraska Municipalities

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL

REVIEW

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW

Bryan & Kelly Bequette named Philanthropists of the Year in Nebraska City

City of Columbus shares housing tactics in Washington D.C.

Collaboration is key for successful senior services in Wahoo

Official Publication of the League of Nebraska Municipalities

MARCH 2025

LEAGUE OF NEBRASKA MUNICIPALITIES

2025 Midwinter Conference

Municipal leaders recently gathered in Lincoln to network and learn. Coverage from the conference can be found on page 6.

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW

Issue No. 1,199

The NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW (ISSN 0028–1906) is published monthly and the official publication of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, an association of the cities and villages of Nebraska, published at 1335 L St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. Subscription rates are $5 per single copy — $50 plus tax for 12 issues. Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Nebraska. Views of contributors, solicited or unsolicited, are their own and not to be construed as having the endorsement of the League unless specifically and explicitly stated by the publisher

The NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW is a nonprofit publication administered and supervised by the League of Nebraska Municipalities. All revenue derived from the publication is used by the association to defray publication costs.

League of NE Municipalities staff 402-476-2829 • www.lonm.org

L. Lynn Rex, Executive Director

Christy Abraham, Legal Counsel

Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director

Cherie DeFreece, Admin Assistant/ Membership Services Assistant

Brenda Henning, Membership Services Assistant

Ethan Nguyen, LNM/LARM Information Technology Manager

Shirley Riley, Membership Services Director

Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Representative/Training Coordinator

Ashley Wolfe, Marketing/Communications Director

LARM staff

Dave Bos, Executive Director

Tracy Juranek, Asst. Executive Director, Customer Service Specialist

Diane Becker, Communications/Marketing Director

Kyla Brockevelt, Executive Administrative Assistant

Drew Cook, Customer Service Specialist

John Hobbs, Loss Control Specialist

James Kelley, Loss Control Specialist

Fred Wiebelhaus, Loss Control/Claims Manager

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW, 206 S. 13TH ST., STE 800, LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68508.

Have an idea, project or opinion to share? The League welcomes member articles, information, and op-eds.

Want to reach local decision makers? The League can help you get your message out to Nebraska’s 3,500+ municipal officials.To learn more, contact Ashley Wolfe at 402-476-2829 or ashleyw@lonm.org

President Marlin Seeman, Mayor, Aurora

President-Elect Bryan Bequette, Mayor, Nebraska City

Vice President Joey Spellerberg, Mayor, Fremont Past President Deb VanMatre, Former Mayor, Gibbon

Directors

Jean Stothert Mayor, Omaha

Leirion Gaylor Baird Mayor, Lincoln

Sharon Powell Village Board President, Utica

Jim Bulkley Mayor, Columbus

David Black Mayor, Papillion

Larry Evans Mayor, Minden

Rod Petersen Mayor, Louisville

David Scott City Manager, Sidney

Betsy Vidlak Mayor, Scottsbluff

Janine K. Schmidt

What's inside?

Teamwork in action 25

Features

League of Nebraska Municipalities wraps up 2025 Midwinter Conference

The changing perspective of art in a community

Game & Parks: Looking for information or resources to bring your land management visions to life?

Nebraska City: Bryan & Kelly Bequette named 2024 Philanthropists of the Year

NLC Congressional Cities Conference

USDA RD: Providing funds to help build communities from the ground up

Grand Island receives $600,000 rail crossing safety grant

Collaboration is key for successful senior services in Wahoo

CFRA: Rural community receives federal application assistance

City of Columbus: Buzzing with growth, sharing the story

Columns

The Director's Message - L. Lynn Rex, LNM Executive DirectorThanks to Senator Terrell McKinney for his leadership in advocating for passage of LB 289!

LARM: Tips for planning ahead to minimize the damaging effects of hail

The Legal Corner by Tara Stingley, Madeline Hasley and Sydney Huss, Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. - DEI attacks do not change Title VII

In each issue

CMC/Treasurer, Morrill

Layne Groseth City Administrator/Utilities Manager, North Platte

Affiliated Sections

City Managers

Eric Melcher, Aurora Clerks Kellie Crowell, Ravenna

Munic. Accounting & Finance

Becky Erdkamp, Exeter Fire Chiefs Dennis Thompson, North Platte

Utilities Pat Heath, Gering

On the cover

Photos from the 2025 League Midwinter Conference held Feb. 24-25 in Lincoln. League President Marlin Seeman greets Sen. John Arch, Speaker of the Legislature (see upper left photo).

