Solar power is expanding in Madison and Grand Island
Turning discarded plastic bags into roads in South Sioux City
Five ways artists can help local government
Official Publication of the League of Nebraska Municipalities
SEPTEMBER 2024
LEAGUE OF NEBRASKA MUNICIPALITIES
UTILITIES/PUBLIC WORKS SECTION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Jan. 8 - 10, 2025
MIDWINTER CONFERENCE
Feb. 24 - 25, 2025
MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE CONFERENCE
June 18 - 20, 2025
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sept. 24 - 26, 2025
The Director’s Message by L. Lynn Rex, LNM Executive Director – League Smaller and Larger Cities Legislative Committees prepare for 2025 legislative session!
Let’s float! Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park
Powered by sunshine - Grand Island embraces renewable energy with expansion of solar farm
Generating for the future - Madison is getting a solar energy facility with help of $3.6 million federal loan
Marketing 101: Using data to connect
CFRA: Building from the ground up
Turning waste into roads - South Sioux City turns millions of recycled bags into a new section of street
NLC: 5 ways artists can help local government
National Night Out across Nebraska – photos from municipalities across the state
Paving new roads – Blair bypass, funded through federal discretionary grant, celebrates opening
National Civic League: Applications now open for 2025 All-America City Award
LARM: Three steps to effective risk management
NDOT announces funding availability for meeting transportation needs
Larger Cities Legislative Committee - Chaired by Mayor Don Groesser of Ralston
John McGhehey, Mayor, Alliance
Seth Sorensen, City Manager, Alliance
Tobias Tempelmeyer, City Administrator/General Manager, Beatrice
Rusty Hike, Mayor, Bellevue
Jim Ristow, City Administrator, Bellevue
Mindy Rump, Mayor, Blair
Phil Green, City Administrator, Blair
Miles Bannon, Council Member, Chadron
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
Roger Steele, Mayor, Grand Island
Laura McAloon, City Administrator, Grand Island
Mike Evans, Mayor, Gretna
Paula Dennison, City Administrator, Gretna
Corey Stutte, Mayor, Hastings
Shawn Metcalf, City Administrator, Hastings
James Liffrig, Mayor, Holdrege
Chris Rector, City Administrator, Holdrege
Stan Clouse, Mayor, Kearney
Brenda Jensen, City Manager, Kearney
Brad DeMers, Assistant to the City Manager, Kearney
Doug Kindig, Mayor, La Vista
Pam Buethe, Clerk, 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
Josh Moenning, Mayor, Norfolk
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
Smaller Cities Legislative Committee - Chaired by Tom Goulette, City Administrator of West Point
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
Alan Michl, Chairperson, Exeter
Becky Erdkamp, Clerk/Treasurer, Exeter
Kyle Svec, City Administrator, Geneva
Deb VanMatre, Mayor, Gibbon
Matt Smallcomb, City Administrator, Gibbon
Gary Greer, City Administrator, Gothenburg
Jana Tietjen, Clerk, Hebron
Kelly Oelke, City Administrator, Hickman
Janine K. Schmidt CMC/Treasurer, Morrill
Sandra Schendt, Clerk/Treasurer, Nelson
David Russell, Director of Government 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
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
Rick Hoppe, City Administrator, Ralston
William De Roos, City Administrator, Schuyler
Jeanne McKerrigan, Mayor, Scottsbluff
Jordan Colwell, Vice Mayor, Scottsbluff
Kevin Spencer, City Manager/Police Chief, Scottsbluff
Joshua Eickmeier Mayor, Seward
Greg Butcher, City Administrator, Seward
Brad Sherman, Mayor, Sidney
David Scott, City Manager, Sidney
Carol Schuldt, Council Member, South Sioux City
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
Kyle Arganbright, Mayor, Valentine
Melissa Harrell, City Administrator, Wahoo
Desiree Soloman, City Attorney, Waterloo
Stephanie Fisher, City Administrator, Waverly
Tom Goulette, City Administrator/Utility Superintendent, West Point
Randy Woldt, Utilities Superintendent, Wisner
Robert Costa, Community Engagement Coordinator, Yutan
2023-2024
President Deb VanMatre Mayor, Gibbon
President-Elect Marlin Seeman Mayor, Aurora
Vice President Bryan Bequette Mayor, Nebraska City
Past President Paul Lambert Mayor, Plattsmouth
Directors
Jean Stothert Mayor, Omaha
Leirion Gaylor
Baird Mayor, Lincoln
Julie A. Deepe Mayor, Deshler
Catherine-Jo
Mills Village Chair, Ansley
Joey Spellerberg Mayor, Fremont
Jordan Colwell Vice Mayor, Scottsbluff
Josh Moenning Mayor, Norfolk
Sharon Powell Village Board President, Utica
Jeff Hofaker City Administrator, Sutton
Janine K. Schmidt CMC/Treasurer, Morrill
Layne Groseth City Administrator/Utilities Manager, North Platte
Affiliated Sections
City Managers Amber Powers Papillion
Clerks Kellie Crowell Ravenna
Municipal Becky Erdkamp
Accounting Exeter & Finance
Fire Chiefs Dennis Thompson North Platte
Utilities Duane Hoffman Oxford
League Staff
L. Lynn Rex Executive Director
Christy Abraham Legal Counsel
Lash Chaffin Utilities Section Director
Cherie DeFreece Administrative 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
Dave Bos Executive Director
Tracy Juranek Assistant 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
