Election 2024: City of Omaha goes 6-for-6 on bond issue approval

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The City of Omaha batted 1.000 on Election Night, going 6-for-6 on its bond issues that appeared on the 2024 ballot Tuesday as voters approved more than $300 million to fund several projects related to infrastructure and safety improvements around the city.

In a statement Tuesday night, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert expressed her appreciation to voters for moving the city's Capital Improvement Plan forward.

"Thank you to the voters for approving all six bond issues that will allow our city's great momentum to continue," Stothert said. "Public safety, street and infrastructure improvements, accessible parks and amenities, and modern public facilities are especially important to our citizens. These bonds allow the city to provide a high level of service to our citizens and respond to the needs of our growing city without a levy increase."

The "public facilities" bond took up the lion's share of that total, with $146 million set to go toward building a new police precinct and fire station in downtown Omaha, as well as renovating and expanding the conference area at the CHI Health Center.

An extra $10 million that fell under the "public safety" portion of the bond campaign will purchase new equipment and technology within the police and fire departments.

But in a news release sent right before polls opened Tuesday, Greater Omaha Chamber CEO Heath Mello described the transportation bond as "perhaps one of the most significant components of this year's bond proposals." The issue leverages just over $80 million for various projects around the city, including the replacement of the Saddle Creek bridge over Dodge Street.

The money that voters approved for the city's sewer system is being categorized as an "environmental" bond and features $14.5 million to go toward making updates to the sewer's infrastructure to comply with environmental safety standards. Officials also say it will prevent future disruptions and repairs to the system in the future.

In all, the bonds totaled $332 million. Here's how it broke down:

Transportation: $80.9 million

Public facilities: $146 million

Public safety: $10 million

Street preservation: $72 million

Environment (sewer): $14.5 million

Parks and recreation: $10 million

On top of all that money, voters also approved a measure allowing the Avenue One project in west Omaha to use revenue from the "Good Life District." The development had already been designated as a Good Life District — a distinction given to encourage development and attract out-of-state visitors with certain incentives like lower sales taxes.

The project, which is being constructed on a 200 acre plot near 192nd and West Dodge Road, will feature restaurants, retailers, entertainment, and new residential facilities, according to developer Curt Hofer, who says he envisions the development as a "western gateway" to Omaha.