Larger Cities Legislative Committee

John McGhehey, Mayor, Alliance

Seth Sorensen, City Manager, Alliance

Tobias Tempelmeyer, City Administrator, Beatrice

Rusty Hike, Mayor, Bellevue

Jim Ristow, City Administrator, Bellevue

Mindy Rump, Mayor, Blair

Phil Green, City Administrator, Blair

Tom Menke, City Manager, Chadron

Jim Bulkley, Mayor, Columbus

Tara Vasicek, City Administrator, Columbus

Dave Bauer, Mayor Crete

Tom Ourada, City Administrator, Crete

Joey Spellerberg, Mayor, Fremont

Jody Sanders, City Administrator, Fremont

Kent Ewing, Mayor, Gering

Pat Heath, City Administrator, Gering

Laura McAloon, City Administrator, Grand Island

Mike Evans, Mayor, Gretna

Paula Dennison, City Administrator, Gretna

George Beckby, Mayor, Hastings

James Liffrig, Mayor, Holdrege

Chris Rector, City Administrator, Holdrege

Brenda Jensen, City Manager, Kearney

Brad DeMers, Asst. City Manager, Kearney

Doug Kindig, Mayor, La Vista

John Fagot, Mayor, Lexington

Joe Pepplitsch, City Manager, Lexington

Margaret Blatchford, Assistant City Attorney, Lincoln

Riley Slezak, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Lincoln

Linda Taylor, Mayor, McCook

Nate Schneider, City Manager, McCook

Bryan Bequette, Mayor, Nebraska City

Perry Mader, City Administrator, Nebraska City

Andrew Colvin, City Administrator, Norfolk

Dani Myers-Noelle, City Attorney, Norfolk

Brandon Kelliher, Mayor, North Platte

Layne Groseth, City Admin./Utilities Manager, North Platte

Steve Krajewski, Mayor, Ogallala

Kevin Wilkins, City Manager, Ogallala

Thomas Warren, Chief of Staff, Omaha

David Black, Mayor, Papillion

Amber Powers, City Administrator, Papillion

R. Paul Lambert, Mayor, Plattsmouth

Emily Bausch, City Administrator, Plattsmouth

Don Groesser, Mayor, Ralston

Brian Kavanaugh, Council Member, Ralston

Art Lindberg, Mayor, Schuyler

Betsy Vidlak, Mayor, Scottsbluff

Kevin Spencer, City Manager, Scottsbluff

Joshua Eickmeier, Mayor, Seward

Greg Butcher, City Administrator, Seward

Brad Sherman, Mayor, Sidney

David Scott, City Manager, Sidney

Lance Hedquist, City Administrator, South Sioux City

Cale Giese, Mayor, Wayne

Jill Brodersen, Council President, Wayne

Wes Blecke, City Administrator, Wayne

Barry Redfern, Mayor, York

Dr. Sue Crawford, City Administrator, York

Smaller Cities Legislative Committee

Jessica Quady, City Administrator, Ashland

Marlin Seeman, Mayor, Aurora

Eric Melcher, City Administrator, Aurora

Chris Anderson, City Administrator, Central City

Andrew Lee, Admin/Clerk/Treasurer, Curtis

Tami Comte, Clerk/Treasurer/Interim City Admin, David City

Alan Michl, Chairperson, Exeter

Becky Erdkamp, Clerk/Treasurer, Exeter

Kyle Svec, City Administrator, Geneva

Matt Smallcomb, City Administrator, Gibbon

Gary Greer, City Administrator, Gothenburg

Jana Tietjen, Clerk, Hebron

Barb Straub, Admin/Clerk/Treasurer, Hemingford

Kelly Oelke, City Administrator, Hickman

Janine K. Schmidt, CMC/Treasurer, Morrill

Sandra Schendt, Clerk/Treasurer, Nelson

David Russell, Director of Gov. Affairs, NMPP Energy

Mandy Hansen, Government Affairs Liason, NMPP Energy

Sandy Kruml, Clerk/Treasurer, Ord

Mike Feeken, Mayor, St. Paul

Sandra Foote, Council Member, Superior

Jeff Hofaker, City Administrator, Sutton

Jessica Meyer, City Administrator, Syracuse

Sharon Powell, Village Board President, Utica

Kyle Arganbright, Mayor, Valentine

Melissa Harrell, City Administrator, Wahoo

Desiree Soloman, City Attorney, Waterloo

Stephanie Fisher, City Administrator, Waverly

Tom Goulette, City Admin./Utility Superintendent, West Point

Randy Woldt, Utilities Superintendent, Wisner

Robert Costa, Community Engagement Coordinator, Yutan

Municipal Legal Calendar

(All statute citations to Revised Statutes of Nebraska)

MAY 2025

CITIES

OF THE FIRST CLASS

• Within 10 days following meeting or before next meeting (whichever is sooner) Clerk to have minutes available for public inspection. (84-1413)

• Within 15 days of Passage Clerk publishes ordinances passed. (16-405)

• Within 30 days following Council meeting Clerk publishes official proceedings of meeting, including claims. (19-1102)

• First Day - Automatic renewal of beer and liquor licenses (except Class C). (53-124, 53-135)

• Within 20 days after end of month Treasurer files monthly financial report. (16-318)

• * * Clerk must prepare agenda prior to next Council meeting. (84-1411)

CITIES OF THE SECOND CLASS

• Within 10 days following meeting or before next meeting (whichever is sooner) Clerk to have minutes available for public inspection. (84-1413)

• Within 15 days of Passage Clerk publishes or posts ordinances passed. (17-613)

• Within 30 days following Council meeting Clerk publishes official proceedings of meeting, including claims. (19-1102)

• First Day - Automatic renewal of beer and liquor licenses (except Class C). (53-124,53-135)

• Within 20 days after end of month Treasurer files monthly financial report. (17-606)

• * * Clerk must prepare agenda prior to next Council meeting. (84-1411)

VILLAGES

• Within 10 days following meeting or before next meeting (whichever is sooner) Clerk to have minutes available for public inspection. (84-1413)

• Within 15 days of Passage Clerk publishes or posts ordinances passed. (17-613)

• Within 30 days following Board meeting Clerk publishes official proceedings of meeting, including claims (19-1102)

• First Day - Automatic renewal of beer and liquor licenses (except Class C). (53-124, 53-135)

• Within 20 days after end of month Treasurer files monthly financial report. (17-606)

• * * Clerk must prepare agenda prior to next Board meeting. (84-1411)

Chaired by Mayor Don Groesser of Ralston

Chaired by Tom Goulette, City Administrator of West Point

Thanks to Senator Terrell McKinney for his leadership in advocating for passage of LB 289!

Bill provides an option of either three or five members on a village board of trustees; allow more flexibility to municipalities with LB 840 Plans; and gives city councils in cities of the first and second class the option to constitute a board of adjustment!

BY L. LYNN REX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LNM

Since being elected Chair of the Urban Affairs Committee in 2023, Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha has worked closely with senators, representatives of the League of Nebraska Municipalities and others to effectively address a wide variety of issues affecting municipalities! The League Executive Board and staff appreciate Sen. McKinney’s leadership, dedication and willingness to meet with the League’s advocacy team before, during and after each legislative session to give thoughtful consideration and advice regarding numerous requests for legislative action, especially those from the League Executive Board upon the recommendation of the League’s Smaller and Larger Cities Legislative Committees. For example, thanks to Sen. McKinney, three legislative proposals from the League were incorporated into LB 289 and introduced as a “committee bill.”

We also appreciate the hard work and collaborative efforts of Elsa Knight, Legal Counsel to the Urban Affairs Committee, who meets with our League advocacy team on a regular basis. Sen. McKinney and Elsa play a critically important role in helping to educate committee members and other senators about the provisions of bills assigned to the Urban Affairs Committee, including those like LB 289 granting statutory authority pursuant to Dillon’s Rule so the governing bodies in large and small municipalities alike can effectively govern and provide the services, projects and programs needed and/or desired by citizens. On March 13, LB 289 passed on Final Reading on a 47-0-0 vote with Senators Dorn and Guereca excused and not voting. Thanks to Governor Pillen for signing the bill on March 17. LB 289 will take effect three calendar months after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

LB 840 Plans: Thanks to Greg Butcher, Seward City Administrator, for testifying in support of Section 4 of LB 289, amending Section 18-2709, relating to voterapproved LB 840 local economic development programs. Greg explained that in 1994, LB 1188 passed providing that retail trade could be a “qualifying business” to receive LB 840 funds with a limitation that only 40% of revenues for LB 840 programs in a given year, and 20% of total revenue for LB 840 programs in a five-year period could go to retail trade. Greg testified this limitation on retail trade was meant to prevent big-box retailers and those businesses that could negatively affect small businesses from receiving a significant portion of LB 840 funds. This limitation relating to retail trade has hampered development. Greg informed the committee that LB 840 programs are mainly used to assist small independent projects and specifically retail projects. In contrast, he noted that TIF is most effective in incentivizing really large projects.