First day
(All statute citations to Revised Statutes of Nebraska)
Class C liquor license year begins. (53-124)
Within 15 days of Passage Clerk publishes ordinances passed. (16-405)
Within 10 days from meeting or before next meeting
(whichever is sooner)
Within 30 days from Council meeting
Within 20 days after end of month
* *
Clerk to have minutes available for public inspection. (84-1413)
Clerk publishes official proceedings of meetings including claims. (19-1102)
Treasurer files monthly financial report. (16-318)
Clerk must prepare agenda prior to next Council meeting. (84-1411)
On or before December 1…….. TIF report due to Property Tax Administrator (18-2117.01)
First day Class C liquor license year begins. (53-124)
Within 15 days of Passage Clerk publishes ordinances passed. (17-613)
Within 10 days from meeting or before next meeting (whichever is sooner)
Within 30 days from Council or Board meeting
Clerk to have minutes available for public inspection. (84-1413)
Clerk publishes official proceedings of meetings including claims. (19-1102)
Within 20 days after end of month Treasurer files monthly financial report. (17-606)
* *
Clerk must prepare agenda prior to next Council or Board meeting. (84-1411)
On or before December 1…….. TIF report due to Property Tax Administrator (18-2117.01)
Nebraska Municipal Review Editor and Advertising Sales: Ashley Wolfe, 402-476-2829 or ashleyw@lonm.org
The NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW is the official publication of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, an association of the cities and villages of Nebraska, published at 206 S.13th St., Ste. 800, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 — Telephone 402-476-2829; FAX 402-476-7052; Website: www.lonm.org. 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.
The NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW is published monthly. Subscription rates are $5 per single copy — $50 plus tax for 12 issues.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NEBRASKA MUNICIPAL REVIEW, 206 S.13th St., Ste. 800, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.
League Smaller and Larger Cities Legislative Committees prepare for 2025 legislative session!
The first meeting of the Smaller Cities Legislative Committee (SCLC) and Larger Cities Legislative Committee (LCLC) was held Sept. 13 in Lincoln at the temporary office of the League. Members of the SCLC and LCLC met concurrently in person and by Zoom. The joint meeting was co-chaired by Tom Goulette, City Administrator of West Point, and Ralston Mayor Don Groesser. Special thanks to the dedicated municipal officials serving on either committee. These elected and appointed officials commit a significant amount of time and effort to review and make recommendations to the League Executive Board on requests for legislative action submitted by municipal officials, Senators, state agencies, statewide organizations, and others. (Members of both committees are listed every month on page 2 of the Review.)
BY L. LYNN REX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LNM
Groesser Mayor of Ralston Chair of the LCLC
Both League Legislative Committees will be meeting again to review additional requests for legislative action and ultimately make recommendations to the League Executive Board. Committee members are discussing a wide variety of issues, including: the property tax cap on municipalities and counties passed in the Special Session (LB 34); a proposed constitutional amendment to address unfunded mandates; local option sales tax; tax increment financing; improvement districts; entertainment districts; as well as ATVs and UTVs.
The 68 members of the LCLC include officials from Omaha (metropolitan class), Lincoln (primary class), and the 31 cities of the first class . The Mayors and City Managers/Administrators of every city of the first class are invited to serve along with others interested in doing so. The 30 members of the SCLC represent villages and cities of the second class . It is more difficult for some officials from smaller municipalities to participate in person since many do not have the flexibility to do so; hopefully, more officials will join the committee and participate by Zoom. If you are interested in being a member of either committee, please email
Tom Goulette City Administrator of West Point Chair of the SCLC
Following the national trend, the historic “partnership” between the State of Nebraska and its political subdivisions continues to evolve with legislative efforts to increase state pre-emption, impose unfunded mandates, and restrict sources of revenue. Notwithstanding, the League Executive Board recognizes the importance of continuing to advocate for a restored “balance of power” and a fundamental respect for the distinct roles of the state and its municipalities. This is imperative in order to grow Nebraska’s economy and provide essential and desired services to the citizens of our state, including, but not limited to: public health and safety, transportation and utility infrastructure, community and economic development, workforce development, and affordable housing.
