Briefly

‘Open house’ events in North and South Omaha hosted by NE Department of Economic Development

By: Cindy Gonzalez - November 6, 2023 5:37 pm

North Omaha, looking toward corner of 24th and Ohio Streets, where a tour group is checking out sights. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, a state agency responsible for the selection and oversight of millions of dollars in grants, will host a pair of open houses next week in South and North Omaha.

South Omaha parking lot at 24 N Streets — View looking west toward South Omaha Stockyards building and Metro Community College south campus. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Organizers say the events provide an opportunity for residents of the urban areas to meet staff members who work in the North and South field offices, and to learn about the department’s many programs.

“DED places a premium on developing these relationships, which we see as key to unlocking the immense potential for growth in North and South Omaha,” said chief strategy officer Trevon Brooks, who guided the opening of the North Omaha office in 2021.

The South Omaha field office opened last year.

Among the duties of both offices is playing a central role in DED’s management of the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant Program. Approved by the Legislature as part of the Economic Recovery Act, the grants — many of which are yet to be allotted — were designed to spur economic development and jobs. Community members have raised numerous questions about the ongoing selection process.

Registration is requested for both open houses, which are to include Spanish-speaking interpreters, said a media statement.

Nov. 13:

Metro Community College, South Omaha campus

Automotive Training Center 203

2909 Edward Babe Gomez Avenue

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 14:

Metro Community College, Fort Omaha campus in North Omaha

Building 22, Swanson Conference Center, 201A

5730 N. 30th Street

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Cindy Gonzalez

Senior Reporter Cindy Gonzalez, an Omaha native, has more than 35 years of experience, largely at the Omaha World-Herald. Her coverage areas have included business and real estate development; regional reporting; immigration, demographics and diverse communities; and City Hall and local politics.