Boards of Adjustment: Thanks to Robert Costa , Community Engagement Coordinator of Yutan, for testifying in support of Section 5 of LB 289, amending Section 19-911, to allow city councils of a city of the first class or second class the option to provide by ordinance that the city council shall constitute a board of adjustment. For decades, village boards have had the authority to provide by ordinance that the board of trustees shall constitute a board of adjustment. Robert stated it is increasingly difficult to persuade citizens to serve on the board of adjustment which meets so infrequently. Sen. Stan Clouse, former Mayor of Kearney, serves on the Urban Affairs Committee and noted that the board of adjustment in the City of Kearney only met once in the last year.

Thanks to Senator Terrell McKinney, Chair of the Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Stan Clouse, Committee Vice Chair and other Committee members for their dedication, diligence and thoughtful consideration of legislation affecting municipalities, especially bills introduced on behalf of the League to provide the statutory authority required pursuant to Dillon's Rule to effectively govern and address a wide variety of issues from annexation to zoning.

Option

for

Village Boards to Have Three

Members: A League representative also testified in support of LB 289 stating that Section 1 of the bill would amend Section 17-201 to allow the village board of trustees (or citizens by petition) the option to reduce the number of trustees from five to three, subject to voter approval. The League testified that over 50 of Nebraska’s 93 counties take advantage of the option to govern with only three members, subject to voter approval. As Robert Costa noted in supporting Section 5 of LB 289 relating to boards of adjustment, it is difficult to find citizens willing to serve in local

government. The committee was informed that Section 1 of LB 289 was submitted to the League by Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward on behalf of the Village of Surprise which is having difficulty getting a quorum for meetings. (It should be noted that Sen. McKinney successfully amended LB 289 on Select File with AM 309 to strike the original section 3 of the bill and insert a revised section 3 relating to technical changes to the process for a village to increase or decrease the number of trustees on a village board to either three or five members.)

Sen. Terrell McKinney

Committee Chair Omaha, District 11

Sen. Stan Clouse

Committee Vice Chair Kearney, District 37

Sen. Bob Andersen Omaha, District 49

Sen. John Cavanaugh Omaha, District 9

Sen. Victor Rountree Bellevue, District 3

Sen. Tony Sorrentino Elkhorn, District 39

Sen. Dan Quick Grand Island, District 39

CURIOUS LEADERS, COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP & CREATIVITY

League of Nebraska Municipalities wraps up 2025 Midwinter Conference

CONFERENCE OFFERS NEWLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS AND LONG-TIME OFFICIALS THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE AND LEARN TOGETHER

Every two years, the League hosts a conference with a tract of sessions specifically focused on welcoming and training newly elected municipal officials. This iteration of the Midwinter Conference allows new officials to network with the more seasoned ones and offers many opportunities to share knowledge and ideas.

For the 2025, the League welcomed more than 330 municipal officials, representing 115 communities from across the state to the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel on Feb. 24-25.

For the newly-elected officials, or those just wanting a refresher sessions were given by League staff on topics such as:

• Public Records and Transparency in Government;

• Budgeting;

• Tort Claims Liability, Recreational Liability and Bidding and Purchasing;

• Public Works/Utilities, Environmental Requirement and Code Enforcement; and the

• Nebraska Open Meetings Act

Continued on page 8 / See MWC

PHOTOS AND STORY BY LEAGUE STAFF

Continued from page 6

On Monday, Sen. Terrell McKinney, Sen. Brad Von Gillern, and Dick Clark , Legal Counsel for the Government Committee, presented a panel discussing current issues of municipal importance in the Nebraska Unicameral. The speakers represent the Urban Affairs Committee, Government, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee and the Revenue Committee— all committees where many bills pertaining to municipal issues often have their hearings.

Following the panel, KC Belitz from NDED and Shannon Harner from NIFA spoke on affordable and workforce housing. They also provided an update on the Strategic Housing Framework being developed by the Strategic Housing Council.

The luncheon included a keynote address by Melissa Hinrichs , Executive Coach and Co-Founder of the organization, Lightbox Coaching and Consulting. She spoke about implementing a

strength-based approach to team building, which allows for each person to reach their true potential.

The afternoon sessions offered a variety of topics and allowed attendees to choose the ones that were the best fit for them. Sessions touched on zoning, local emergency operation planning with NEMA and workforce recruitment.

The first day of the conference closed out with section meetings allowing the groups to convene and share ideas with their peers from across the state.

Continued on page 11 / See MWC

The changing perspective of art in a community

In small-town communities, school sports often dominate the local headlines, leaving little room for other student achievements. However, for the past ten years, I have worked to change that narrative by highlighting student artists in our local newspaper through an "Artist of the Week" feature. What initially seemed like filler content has grown into something eagerly anticipated by community members, including those who no longer live here but still subscribe to see the latest student artwork. This shift in appreciation is just one example of how the perspective on art in our community has evolved over time.

Beyond the pages of the newspaper, students have played an integral role in transforming the visual landscape of our town. Since 2013, they have contributed to dozens of murals, mosaics and barn quilts that have become sources of pride for both the young artists and the broader community. The first student mural, painted in the city park, faced skepticism. With the town’s swimming pool permanently closed, some questioned why we would place art in an area that seemed abandoned. Yet, the mural—an abstract aerial view of our community, inspired by a lesson where 5th graders analyzed satellite images—became a conversation piece. Since then, a new pool has been built, and new playground equipment has been added to the park, featuring the same color scheme as the mural, further integrating art into the community's revitalization. Once people understood its significance, their perspective shifted from doubt to pride.

Over time, public art has breathed new life into our town. What began as small projects have become large-scale efforts that unify students, families, and local businesses.

People have come to see these artistic contributions as more than decoration; they are a means of revitalizing a once-fading community. Art has created a renewed sense of belonging, fostering a connection between students and their hometown that will last for years to come. For students, these projects provide more than artistic growth—they offer a sense of purpose and collaboration. Many students enter my classroom unsure of their artistic abilities, asking, “Am I good at art?” Through public art projects, they learn that art is not just about individual talent; it’s about teamwork. Whether rolling paint, priming walls, managing details, or leading aspects of the project, every student plays a role. Mosaics, in particular, reinforce this idea, as each piece contributes to a cohesive whole—no single element outshines the rest, but together, they create something meaningful. Since I began teaching in Garden County, our students have completed 48 barn quilts, 11 mosaics, and 9 large murals. Each piece has helped reshape how art is viewed and valued in our town. The impact of these projects extends beyond the artists themselves—they have sparked conversations, strengthened community pride, and demonstrated that art is not just an extracurricular pastime but a vital part of our identity. Through these experiences, students and residents alike have gained a new perspective: art has the power to shape not only walls and buildings but also the spirit of a community. 