The League’s advocacy before the Legislature on behalf of the 527 cities and villages in Nebraska continues to be critically important since municipalities are subject
to “Dillon’s Rule.” Judge John Forrest Dillon described local governments in an 1868 case as “creatures of the state” with only those powers as authorized by the state. The Nebraska Supreme Court has consistently upheld Dillon’s Rule as noted in the case below.
“ Legislative grants of power are strictly construed pursuant to what has become known as Dillon’s rule, which provides: ‘[A] municipal corporation possesses and can exercise these powers only: (1) Those granted in express terms; (2) those necessarily or fairly implied in, or incident to, the powers expressly granted; and (3) those essential to the declared objects and purposes of the municipality, not merely convenient, but indispensable.’” Consumers Coal Co. v. City of Lincoln, 109 Neb. 51, 69-70, 189 N.W. 643, 650 (1922).
After reviewing recommendations
from both League Legislative Committees, the League Executive Board will finalize the League Legislative Package for the 2025 session. Thanks to the many State Senators who introduce legislation on behalf of the League assuring that cities and villages have the “grant of power” from the Legislature to govern effectively and provide necessary services and programs to citizens.
Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park
BY PAUL HAMMEL, THE NEBRASKA EXAMINER
OneNebraska community can finally answer the question: where can I surf?
That’s because Norfolk has recently opened a threemile-long “whitewater park” through the center of this northeast Nebraska city that has seven engineered rocky rapids, including one that provides enough of a wave for “river surfing.”
Since the North Fork Whitewater Park — located on a fork of the Elkhorn River that gave Norfolk its name — opened in early June, it has drawn a steady flow of visitors to float through the rapids on kayaks, inner tubes and other inflatable craft or to just walk along a once neglected waterway best known for frequent flooding. As she walked along the river with a friend and a cousin
fitted with helmets and life jackets, Charity Eberhardt, a 19-year-old college student from Norfolk, proclaimed the whitewater park a big hit.
“I’d never gone tubing or down rapids before this, but we’ve gone down the river almost every weekend since it opened,”
Eberhardt said. “It’s fun.”
Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning said he met a kayaking group from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and family groups during a recent float down the river. He said he has seen social media posts from people in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota and from as far away as Connecticut and California.
On a recent weekday evening, a group was swimming in the river as a pair of kayakers were pulling out and another
pair paddling on inner tubes moved on. Then two girls on inflatable rafts floated by, followed by a man and two children on an inflatable couch like those pulled behind speed boats. A woman along the stream snapped photos as the kids giggled by.
The rapids were built using huge limestone rocks salvaged from the Norfolk Regional Center. The flow is regulated by a diversion dam built in the 1960s to prevent flooding that had previously inundated the city’s downtown area and Johnson Park in central Norfolk.
A combination of grants, city funds and private donations paid for the $3.5 million renovation of the formerly slow-moving river. The project also includes a hike/bike trail, a new bridge — to allow kayak access underneath — and the renovation of Johnson Park to include a unique “natural” playground and an outdoor amphitheater that seats 350-400.
Moenning said the whitewater park is a major part of the city’s push to revitalize its downtown area, which is adjacent to the whitewater park, utilizing a river that attracted the first settlers to Norfolk.
“This was an opportunity to breathe new life into our community,” he said. “It was a quality-of-life moon shot that will attract visitors and spawn economic growth.”
Nebraska communities have tried many approaches as they seek to retain young people and attract new residents. Water parks and historic restorations of main streets are among them, as well as affordable housing projects and, in a couple of small towns, free lots on which to build homes.
Creating whitewater attractions for tourism and economic development, though, is a relatively new strategy.
In Kearney, a group of kayaking enthusiasts helped develop a 2.3-mile kayak trail on Turkey Creek about a decade ago. Two years ago, two water drops, with rapids, were added.
“Everyone in town has boats now. Everyone is getting out and using it,” said Jason Thee, who owns Kearney Paddle Sports and is a former president of the Kearney Whitewater Association.
Norfolk, Thee said, “won’t even know what hit them once the word gets out.”
“They’re going to bring in a lot of visitors,” he said.
While Nebraska has plentiful rivers for float and kayak trips, it’s a challenge to find areas of whitewater rapids.
Rocky Ford, at the end of the wildly popular canoe/kayak stretch on the Niobrara River, is the best known, but its turbulent rapids are recommended for experts only.
