Brian Fahey, Douglas County Commissioner

08/04/2026

The best traffic solution is dense housing near transit. We've known this for 30 years.

Every highway expansion study eventually comes to the same conclusion: you cannot build your way out of congestion with roads. Induced demand fills the new lanes.

But cities that built housing near transit? They didn't need to. When people can walk to a train, they don't drive to work. When they don't drive to work, traffic doesn't grow at the same rate.

We keep funding highway expansions and wondering why the congestion doesn't improve. The answer has been in the research for decades.

08/03/2026

Happy Monday! Last week, the Board chose to layover its proposed budget for a week to allow the public more time to review and comment. This means you get another chance to weigh in on how Douglas County spends your money. A link to last week’s budget presentation will be in the comments. Additionally, tomorrow’s meeting includes approval of the County Six-year Highway Plan (2027-2032), action on the County's statement of intent regarding DUET, and much more. Link to the full agenda and livestream in the comments.

07/28/2026

Good morning! Today (July 28th) is a big one, Douglas County. The County Board meets today to review and consider its annual budget. If you watch one meeting this year, make it this one. Additionally, we will have the monthly report of the Director of Douglas Co. Corrections and a presentation from the Executive Director of DUET. Lots to cover. Let's get to it!

Link to full agenda and livestream in the comments.

07/21/2026

REMINDER: The Douglas County Board of Commissioners is not meeting this week. The next scheduled regular meeting will be Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. in the Legislative Chamber.

Have a great week!

06/29/2026

Good afternoon, the Douglas County Board meets tomorrow morning (June 30) at 9. The Board of Equalization will receive a presentation from County Assessor Goodwillie on the Three-Year Plan of Assessment. The consent agenda includes several grant awards for juvenile services, an agreement for Core LTC Pharmacy to provide services to DC Health Center, DC Youth Center, and the Health Dept., and a contract for Cara Kirsch to provide consulting services on employee benefits. Finally, there is a resolution to prepare a RFP for cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for Douglas-Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm). Full agenda at link in the comments.

06/29/2026

Please stay safe in the heat this week, and direct anyone who may need it to these cooling centers. It could save a life!

Stay Cool, Stay Safe. 🌡️

With dangerous heat impacting the Douglas County area, cooling centers are available for anyone needing relief from the high temperatures. Air-conditioned spaces and other resources are available at participating locations, including The Salvation Army Western Division, Siena Francis House, and Open Door Mission.

If you or someone you know needs a safe place to cool down, please take advantage of these community resources. Remember to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, and check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the extreme heat.

06/29/2026

How many corners of Omaha could use this same treatment?

Utrecht, 1982 → 2020.

The same street tells a 40-year story: fewer hard edges, more trees, safer walking, better cycling, and public transport still at the center.

Urban change doesn’t always need a landmark.
Sometimes it looks like shade, space, and a street people actually want to use.

📍 Utrecht, Netherlands

06/23/2026

Good morning, the Douglas County Board meets today (June 23) with another full agenda. It includes a grant for the HOME program (alternative to detention), an amendment to the Douglas County Employees’ Retirement Plan, multiple items for the Community Mental Health Center and Douglas County engineering, and possible action on the 2026-27 Visitor Improvement Fund allocations. Link to full agenda in the comments.

06/09/2026

Important information below for protesting your property valuation. The deadline is June 30!

🏠 Received your 2026 property valuation notice?

If you wish to protest the valuation of your property, the Douglas County Board of Equalization protest period is NOW OPEN.

🗓️ Deadline to submit your protest: June 30, 2026
‼️Protests submitted outside of this timeframe cannot be accepted.
📲 File online and find all the details at: https://boe.douglascounty-ne.gov/

06/08/2026

Hello! The Douglas County Board meets tomorrow, June 9. The agenda includes acceptance of the 2026/27 State Community-Based Grant Fund award, reappointment of Steve Youngberg to the Veterans Service Committee (thank you, Steven!), two special designated liquor license applications, and public hearings that include multiple text amendments to the Douglas County zoning regulations. We will also have budget presentations from Douglas County Corrections and Civil Service, as well as a resolution recognizing Laurie Levering (Civil Service; 13 years) on her retirement! Finally, we’ll have a resolution recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth and Emancipation Day! Full agenda in the comments.