Editor’s note: In addition to being an art teacher, Lauren is also an accomplished muralist and was highlighted in a story in the June 2023 issue of the Nebraska Municipal Review. This editorial was also ran by the Nebraska Art Teacher Association.

Lauren Olson Art Teacher

Garden County Schools, Oshkosh

Looking for information or resources to bring your land management visions to life?

Looking to build a nature playground or improve a pond in your municipality? Trying to find funding to bring the vision to life? Nebraska Game and Parks has a variety of resources to help municipalities and private landowners.

Trail Planning Guide

Trails are one of the most valuable recreational amenities in Nebraska. The Trail Planning Guide helps Nebraskans create trail plans and take the necessary steps to expand trails in their local parks and communities.

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

The information within the SCORP characterizes the supply and demand for outdoor recreation amenities, state and regional demographics, and provides guidance for an action plan. 

https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/community-resources/community-plans/

Continued from page 6

The final day of the conference opened with a panel comprised of Emily Bausch , Plattsmouth City Administrator, Jeff Hofaker, Sutton City Administrator, and Nate Schneider, McCook City Manager on the topic of Local Option Sales Tax. Currently 265 cities and villages in Nebraska have this local voter-approved sales tax in place and this session touched on the importance of this to fund critically important projects, reduce property tax and/or fund LB 840 plans for economic development.

The day also included a series of sessions on topics including NDOT’s new Infrastructure Grant Portal, a session on flood risk awareness, hazard mitigation and recovery resources, emotional support animals, and a rundown of the state of the insurance market sponsored by LARM.

The conference closed out with a Senator Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the League. This annual event allows municipal officials to touch base with their senator and visit about needs or concerns from their area. Thank you to the 28 senators who attended the luncheon and thank you to all attendees! It was two days packed with information and we hope everyone was able to take some new knowledge home with them. 

Over 49 million homeowners will put themselves at risk this year by not contacting 811 before digging.*

Whether you’re an excavator or a facility operator, keep yourself and those around you safe by helping to increase awareness about the importance of contacing 811 before digging.

*According to a February 2023 survey of American homeowners.

Bryan & Kelly Bequette named 2024 Philanthropists of the Year

Nebraska City Mayor Bryan Bequette and his wife Kelly share a common ambition to make Nebraska City the kind of community people want to make their permanent home...a place to raise a family, build a career and, eventually, retire.

The Bequette’s drive to achieve this is the reason the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund (NCCFF) selected them as its 2024 Philanthropists of the Year.

“These two remarkable people embody Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund’s values of Trustworthy, Caring, and Collaborative,” said Foundation Advisory Committee member Brooke Chaney when she presented this award at NCCFF’s annual meeting in November 2024. “Together, they have secured grants, built partnerships, and created opportunities that beneﬁt all of us.”

“The Bequettes are trusted, caring leaders who have created a lasting legacy of collaboration and community involvement,” Brooke said. “They remind us that philanthropy is about giving to the people and places we love.”

Originally from Los Alamos, NM, Bryan joined the Army in 1981 and did ROTC at Eastern New Mexico University, where he earned his bachelor’s in mathematics. When he met Kelly 11 years later, he was a company commander and an Army helicopter pilot just back from Desert Storm and stationed at Fort Riley, Junction City, KS.

A Peru, NE, native, Kelly majored in math at Peru State University. She was working on her graduate degree in counseling and college administration and was teaching as a Kansas State University graduate student when she met Bryan in 1992. They married a year later. Bryan went on to

on page 14 / See Philanthropy

NLC Congressional Cities Conference

The National League of Cities (NLC) is a nonpartisan organization representing the interests of member municipalities for over 100 years! NLC partners with state municipal leagues and effectively advocates on behalf of over 2,700 cities, towns, and villages in our nation "by influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership and driving innovative solutions."

Delegates at the NLC Congressional Cities Conference in March listened to remarks from leaders of the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. On March 10, 2025, Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance and Maryland Governor Wes Moore spoke to a crowded room of delegates about municipal issues and priorities!

The Nebraska Breakfast

Conference attendees from Nebraska were also invited to attend the Nebraska Breakfast with members of the state's Federal delegation and other offiicials.

League President Seeman also found time to visit with Vern Powers, former Mayor of the City of Hastings (see photo on the right).

League President Mayor Marlin Seeman and wife Nancy with Sen. Deb Fischer.

League President Mayor Marlin Seeman and wife Nancy with Rep. Mike Flood.

League President Mayor Marlin Seeman and wife Nancy with Sen. Pete Ricketts.

Sen. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Mike Flood, Rep. Adrian Smith and Rep. Don Bacon speak to constituents at the Nebraska Breakfast.

GET A QUOTE AND JOIN TODAY!

The League Insurance Government Health Team (LIGHT) helps hundreds of its members throughout Nebraska obtain affordable health insurance coverage.

Plan and Network Choices

With seven plan options and three networks to choose from, you’re sure to find one that meets your group’s coverage and benefit needs.

Affordable Plan Options

Offering your employees much-needed protection against the high cost of medical care:

• Three PPO options

• Four HSA-eligible high deductible options

• Prescription drug coverage

Enrollment Options

Single: Covers the employee only

Employee and spouse: Covers the employee and their spouse

Employee and children: Covers the employee and their eligible dependent children, but does not provide coverage for the spouse

Family: Covers the employee and eligible dependents including a spouse

Available Network Options

With several networks available, you have easy access to quality providers:

• NEtwork BLUE (Statewide)

• Premier Select BlueChoice (Regional)

• Blueprint Health (Regional)

• Out-of-state network availability

LET’S GET STARTED

Contact your current local Agent/Broker Or contact

Dennis Maggart Executive Vice President P: 913-378-9841 or 816-718-0335

Dennis@McInnesGroup.com

Jane Limbach Account Man ager P: 913-378-9840

Jane@McInnesGroup.com

Philanthropy

Continued from page 12

get a Master’s in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University in DC. In 2008, Bryan and Kelly selected Nebraska City as the place they wanted to settle and raise their family. Exiting the military after serving 26 years, Bryan became the Deputy Chief for the Nebraska Verifications Operations Center for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In 2012, Kelly opened the Keeping Room restaurant. In 2014, both Bryan and Kelly graduated from Leadership Nebraska City, Class #9. The following year, Bryan was appointed mayor of Nebraska City following the resignation of Jack Hobbie.