The Dismal and Snake Rivers in Nebraska’s Sandhills have some swift-moving segments
Continued on page 30 / See Norfolk
“So far, the investment in the whitewater park — which required no tax dollars — is paying off in increased visitors from out of town and increased interest in downtown redevelopment. It shows there’s no harm in thinking big.”
BY ASHLEY WOLFE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, LNM
In recent years, solar energy has gained traction as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to meet the growing energy demand. Solar energy overall has proponents and opponents—but the City of Grand Island could only see the bright side and a huge opportunity for the people who call the municipality home.
Expansion is currently underway in northeast Grand Island as crews are installing 21,600 panels and 900 inverters for what will become the second-largest solar farm in Nebraska.
The Grand Island Utilities Department (GIUD) is
overseeing the project, which is expected to be completed later this year. Barring any setbacks, GIUD would commission the farm for full use by December this year.
The project comes with a $14 million price tag, but the Inflation Reduction Act will reimburse Grand Island approximately $4 million.
“The direct pay program will net back about 30% of the project total of $14.2 million,” Assistant Utilities Director Lynn Mayhew said. “The 9.9 megawatts of solar energy will do two things for us – it’s going to give us more capacity,
Madison is getting a solar energy facility with help of $3.6 million federal loan
BY JOE DEJKA, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
Sunshine and a federal loan will help power the City of Madison long into the future. The city of about 2,400 people, 13 miles south of Norfolk, will be getting a solar energy facility with the aid of a federal loan program.
Bluestem Energy Solutions has been selected to receive approximately $3.6 million to help build the 2-megawatt community facility.
Headquartered in Omaha, Bluestem is a developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy resources.
and it’s going to provide peaking power during the summer season.”
Once complete, the 9.9 megawatt solar farm will be able to power approximately 10,000 homes while operating at the same cost as coal energy. The farm comes in addition to the one megawatt farm already owned and operated by the city. The combined wattage and power supply for the city means that 20% of the generation output for all of Grand Island will come from renewable energy.
“The EPA is passing some new regulations against coal plants and we have to start moving our generation towards renewable resources and this is just the first part of it,” Mayhew said.
The expansion of renewable energy could be a catalyst for growth in Grand Island. According to Mayhew, there is an appeal for existing industry in Grand Island, in addition to new industries looking to locate or expand in the area. With the size of this project and the potential for expansion—the future is bright in Grand Island.
The money will come from the federal government’s Powering Affordable Clean Energy Program.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the department is partnering with rural Americans on hundreds of clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.
Madison Mayor Robert Fite said the project will provide up to 7% of the community’s electricity needs, enough for about 300 homes.
“For us, it’s a really great deal,” Fite said.
Continued from page 9
“When people drive into Madison and see a state-ofthe-art solar project, they’re going to see Madison as a city to invest in,” Fite said. “They’re going to go back to their communities and push for projects like this.” Madison’s primary electricity source is the Nebraska Public Power District.
The facility will occupy about 12 acres and connect into the local electrical distribution system, according to Will Crane, Bluestem vice president.
“All the power that we generate from this facility is going to be used in Madison and the surrounding area,” Crane said. “So you know, a fair amount of it could go to agricultural purposes, but it could also go to the city itself and power banks or schools or homes.”
The company hopes to start construction in the
“When people drive into Madison and see a state-of-the-art solar project, they’re going to see Madison as a city to invest in. They’re going to go back to their communities and push for projects like this.”
fall and have it fully operational by late December, Crane said. The project will use the latest solar technology, including a tracking system that follows the sun, the mayor said.
Native plants friendly to pollinators will be planted beneath the rows of solar panels, helping bees and other pollinators critical to crops in the region, as well as keeping down dust to help keep the panels clean, he said.
The League Insurance Government Health Team (LIGHT) helps hundreds of its members throughout Nebraska obtain affordable health insurance coverage.
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.
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
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
RECEIVE DEDUCTIBLE AND OUT-OF-POCKET CREDIT FROM YOUR CURRENT VALID GROUP PLAN WHEN YOU SWITCH!
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
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
BY ASHLEY WOLFE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, LNM
Numbers are important in municpal government. They help us generate goals, track progress, and illustrate impact. But on their own, numbers can sometimes feel a bit cold, hard to understand, and impersonal.
When we are dealing with communicating information with the public, it is important to make sure the data is simple, easy-tounderstand, and memorable. So how do we take complicated and often nuanced information, pull out the numbers, and turn it into tidbits that are easy for the general public to understand? The first thing to understand is the human brain is wired for stories. Stories evoke emotions and make things memorable. Stories help us make sense of things and remember them. So the simplest way to humanize data is to tie it to a real-life story.
