Nebraska Department of Economic Development

06/05/2026

Enjoyed spending time this week with Cornhusker Girls State & Alumni participants! Inquisitive and talented, these young ladies have a bright future in Nebraska.

Thank you to the Nebraska American Legion Press Association / Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary for organizing Girls State each year to train the next generation of citizen-leaders in Nebraska.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Hoppe Development, Omaha Housing Authority, and other project partners on the groundbreaking of the Chambers Court housing project in North Omaha!

The multiphase project is rehabbing 70 existing units and constructing 61 new apartments across 8 new buildings.

DED is supporting the affordable housing development at Chambers Court and surrounding lots through the Community Development Block Grant Program for Disaster Recovery.

06/01/2026

“Point me to a program that’s been more impactful and more positive than the Business Innovation Act.” – John Wirtz, Hudl

The Business Innovation Act (BIA) supports startups in their earliest stages, helping turn ideas into thriving businesses. This benefits the state by attracting private investment into Nebraska, creating high-wage careers, and generating overall economic growth.

Thank you to Hudl for encouraging Nebraska startups and supporting BIA programs.

(Video courtesy of NMotion powered by gener8tor)

06/01/2026

DED’s Ashley Drake and Aaron Vo recently spent 24 hours at Camp Ashland, experiencing a day in the life of a National Guard Soldier.

They rappelled down a tower, engaged in grueling PT workouts, and learned to navigate wilderness terrain without a GPS.

Thanks to the Nebraska Army National Guard for providing this incredible leadership development opportunity! And thanks to all of the Guard’s Soldiers for stepping up to serve our state and nation!

05/28/2026

On May 21st, about 80 leaders gathered in Gering to help shape the future of housing across the Panhandle!

Leaders discussed case studies from Gordon and Kimball. Panhandle Area Development District and JEO Consulting Group provided an overview of housing needs in the region and of recently completed GIS mapping.

Participants then subdivided into working groups to discuss action plans to drive progress on housing development.

Thank you to everyone who contributed insights during this meeting of 6 Regions, One Nebraska in the Western Region! Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the The City of Holdrege, South Central Economic Development District, Inc., and Phelps County Development Corporation on completing a new duplex!

This new housing project represents the hard work and collaboration of many leaders determined to bring affordable housing to Holdrege.

DED is grateful to support the project with Rural Workforce Housing Funds!

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

Thank you to Governor Jim Pillen and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for meeting with residents of Fremont, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss the Federal Opportunity Zones initiative and workforce housing! Nebraska is seeking to take full advantage of Opportunity Zones to encourage the development of affordable housing and spur economic growth.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Spark CDI on the success of its inaugural Developer Academy in Fremont! Thank you to the Metro Region of 6 Regions, One Nebraska for supporting it.

It was great to see participants' creative presentations on how to develop affordable housing in their communities!

05/18/2026

Graepel celebrated 20 years of business in Nebraska! The German manufacturer makes innovative sheet metal products at its North American headquarters in metro Omaha.

Graepel North America Inc. CEO Mark Zumdohme was the company’s sole employee in Nebraska back in 2006. Since then, Graepel has grown into a thriving business with its own 85,000-square-foot manufacturing plant.

Thank you to Graepel for your ongoing commitment to Nebraska and for supporting the growth of manufacturing in the state!