In his ten years as mayor, Bryan has put his organizational skills to use collaborating with city departments and committees to advance projects that will enhance the town’s infrastructure. He works with the City Council and is also on the Economic Development Board and the CHI Community Board. On the state level, he is on the League of Nebraska Municipalities, where he is president- elect, which means he will be president in 2026.

Kelly works with community leaders who want to make Nebraska City a beautiful place to call home. She has been on the Nebraska City Area Economic Development Board since 2013.

To beautify downtown Nebraska City, ten years ago Kelly worked with Joe Grimm and DeAnn Michel of Grimm’s Gardens to acquire a 10-yeargrant to get the flower baskets installed along Central Ave. in the downtown Nebraska City area. Concrete bump outs with planting spaces were added four years ago.

Kelly worked with others to get even more grants to maintain the

We need a good quality of life to get our children to move back home. The Creative District was designed to bring new business in, support our current businesses and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

- Kelly Bequette “ ”

flower baskets and bump outs along Central Ave. Support money came from business donations as well as grants from the Wirth Foundation and Nebraska City Growth Funds.

Kelly joined the Nebraska City Creative District, which was certified in 2023. “Legislation a few years before gave money to create economic and cultural development to small, rural communities that were struggling to build up their towns and bring the youth back home,” she said.

“We need a good quality of life to get our children to move back home,” Kelly said. “The Creative District was designed to bring new business in, support our current businesses and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”

The Bequettes have three children: Sons Blake and Michael and daughter Taylor. They have two grandchildren, Ignatius and Winifred, with a third on the way in March. 

USDA Rural Development: Providing funds to help build communities from the ground up

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) is the only federal agency dedicated to helping rural communities grow and prosper. USDA RD’s goals are to increase economic development and improve the quality of life in rural communities and small towns. USDA RD does this by partnering with county officials, rural residents, leaders, and organizations to build prosperity and resilience.

USDA RD advocates to help expand economic opportunity, create and save jobs, and improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. With more than 50 loan and grant programs, this assistance supports housing,

Community Programs

infrastructure improvements, business development, community facilities, public safety, healthcare, water and wastewater improvements, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas.

For FY24, USDA RD invested more than $175 million in Nebraska through Single-Family Housing Programs, Multi-Family Housing Programs, Community Facilities Programs, Water and Environmental Programs, Business-Cooperative Programs, Electric Programs, and Telecommunications Programs.

Below is a summary USDA RD’s three main programs:

Essential community infrastructure is key to ensuring rural areas enjoy the same quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas. Community Facilities Programs offer several grants, direct loans, and loan guarantees, to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across Nebraska, with populations of 20,000 or less. These programs help improve the quality of life of residents and increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses.

Public bodies can use USDA RD funds to construct, expand, or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects may include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and childcare centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, public buildings, libraries, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and equipment purchases.

Community Facilities offers both direct loans and grant programs to assist in developing essential community facilities in rural areas. Project funds can be used for everything from a new fire truck to replacing a leaking

In addition to essential community facility infrastructure, USDA RD provides loan and grant funding for the construction of water and waste facilities in rural communities and is the only federal program exclusively focused on water and waste infrastructure needs of rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Through the Rural Utilities Service and Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to provide their residents with safe drinking water and waste disposal systems. WEP also provides funding to organizations that provide technical assistance and training to rural communities in relation to their water and waste activities. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital to public health.

Single-Family Housing

Well-built, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. USDA RD’s Single-Family Housing Programs provides families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build or repair affordable homes located in rural areas. There are both direct and guaranteed loans, both with 100 percent financing, which requires no down payment. Repairs may be included based on the appraised value, and

Housing repair programs are available for homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or to remove health and safety hazards. Very affordable, one percent interest rate loans are available to homeowners of all ages, while grants may be available to seniors to remove health and safety hazards. Homeowners must live in qualifying communities and be within the eligible income guidelines. Homeowners may also qualify for one of the Rural Disaster Home Repair grants. Nebraska counties with Presidentially declared disaster areas may be eligible for repair expenses related to recent storms and/or fires. There are currently quite a few Presidentially declared disaster counties identified in Nebraska and age and income eligibility will be based

Single Family Housing also offers programs for non-profits, municipalities, and federally-recognized tribes. The Housing Preservation Grants offer organizations the opportunity to administer the repair and rehabilitation of eligible housing. Rural Housing Site Loans may offer organizations the opportunity to purchase and develop sites for eligible households. Mutual Self Help Grants may allow organizations to administer self-help new construction or rehabilitation projects.

Business Programs

Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses with communities across Nebraska, with populations of 50000 or less. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow

Loans, loan guarantees, and grants are available to individuals, businesses, cooperatives, farmers and ranchers, public bodies, non-profit corporations, Native American Tribes, and private companies in rural communities.

Value-Added Producer Grants help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.

Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, offer loan guarantees to lenders for their loans to rural businesses. Energy Programs provide funding for making energy efficiency improvements and/or installing renewable energy systems for agricultural producers and rural businesses. Our programs help convert older heating sources to cleaner technologies, install solar panels, build biorefineries and much more. If your downtown retail stores need assistance with making energy improvements, this program can assist you.

• Rural Business Development Grants are designed for public bodies, non-profit organizations, and Native American tribes to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses having fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.

For more information on all of RD’s programs, visit Nebraska | Rural Development (usda.gov) or https://www.rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

Tips for planning ahead to minimize the damaging effects of hail

The state of Nebraska ranks second nationally in the number of annual hail events. In fact, the largest hailstone in the United States ever recorded fell near Aurora, Nebraska, on June 22, 2003, with a diameter of seven inches and a circumference of 18.75 inches. It doesn’t take large hail to cause severe damage, though, as even small hail can cause damage to buildings, vehicles, and signage.

DAVE BOS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LARM

Repair and replacement costs due to hail damage can easily reach into the millions of dollars in a city that owns many vehicles and has damage exposure from numerous windows and outdoor property. So how can you help to prevent damage from hail?

The first step is to be prepared. You can’t stop the storm from coming but, during storm season, you should monitor the weather daily. If a storm is predicted, if possible, find shelter for your vehicles. Before you enter storm season is a good time to plan where vehicles could be parked if there was a risk of hail. There might be unused shed space where vehicles could be parked in a pinch. If there isn’t enough indoor space to park the vehicles, think about other available covered parking. Overhangs, canopies, or other protective areas might be available in an upcoming storm. Ask area property owners in advance if there would be any available space they have that could be occupied by city vehicles in a storm. Parking along a building on the opposite side of an approaching storm can also minimize hail damage.

Consider other hail protective measures for property, including the installation of cage-like structures over outdoor HVAC equipment. If possible, use building materials that are less impacted by hail. There are also hail canopies available that can be installed either permanently or temporarily over vehicles. Hail-resistant vehicle covers can be purchased for under $100.