Some ideas for humanizing data in municipal government, include breaking down the silos and increasing transparency. Share the stories of the municipal workers. Take the audience members behind-the-scenes, even if the job could seem somewhat mundane to you—it may not for the citizens of your municipality. Another bonus—sharing stories could help spark interest for someone who is considering work in municipal government!
Another simple way to simplify data is through easy-to-digest visuals. Infographics, charts, and diagrams can be so useful in breaking down complex statistics or ideas. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box in terms of illustrating
ideas. The Village of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin took a creative approach to showing residents the breakdown of property taxes. They used color and a dollar bill. The imagery was so recognizable that even if someone is purely glancing at a publication—this might cause them to take a closer look.
When we talk about data, it is often in a large scale. This makes sense because the goal is often to show the immensity of an issue we are tackling and the impact we are generating. But when we use big numbers, it is easy to lose sight of what each data point means.
Take the time to draw down and focus on what the smaller components of data signify. If each data point is representative of a person—higlight the stories of some of these individuals. Share their stories, victories, and even their setbacks. This helps draw people in to connect and remember your story. It also will help remind your audience (and yourself) why you are doing what you are doing.
Show where the difference was made
Show the before and after! This is specifically important in municipal government. Data is not just about where we currently are, it is about where we have come from and where we are going.
If you have worked to beautify your downtown area—what does this translate into for your municpality? Are there fewer empty storefronts? Is the local economy thriving? Has the downtown been rejuvinvated by a boost in local arts? Illustrate this change—by painting a picture with numbers AND imagery, it makes your data more tangible and relatable.
Humanizing your data is not just about making your marketing materials and annual reports look better, it is also about honoring those who are doing the work and reminding us why we are doing it. The next time you are presenting numbers—specifically to the public, take a moment to really think about how you can bring these numbers to life.
In the end, the data is really more than just numbers. It is individual lives being impacted and the collective sign of a brighter future being built, one person at a time.
BY KJERSTEN HYBERGER, CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS
Food businesses in six states now can apply for Business Builder Grants, reimbursable funds that could promote business expansion, job creation, business capacity building, and increase local products in the local market.
More than $3.7 million will be made available through three rounds of funding and are available for projects in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and northwest Arkansas.
This grant announcement came in August from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Heartland Regional Food Business Center. The Center for Rural Affairs is excited to be a key partner in this effort, providing technical assistance to applicants and spreading the word to get needed resources to rural communities that could greatly benefit from this economic opportunity.
The Heartland Center will accept proposals to the Business Builder Grants program semi-annually for competitive subawards of $5,000 to $50,000. The first funding window is open through Oct. 15, 2024.
The grant application is open to small and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations producing in, sourcing from, and focused on local and regional markets. Small business is defined as a business with fewer than 50 employees and less than $3 million in gross annual revenues. There is no size requirement for nonprofits.
Eligible projects include business development activities like marketing, feasibility studies, and loan preparedness, as well as equipment upgrades, food hub development, and worker safety improvements. Application requirements include completing a budget, providing a business
plan, and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov.
The Heartland Center offers free training webinars, office hours, and one-on-one business technical assistance to help applicants with these requirements and any other grant application needs they may have.
Grant awardees will be connected with a Heartland Center team member in their state to help navigate the postaward process and see their projects to completion. Applicants may apply for more than one grant award, as long as they do not exceed the $50,000-perentity limit. Award recipients have 12 months from the date of the award to complete their projects, with the option of one six-month extension.
Projects funded through the Heartland Center’s Business Builder Grants will further their vision of making the region a place where locally produced food will be a major contributor to a resilient and safe food supply through regional networks that make local food an easy, everyday choice supporting healthy people, community economies, and sustainable ecosystems.
The Heartland Center is ready for Spanish-language applicants and will work to accommodate other non-English speakers. Application
“Business Builder Grants will inject much-needed capital for building and strengthening local food systems in the Heartland.”
KATIE
NIXON, HEARTLAND CENTER CO-DIRECTOR
materials are available in Spanish, and applications may be submitted in Spanish and be reviewed by qualified Spanish-speaking reviewers.
“Business Builder Grants will inject much-needed capital for building and strengthening local food systems in the Heartland,” said Katie Nixon, Heartland Center co-director and leader of the Food Systems Program at New Growth. “We are excited and ready to provide technical assistance to applicants on their ideas and applications. We are here to support our food and farm businesses in their efforts to feed their communities.”
If you have questions or would like more information about Business Builder Grants and how they may be able to support food security in your neck of the woods, please visit the website and sign up for updates at: heartlandfoodbusiness.org/businessbuilder.
BY ASHLEY WOLFE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, LNM
Each year millions of tons of plastic are thrown in the trash. But what if there was a way to repurpose it to support large municipal infrastructure projects?
The Nebraska Environmental Trust has awarded the City of South Sioux City, $492,407 for a unique project for the State of Nebraska. The funding will help the city to construct a 2,500-foot street comprised of millions of recycled bags.
“South Sioux City is excited with the announcement regarding Nebraska Environmental Trust funding for the first plastic road in the state. The project is reflective of an innovative council and leadership while enhancing our city,” said South Sioux City Mayor, Rod Koch. Plastic roads are a fairly new idea in long histroy of roads. Plastic roads like the one planned for South Sioux City have been used in various locations though the United States and world—in a variety of climates. They are being constructed with great effectiveness and showing longevity.
India was the first county to build a plastic road in 2001 and since that time, the countries of Sweden, Australia, Indonesia, and Ghana also have used this method to craft roads.
The simplified version of turning a plastic bag into a road requires the bags to be separated, cleaned, dried, and then shredded. The mixture is then heated to 165 degrees to melt them and then added to hot bitumen. Bitumen is the black mixture used for road resurfacing.
The city is partering with Firstar Fiber, an Omaha recycling company that converts used plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and fast-food containers into multiple-use products.
In terms of sustainability, plastic roads reduce plastic waste by relying on a product that typically goes in the trash. They also boast lower emissions and lower cost— when done in volume. Additionally, the roads have shown less cracking and wear because they are more flexible than traditional roads.
“This is a great project for our environment and a needed road by our Veterans Park, said Mayor Koch. The plastic and asphalt mixture will be used to pave a gravel road along the John Douangdara Dog Park. This exciting project brings more attention to Siouxland Freedom Park which has been growing and expanding in recent years. The park currently includes a Vietnam Wall, a Korean War Memorial, John Douangdara Memorial Dog Park, a 50x90 foot American flag, and the Bud and Doris Day Veterans Center.
The plastic road project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
PARTNERS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROJECT INCLUDE:
• Dr. Jamilla Teixeira, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, College of Engineering
• Baylor Bestgen, JEO Engineering
• Nebraska Department of Transportation
• Sally Reinert, Keep Northeast Nebraska Beautiful
• Rony Ortega, South Sioux City Public Schools
• Kevin Carlson, Jebro
• Patrick Leahy, First Star Recycling
• Roxanne Jenkins, Dow Chemical
• Rohan Small, Dow Chemical
• Tami Koenings, Goodwill Industries
Here is a look inside First Star Recycling to show what happens at the various stages to take used plastic bags and turn them into a product suitable for roads.
Photo 1: In the orange bags, which we collect using the Hefty ReNew Program here in Omaha.
Photo 2: Pick Film - This is all of the film and thin, flexible plastics removed from the bags and shown before processing.
Photo 3: Flake - This is the plastic after being ground up into a small flake.
It is a light material that gets processed into either plastic lumber products or into pellets, which are shipped to be used in other manufacturing operations.
Bonus!: Don’t have a need or funding for a plastic road, but interested in the sustainability and process? There were many other products being made with recycled plastic materials that could be incorporated in your municpality. Check out the examples on the right!
BY GEORGIA GEMPLER, NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
Cities are no strangers to supporting arts and culture. But cities should consider deeper (and not necessarily more expensive) levels of partnership with artists to support all areas of their governance. Partnering with artists can help local government achieve
common and ongoing goals that often feel elusive. Cities have partnered with artists to build and strengthen community relationships, boost social infrastructure, improve community health and wellbeing, communicate creatively, celebrate city identity, and access diverse funding streams.
Here are five examples of how leveraging the strengths of artists in your city can improve municipal processes and relationships:
City processes take time. This common tension between government bureaucracy and community needs shapes public views of how responsive your local government is to local issues. Partnering with an artist to make visible the drawn-out work of government processes can lead to greater trust.
During a delayed land development project, the Health Department’s Public Safety team and the Office of Planning pool resources to employ an artist to install a temporary activation on the vacant land. The activation shows that the City is paying attention to the property, can improve public safety in the area, and creates a new gathering place that has the potential to decrease social isolation.
The Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper method, Project for Public Spaces
A growing number of cities have found that embedding artists within local government departments can lead to creative and cost-effective solutions to problems. This artist-in-residence-in-government model can apply to any issue area and be implemented at various budget levels.
The Department of Transportation wants to make sure that city transit is effectively serving residents with disabilities. Instead of hiring a consultant for an internal analysis, the DoT partners with the local Arts Agency to hire an artist in residence with lived experience with disability. The artist in residence engages the local disabled community
through their artistic process and uses their artistic practice to document stories and represent data. The artist is empowered to make official policy recommendations to the head of the department. The artwork is shared with the public through a DoT campaign.
Artists can design creative ways to interact and gather feedback from community members. These processes can improve communication between constituents and government and help residents feel more involved in local decision-making.