Remember that no one should risk injury or death by being outside in a storm to protect any property. Make preparations far in advance so that people and property are safe when the storm hits. Proper hail coverage is a must. Know what your deductible is and that you have the proper insurance coverage if you do have damage from hail or any other storm. 

Grand Island receives $600,000 rail crossing safety grant

Out of the $67.9 million awarded to Nebraska for Federal Rail Crossing Safety Grants, the City of Grand Island is bringing in $600,000.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the funding in early January, which will be coming through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program to enhance rail safety and mobility.

Grand Island is one of just three Nebraska cities to receive the grants, with Omaha and Lincoln being the other two. The city will use the funds for a rail crossing study, which will create a prioritized Corridor Improvement Plan for 17 crossings, recommending closures, grade separations and safety enhancements to improve travel reliability and emergency response.

"This is wonderful news for Nebraska," NDOT Local Assistance Division Manager Jodi Gibson said in a press release. "We want to congratulate and thank the City of Lincoln and the City of Grand Island for their efforts to secure this funding. These projects will save lives, reduce delays and enhance emergency response times.”

“An investment this large, over $67 million, will make a significant impact to the safety and efficiency of Nebraska’s transportation system,” added NDOT Director Vicki Kramer in the press release. “Railroad crossings present a vulnerability, and the funding will allow Lincoln and Grand Island to address their local needs while the funds awarded to NDOT will focus on the 73 crossings between Omaha and Lincoln.” 

Source – City of Grand Island

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

- MARGARET J. WHEATLEY

Collaboration is key for successful senior services in Wahoo

BY MIRANDA KELLER, WAHOO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

In Wahoo the citizens care about the well-being of its buildings, roads, companies, schools, and community members. The town of nearly 5,000 in eastern Nebraska has discovered many ways to take care of each of those things. One creative way the town cares for some of its most valued members is through the senior services it offers. Typically, the funding of senior services falls low on a community’s funding pole. However, the city of Wahoo has found a unique way to care for the people who need such services.

In Wahoo, the Senior Center building is physically connected with a community thrift store. It’s also connected financially and historically. The collaboration that these two organizations have

enjoyed for decades benefits those throughout the community. While discussing the unique relationship between the two enterprises, Kevin Stuhr, the Wahoo Parks and Recreation director, provided much information about the business side of the Senior Center and the Thrift Store. The Thrift Store is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; it is a donation-based operation. It receives tremendous donation support from the local community. All donations are sorted and organized and then placed for sale at very affordable prices. Items sold range from gently used clothing items for men, women, and children as well as small furniture and household items including small appliances, dishware, and bedding. Every month, the Thrift Store generates approximately $7,000-$10,000 in revenue. Revenue from the Thrift Store is used to pay for a salaried manager, assist with utilities, facility improvements and general maintenance. The City of Wahoo’s Senior Services division had a FY 24-25 budget of approximately $145,000. This consists of local taxpayer support for the Senior Center and the programs offered. The Thrift Store provides a supplemental revenue source that is used to bolster and enhance the programs, services, and facilities provided.

Historically, Saunders County provided meals to individuals through a local diner in the Thrift Store location. But, when funding was eliminated, the service ended. In its place, the Thrift Store was built in the late 1980s. Sarah Kruse, the Wahoo Senior Center director, explained that the Senior Center assumed the role of not only providing the meals but for providing a gathering place for those who used to visit the county diner.

The concept of a thrift store began as a brainstorm; it was a novel way to raise funds to provide for the needs of the Senior Center. Throughout the decades of operation, the Thrift Store has generated enough funds to purchase supplies for the Senior Center kitchen, improve flooring in the Senior Center, and fund the addition of exercise equipment, like treadmills, that patrons of the Senior Center can use daily. Additionally, each year the Senior Center awards six $1,000 scholarships to Wahoo High School and Bishop Neumann High School seniors. The adults who regularly visit the center meet to play games, such as bunko, bingo, and other card games, participate in trivia contests, and read the local and area newspapers. The Wahoo Senior Center is a place for seniors to gather, enjoy one another’s company, and eat a good meal.

The Senior Center provides transportation, called Busy Wheels, for seniors in need of transportation. One who uses the service can be transported to a doctor’s appointment, a friend’s house, to school, or any place within city limits. Busy Wheels transportation is available Monday through Thursday and costs $1.00 for a one-way trip. Drivers volunteer their time to drive those who need the service. Besides transportation, the Senior Center also has a meal program. There is a congregate program for those who are able to leave their homes to eat at the center. The Center also offers a Meals on Wheels program for those seniors who qualify. The Senior Center collaborates with Saunders Medical Center to provide the meals. Meals are available Monday through Friday and can either be picked up or delivered by volunteers. Kruse emphasized the gratefulness she has for the hospital to collaborate and provide for the people of Wahoo. She shared that they have a great working relationship, and good communication and they share a common goal of taking care of the town’s senior citizens.

Continued on page 22 / See Wahoo

Continued from page 21

The community Thrift Store is volunteerrun and community-supported. Debi Wade, manager of the Thrift Store, was asked about what she thought the strengths of the business were. She stated, “I’m proud of the volunteers who take time out of their day and the fact that they are seniors makes the business special.” The Thrift Store gives seniors opportunities to communicate with other people from across Wahoo and allows the volunteers to contribute to the community.

“Being a high school student, engaging with the seniors working at the Thrift Store was interesting.” Miranda Keller, who is a senior at Wahoo High School, volunteered at the Thrift Store as a way to give back to her community. She cleaned items and organized shelves. On one occasion, Miranda and one of the store workers had fun dressing up one of the mannequins with everything including jewelry and shoes! She enjoyed getting to know some of the regular

customers who shopped at the Thrift Store. Miranda noted that some store patrons traveled from other communities to purchase merchandise from the Wahoo Thrift Store.

Most small towns in the state of Nebraska don’t have senior services, like a Senior Center, let alone a Thrift Store connected to it. The city of Wahoo finds great value in the need for and importance of senior services. The small town cherishes its senior citizens and will continue to work hard to improve how it cares for them. 

About the author:

Miranda Keller is a senior at Wahoo High School. Throughout high school, she has been an outstanding student, currently taking multiple dual credit classes and ranked in the top 10% of her graduating class. Miranda received a Midland University/Pinnacle Bank Outstanding High School Leader award in 2024.

Upon graduation from high school this May, Miranda plans to attend the University of NebraskaOmaha and pursue a degree in Kinesiology. It is her ultimate goal to become a physical therapist.

Tara Stingley

DEI attacks do not change Title VII

BY TARA A. STINGLEY, CLINE WILLIAMS WRIGHT JOHNSON & OLDFATHER, L.L.P.

Recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump challenge programs and policies addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, commonly referred to as “DEI” initiatives. These executive orders address compliance among federal contractors as well as privatesector employers. The Trump Administration also has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate private-sector employers for “illegal DEI.” The term “illegal DEI” is undefined, calling into question what precisely will be investigated by the federal government.

Litigation over the enforceability of the executive orders has already begun. In late February 2025, a federal district court for the District of Maryland entered a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking President Trump from enforcing a majority of his two executive orders issued in January that seek to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector.i Additional litigation and appeals are expected.

In the meantime, this yo-yo effect leaves employers across the country struggling to react to the federal government’s evolving positions and to understand the impact on employment programs, policies, and decisions moving forward.

As an initial matter, it is important to understand that executive orders do not necessarily have the force of law. Rather, they direct federal agencies on how to exercise their enforcement authority under the law.

Furthermore, notwithstanding the hype around the recently issued executive orders, employers also should remember that the executive orders do not replace or eliminate federal statutory laws enacted by Congress

This includes, for example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”).

Title VII, enacted by Congress over 60 years ago, makes it unlawful for a covered employer “to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.”ii

Likewise, Nebraska has adopted its own law similar to Title VII through the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act (“NFEPA”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. iii Indeed, the NFEPA’s statement of purpose reiterates the expectation of equal opportunity for employment for all employable persons:

It is the policy of this state to foster the employment of all employable persons in the state on the basis of merit regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin and to safeguard their right to obtain and hold employment without discrimination because of their race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. Denying equal opportunity for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin is contrary to the principles of freedom and is a burden on the objectives of the public policy of this state. iv

Nothing in the executive orders issued by the Trump Administration eliminates a covered employer’s obligation to recognize and uphold the foregoing protections. Therefore, employers should not remove equal employment

Continued on page 25 / See DEI

DEI

Continued from page 24

opportunity language from their employee handbooks. Nor should employers delete such guiding principles from their websites, hiring materials, or other policies and procedures. Equal employment opportunity remains a bedrock principle of employment law. Perhaps now more than ever, it is critically important for employers to create and foster welcoming workplaces, free from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, where employees of all backgrounds have equal opportunities for success.

Editor’s Note: This article is not intended to provide legal advice to its readers. Rather, this article is intended to alert readers to new and developing issues. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel or the authors of this article if they wish to obtain a specific legal opinion regarding their particular circumstances. The author of this article, Tara A. Stingley, can be contacted at Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P., tstingley@clinewilliams.com, or www.clinewilliams. 

Endnotes

i Nat’l Ass’n of Diversity Officers in Higher Educ. v. Trump, No. 1:25-CV-00333ABA, 2025 WL 573764 (D. Md. Feb. 21, 2025), opinion clarified, No. 25-CV-0333ABA, 2025 WL 750690 (D. Md. Mar. 10, 2025).

ii 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1).

iii Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1101.

iv Id. (emphasis added).

MARCH 2025

Teamwork in action

Just days removed from a restoring power to more than 10,000 people in a 24-hour window, the Grand Island Utilities Department jumped right back into storm recovery mode to assist the City of Fremont. We love seeing this kind of teamwork!

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CITY OF GRAND ISLAND

Rural community receives federal application assistance

BY CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS STAFF

Smalltowns across rural America have one thing in common: Eventually, they will have to repair, replace, or build something new to maintain their communities. But not all towns have the funding for projects on a larger scale.

The U.S. government can help—whether the project involves upgrading town utility systems or building a new community center—and grants are available. The tricky part is applying for them.

Officials in rural towns more often than not find dealing with the website SAM.gov to be complicated but necessary. Municipalities have to register on SAM.gov to receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), a government-provided number, like a tax ID number, to get federal grants, awards, and contracts.

“Registering for a UEI number can be a challenging process,” said Deborah Solie, senior project associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “There are several steps, including verifying the identity of the applicant, verifying when the town was founded, plus a lot of other details are necessary to make this happen. It’s worth the trouble, as communities might otherwise miss out on grant funds that can make a huge difference in their towns.”

Yolanda Bailey, the village clerk in Brainard, Nebraska, spent several months working through this process to get grant money to help complete projects in her Butler County town. Starting in November 2023, Yolanda tried to complete the necessary steps to receive a UEI number with no success.

“Rural officials are managing a wide portfolio of responsibilities, and most rural municipalities don’t have a tech support office to call when they run into issues,” Deborah said. “Some steps in the application process are deceptively simple but if done incorrectly can derail the whole application.”

Yolanda first ran into issues with getting logged in.

“They have very strict authentication methods,” she said. “First, they send an email verification with a six-digit code that has to be used within 10 minutes. Our chairman’s email was the only one that could receive the code, and he is a farmer who is often not available by phone or email, so we were having trouble getting into the site at all. After some months, it appeared we were too late to complete the grant application, so I dropped the subject.”

In August 2024, the swimming pool in Brainard needed renovation and the town needed help to make that happen, so Yolanda started all over with the process on SAM.gov. This time, she had help.

“The Center helped with the process, and they let me know we would be needing a UEI number,” she said. “This is when I reached out to Deborah for some help. We had a video meeting, and she helped me change the login email to Brainard City Hall’s address, and added my cell phone as an authentication method. This made it possible to log in and begin to start my application.”

In September, Deborah visited Yolanda in person to help her complete the application. Even with the form completed and submitted, Yolanda spent a few more months going back and forth with officials on the other end of the application process, adding and

Yolanda Bailey, the village clerk in Brainard, spent several months working through this process to get grant money to help complete projects. Photo provided by the Center for Rural Affairs.

updating documents before she finally received the UEI number.

“Deborah helped me in very significant ways,” Yolanda said. “First, she helped me change the log-in authentication process so I could get into the website. Then, she answered my questions, encouraged me not to give up, and let me know that this issue was actually solvable. We had another appointment set up for her to come to Brainard again, but everything was resolved by then. Going through this by myself was one of the most frustrating things I have had to tackle, and it really helped having the Center in my corner assisting along the way.”

With the UEI number secured, Yolanda has been able to apply for grants and recently, the town of Brainard has secured its first matching grant to kick off their pool renovation project. They are $2,500 away from raising the whole amount for that grant, at which point they will select a firm to work with as they continue to apply for more grants and raise funds within the community.

Other small towns in rural America share the likelihood of going through the same or similar issues. Center staff are available to help via phone calls, video meetings, or in person. They can also offer guidance on completing grant applications once that point is reached, although they cannot write the grant itself. (For an up-to-date list of grant writers, click here.)