The City Council has allocated funds for a new recreation center, and there is debate about which neighborhood would be best served by this resource.
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture releases a public call for artist facilitators to conduct a community-led planning process for the building.
BUILT, a public board game and theater performance.
Data is only effective if people can understand what it is saying. Employ an artist to bring the results of a public survey, report, or data set to life and increase public understanding of the implications. Or, employ an artist to draw attention to stories that aren’t being told.
The City is evaluating locations for a new homeless shelter. A city survey and community polling efforts revealed that the majority of residents in Neighborhood X are in favor of having the shelter in their neighborhood, despite a vocal community group expressing their opposition. The Department
of Health and the Department of Community Development commission a local theater company to develop a short play based on the results of the community survey data, and the play is premiered in the public amphitheater.
Data focused – Dismantle Anti-Black Racism Project
Stories – The Neighborhoods and Detroit’s Chief Storyteller
Healthy cities are places where residents feel they belong. As the Cultural Affairs Manager of the City of Oakland says, arts and culture can “operationalize belonging.”
The City is concerned by the number of local seniors who live alone and are experiencing social isolation. Members of the city council build relationships between the county Department of Aging and a local arts organization. The three entities partner to hold community arts events for seniors, with the city contributing funds from a federal transportation grant to run a ride service to the events.
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National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Thank you to everyone who provided photos of activities held in their municipalities!
Blair bypass, funded through federal discretionary grant, celebrates opening
early September, the City of Blair celebrated the opening of the Blair Bypass connecting Highway 75 to Highway 30. This project provides an alternative route to push traffic south of Blair, cutting down traffic congestion in the city and improving safety.
The project was funded through the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and backed by a $7.56 million discretionary grant. The recently launched Nebraska Infrastructure Hub, the state’s first-ever intergovernmental entity for empowering public agencies in competing for federal discretionary grants, aims to increase Nebraska’s grant competitiveness and provide support to state and local partners in seeking similar opportunities.
“The opening of the Blair Bypass is a testament to what can be achieved through effective collaboration and strategic investment. NDOT is proud to have supported this vital project and remains committed to empowering communities across Nebraska to secure federal funding and enhance their infrastructure,” shared Jodi Gibson, Local Assistance Division Manager, NDOT.
Through technical assistance from NDOT, the Infrastructure Hub will support communities from initial application through project administration, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and deadlines.
Other key components of the Hub include a Grant Pairing Portal to match projects with suitable grants and a Project Development Support Team to provide personalized assistance and feedback on draft proposals. The program also facilitates partnerships and networking opportunities, offers technical support through on-call consultants to enhance proposals, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of grant-funded projects to ensure compliance and success.
Visit the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub website to learn more: ndot.info/infrastructure.
Source – Nebraska Department of Economic Development
This year’s theme is “strengthening environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement.”
TheNational Civic League invites tribes, towns, cities, counties, and regions to apply for the 76th annual All-America City Award. The award, the nation’s most prestigious community recognition, offers a moment for:
• Reflection, as communities come together to assess their strengths, assets and challenges;
• Celebration, as local coalitions mobilize to display on a national stage the people, organizations, and initiatives that make their community a great place to live, work, and play; and
• Recognition of the resilience that communities across the country show when people come together to respond to local challenges. As communities grapple with the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the 2025 All-America City Award will recognize the pivotal role that community engagement plays in advancing environmental sustainability and resilience. Climate change presents imminent and complex dangers to local communities, demonstrated in part by rising temperatures, intensified extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecological disturbances. Urgent and equitable action is imperative to shield vulnerable populations and
cultivate resilient communities capable of withstanding and thriving in the face of environmental, economic, and social impacts. Particularly, low-income, under-resourced, highdensity, and communities of color will bear the brunt of these impacts due to limited resources and historical disinvestment.
All-American City applicants will need to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through meaningful community engagement initiatives. Whether through conservation projects, renewable energy initiatives, waste reduction efforts, or green infrastructure developments, applicants should exemplify the spirit of collaboration and civic responsibility necessary to meet the moment.
The 2025 All-America City application will ask applicants to discuss the strength of their civic capital—the formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities they use to make decisions and solve problems—and to provide examples of three community-driven programs that have adapted and transformed the community. At least one of these efforts must be focused on the 2025 theme – Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement.
D.A. Davidson & Co. is committed to strengthening the infrastructure and enriching the lives of people in our communities throughout Nebraska and across the nation.
Our bankers specialize in: • Bond Anticipation Notes • Paving Bonds • Water and Sewer Bonds • General Obligation Bonds
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DAVE BOS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LARM
In the world of managing public entities, risk is inevitable. Effective risk management is crucial for the success of any city or village. It involves a structured approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks. This article is intended to provide a brief overview of these three essential steps in the risk management process.
Risk identification is the first and most critical step in the risk management process. It involves discovering potential risks that could impact the achievement of objectives. The goal is to uncover risks before they materialize, so they can be managed effectively.
• Brainstorming: Engage employees from various departments to generate a list of potential risks. This collaborative approach ensures a diverse range of perspectives. Active and engaged safety committees can play a huge role in this process.
• SWOT Analysis: Evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This method helps identify internal and external risks related to each aspect of the SWOT framework. Using the SWOT analysis in post-incident debriefs can be very useful.
• Checklists: Use established risk management checklists as a reference. These lists are often based on previous experiences.
• Historical Data Analysis: Review past records and incidents to identify risks that have affected similar situations.
Document all identified risks, including:
• Risk Description: A clear and concise explanation of the risk.
• Risk Owner: The person responsible for managing the risk.
• Risk Category: Classification of the risk (e.g., financial, operational, strategic).
• Potential Impact: A description of how the risk could affect objectives.
Risk evaluation involves assessing the identified risks to determine their potential impact and likelihood. This step helps prioritize risks based on their severity and probability.
• Qualitative Risk Analysis: Assess risks based on their nature and impact without numerical data. This involves rating risks as high, medium, or low in terms of impact and likelihood.
• Quantitative Risk Analysis: Use statistical methods to measure the probability and impact of risks
When evaluating risks, consider the following factors:
• Likelihood: The probability that the risk will occur.
• Impact: The extent of the effect on objectives if the risk occurs.
• Exposure: The potential for the risk to occur over time.
• Severity: A combination of impact and likelihood.
Risk mitigation involves developing strategies to manage or reduce the impact of risks. The objective is to minimize negative outcomes and enhance opportunities.
• Avoidance: Change the plan or strategy to eliminate the risk. For example, choosing a process that is less prone to failure.
• Reduction: Implement measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk. This might involve adding safety features or increasing staff training.
• Transference: Shift the risk to another party. This can be done through outsourcing, insurance, or contractual agreements.
• Acceptance: Acknowledge the risk and decide to manage it without taking additional actions. This is typically done when the cost of mitigation exceeds the risk itself.
Create a Risk Response Plan that outlines:
• Mitigation Actions: Specific steps to reduce risk.
• Contingency Plans: Alternative actions if the risk materializes.
• Monitoring Procedures: Methods for tracking risk and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Effective risk management is vital for the safety of employees and achieving organizational goals. By carefully identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks, uncertainties can be navigated, and objectives safeguarded. Each step in the risk management process builds on the others, creating a solid framework for managing risks.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced funds are now available to private non-profit organizations and governmental entities for transportation needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities for whom mass transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. Eligible applicants include private non-profit organizations incorporated within Nebraska and governmental entities. Governmental entities must certify that there are no non-profit agencies in the service area readily able to provide the service. Applications will only be accepted for the rural and small urban areas and Lincoln. Applicants in the Omaha area should contact MAPA for information about applications.
The Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program is a federal grant program managed by NDOT. The purpose of the program is to enhance the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Applications are restricted to the acquisition of transportation vehicles. Applications are due by October 31, 2024.
Additional information and applications can be obtained at www. nebraskatransit.com/funding-andapplications or by contacting Carly Grutel, Federal Aid Administrator II at carly.grutel@nebraska.gov or 402479-3185.
Source – Nebraska Department of Transportation
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and some low waterfalls, but not the type of “whitewater” seen in Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming.
So whitewater parks such as those developed in Norfolk and Kearney are unusual.
Moenning said that when he was first elected mayor, he heard a constant refrain of how “there’s nothing for young people to do” in the city.
Developing a riverfront area along the North Fork had been discussed for years, but it wasn’t until a decade ago that the idea of developing a whitewater park first took hold.
So far, besides waves of kayakers and folks on float tubes, the development has spawned a multi-unit housing development along the whitewater trail and discussion of a new restaurant there, according to Moenning.
Already, he said, redevelopment of Norfolk’s downtown area has created an eight-block-long entertainment district with 20 restaurants and snack shops, 15 bars and 15 retail shopping outlets.
Plus, Moenning said, he’s discovered there’s a “subculture” of people who like to kayak and river surf and are willing to drive to Norfolk to get their feet wet.
So far, the mayor said, the investment in the whitewater park — which required no tax dollars — is paying off in increased visitors from out of town and increased interest in downtown redevelopment.
“It shows there’s no harm in thinking big,” he said.
Source – The Nebraska Examiner. Read more at www.nebraskaexaminer.com
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