“We want city clerks and any one else involved in this process to know that they’re not alone,” Deborah said. “It’s OK to reach out for help; we encourage it. Yolanda made huge progress since the Center offered her assistance, and has since completed the application. We can help others in her position.”

For more information on the SAM. gov registration process, reach out to Center staff at

Find more information at resources and heartlandej.org/events. 

City of Columbus:

BUZZING WITH GROWTH, SHARING THE STORY

Local housing supply is an issue across the country, but Sen. Flood invited City Administrator, Tara Vasicek, to Washington D.C. to share innovations that have worked in Columbus

BY MATT LINDBERG, PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, CITY OF COLUMBUS

Columbus is buzzing with growth, from new infrastructure to innovative housing projects, and Congressman Mike Flood (R-Norfolk) says it’s a model for cities across the nation.

“There’s a renewed spirit of growth and energy in Columbus. I can feel it when I’m there,” Flood said during an interview on March 12, 2025, with the City of Columbus.

Congressman Flood has represented Nebraska's 1st Congressional District that includes Columbus in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2022. He cited the recent announcement of an Amazon distribution center being built in Columbus, as well as U.S. Highway 30 expanding to four lanes between Columbus and Omaha, as major achievements for the area.

But Flood, who has strong personal ties to Columbus, has been a vocal advocate for addressing the region’s growing housing needs in particular. He highlighted the ongoing dilemma, noting job openings have decreased in the area from approximately 1,200 in early 2024 to 800 in 2025. But, he said, the region’s housing shortage remains a pressing issue.

Congressman Mike Flood, left, poses for a photo with Columbus City Administrator Tara Vasicek on March 5 in Washington, D.C. Photo provided.

“The City of Columbus is using innovative ideas and approaches to address the local housing supply issue,” Flood asserted.

On March 5, he served as chairman for the first time on the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, which has oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. housing policy.

Columbus City Administrator Tara Vasicek was one of five people from across the country Flood invited to speak at the Capitol Hill hearing about local

housing matters.

Vasicek delivered a powerful fiveminute testimony with poise to the committee in Washington, D.C.

“I strongly believe today housing is one of the greatest limiting factors to continued economic prosperity for our nation,” Vasicek asserted.

Vasicek explained how the City of Columbus has taken steps to remove several local regulatory barriers while utilizing incentives such as tax increment financing (TIF).

TIF, she noted, is an extremely important tool for housing development

in Columbus and throughout Nebraska. It allows the collection of up to 15 years of property taxes paid on the project’s improvements to use as funding to help build out the project.

The city administrator also took a moment to note Columbus officials often hear complaints about the Environmental Protection Agency’s stormwater management policies that hinder local housing development.

Her testimony received high praise from committee staff and others in attendance.

“I knew she would do a good job, but she knocked it out of the park,” Flood said. “She only had five minutes to talk about the subject matter and she was very articulate in describing Columbus’ situation and the unique ways Columbus is trying to address the housing situation.”

Flood praised the City’s use of tax increment financing and sales tax revenue to help fund community growth. But one project that stands out is Vitality Village, an innovative housing development designed specifically for Columbus’ workforce. Vasicek highlighted it briefly during her testimony.

The City of Columbus, with the approval of the Columbus

on page 30 / See Housing

Leadership in Columbus is addressing a critical issue going on right now. The City of Columbus has been very forward-thinking.

-

City Administrator Tara Vasicek, left, Congressman Mike Flood and Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley pose for a photo outside the Columbus Community Building in August 2023. Photo provided.

Housing

Continued from page 29

City Council, announced in August 2023 plans to take $1 million out of its discretionary funds and $1 million in utility funds in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. The City’s goal is to develop a vibrant housing community on the southeast side of town that caters to the needs of the local workforce.

Under this scenario, the builders only carry the expense of the build and not the build-out of the infrastructure.

All of the City funds invested in the project will be repaid with the lot sales and property taxes paid on the improved land through TIF.

Tara Vasicek

Columbus City Administrator

“I see Columbus as a leader in addressing the housing supply issues,” Flood reiterated. “I’ve just found (Mayor Jim Bulkley), the city administrator (Vasicek) and the City of Columbus to be very proactive on the issue.”

Professional Directory

Flood said politics isn’t always easy, but touted City and community leaders for their efforts to help Columbus.

“I know change is hard for some,” he said. “If you want to make everyone happy selling ice cream, sell ice cream. But if you want to get something done, you go into politics.

Leadership in Columbus is addressing a critical issue going on right now. The City of Columbus has been very forward-thinking.”

Mayor Bulkley said he’s appreciative of Congressman Flood for inviting Vasicek to speak at the hearing, adding he felt she did a wonderful job.

“Columbus can be proud our city administrator was asked to come to Washington and share her thoughts and experience regarding the housing crisis in Columbus and across the county and how what we are doing helps address some of those issues,” Bulkley said. “Congressman Flood himself said Ms. Vasicek has a wealth of knowledge in regards to the issues and was able to represent our city and citizens well.” 

P.O. Box 164, Neligh, NE 68756 Phone 402.887.5022 leagle@mcnallylaw.net www.mcodeservices.com

Nebraska Municipal Review, March 2025

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL

REVIEW

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW

LEAGUE OF NEBRASKA MUNICIPALITIES

2025 Midwinter Conference

NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW

Issue No. 1,199

What's inside?

Teamwork in action 25

Features

Columns

In each issue

On the cover

Larger Cities Legislative Committee

Smaller Cities Legislative Committee

Municipal Legal Calendar

MAY 2025

CITIES

VILLAGES

Thanks to Senator Terrell McKinney for his leadership in advocating for passage of LB 289!

Option

Village Boards to Have Three

CURIOUS LEADERS, COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP & CREATIVITY

League of Nebraska Municipalities wraps up 2025 Midwinter Conference

Sponsors

The changing perspective of art in a community

Looking for information or resources to bring your land management visions to life?

Bryan & Kelly Bequette named 2024 Philanthropists of the Year

NLC Congressional Cities Conference

The Nebraska Breakfast

GET A QUOTE AND JOIN TODAY!

Plan and Network Choices

Affordable Plan Options

Enrollment Options

Available Network Options

LET’S GET STARTED

Philanthropy

USDA Rural Development: Providing funds to help build communities from the ground up

Community Programs

Single-Family Housing

Business Programs

Tips for planning ahead to minimize the damaging effects of hail

Grand Island receives $600,000 rail crossing safety grant

Collaboration is key for successful senior services in Wahoo

About the author:

DEI attacks do not change Title VII

DEI

Endnotes

Teamwork in action

Rural community receives federal application assistance

City of Columbus:

BUZZING WITH GROWTH, SHARING THE STORY

Housing

Professional Directory