City of Omaha Compliance Reports
January 2022 Compliance Report
April 2022 Compliance Report
July 2022 Compliance Report
October 2022 Compliance Report
December 2022 Compliance Report
January 2023 Compliance Report
April 2023 Compliance Report
October 2023 Compliance Report
December 2023 Compliance Report
January-March 2024 Compliance Report
2024 City of Omaha Recovery Plan
2023 City of Omaha Recovery Plan
2022 City of Omaha Recovery Plan
2021 City of Omaha Recovery Plan
November 2, 2023
Omaha will expand the availability and accessibility of affordable housing with a $20 million award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Omaha is one of only four cities to receive federal funds under the Section 108 Loan Program.
“I want to congratulate Mayor Stothert for her leadership in affordable housing and championing innovative ideas to increase housing supply,” said HUD Regional Administrator Ulysses Clayborn. “We are in the middle of a housing crisis. We need more affordable housing, more workforce housing, market rate housing, mixed income housing. The award here today is an example of the type of collaboration it will take to address the crisis.”
The City applied for the Section 108 funds to supplement funds already allocated for affordable housing through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The City of Omaha received $112 million in ARPA funds and committed $20 million to affordable housing to be administered through a partnership with Front Porch. An additional $20 million was matched by a philanthropic donation. The Section 108 loan brings the total to $60 million.
“We have a strong foundation in place,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “When we distributed federal pandemic aid, we made our largest investment in affordable housing. “Thank you to HUD for recognizing our commitment to affordable housing and another great opportunity for our city.”
The federal funds will be administered by a partner agency, and will be available as low-interest loans to non-profit and for-profit developers. Successful loan applicants can use the money to buy property or for pre-development work, such as infrastructure improvements, or to rehabilitate or build housing in neighborhoods primarily east of 42nd street in South and North Omaha. Applications are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2024.
The City has already awarded approximately $12 million in low-interest development loans from the initial ARPA allocation to Front Porch. The projects are in various stages of development and represent about 500 housing units.
“Through this Section 108 award, Omaha will be able to provide an additional source of capital to developers to increase the supply of affordable housing. I cannot wait to see all the great things that will come from the award made here today.” said Clayborn.
For more information on the City of Omaha’s ARPA distribution, visit https://www.cityofomaha.org/american-rescue-plan-act
November 17, 2022
The City of Omaha and Front Porch Investments have announced $11 million in the first round of Development and Preservation Fund awards through a partnership that matches
philanthropic dollars with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support affordable housing development and preservation projects, as well as affordable housing support programs.
Funding will be distributed to 14 organizations, which include projects prioritizing affordable housing for seniors and housing solutions for youth formerly experiencing homelessness. Projects additionally will preserve affordability in existing housing, add extensive numbers of newly created affordable housing units, and support emerging developers, while also adapting existing structures and supporting development in blighted areas.
“We are pleased with the broad scope of affordable housing projects this funding round partnership will support. We heard Omaha residents in 2021 when they named housing as a priority. This partnership with Front Porch Investments allows us to utilize the funds available to us, impacting the community in big ways, and supports economic growth in our city,” said Mayor Jean Stothert.
Front Porch Investments received 26 applications, totaling $24.6 million in requests. The Fall 2022 funding cycle serves as the official launch of Front Porch Investment’s Development and Preservation Fund, and the first round of ARPA funding in partnership with the City. Additional funding cycles are anticipated to open in February and August of 2023. This funding cycle includes ARPA-funded loan awards of $9.7 million and an additional $1.3 million in grant awards through philanthropic funding sources.
A scoring committee, including representatives from the City of Omaha, a local housing supportive organization, and Front Porch Investments’ board of directors, reviewed applications based on a range of criteria. Loan funding applications went through rigorous underwriting by a funds management partner. Projects and programs awarded will catalyze up to 645 units of affordable and mixed-income housing, initiate one new program, launch three capacity-building grants for affordable housing supportive programming, and support two planning grants for future housing projects supporting underserved populations.
“The impact we will see in our community from this ARPA partnership is further maximized by the opportunity to utilize the funds twice, increasing the number of projects that can be supported by these funds,” said Meridith Dillon, executive director of Front Porch Investments.
To learn more, including a list of organizations receiving awarded funds, visit our website: https://frontporchinvestments.org/news/.
November 2, 2022
The first of nine City of Omaha park improvement projects will be considered by the City Council on November 8.
Improvements to public spaces are part of the City’s appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The City received $112 million, and $10 million will be spent on park projects and other public spaces. A citizen survey completed in 2021 showed improvements to public spaces are a top preference for federal funds.
“Based on public feedback, the Parks Department has prioritized City parks and facilities and several other public areas for significant upgrades,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “We will improve access and safety, upgrade park equipment, and create new opportunities for recreation.”
The first project is the replacement of the rubber playground surface at Clarkson Park, just north of 42nd and Dodge.
Over the coming months, contracts for other park improvements will also go to the Council for approval. All projects have been reviewed by Deloitte and meet the federal criteria for ARPA spending.
“The impact of these projects is incredibly high,” said Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Director Matt Kalcevich. “These will create new and exciting opportunities for the community to enjoy our parks.”
MANDAN PARK - 6215 S 13th Street
$1.6 million
1-3 miles of new nature trails, playground, picnic area upgrades, and a nature center that will be the headquarters for a new youth summer camp, similar to the popular Hummel Park day camp. Part of the tree canopy will be cleared to increase access to the park and improve safety and security for park users.
FONTENELLE PARK - 45th & Ames
$750,000
The 90-year-old park pavilion and caretaker facility will be remodeled for programming and event rentals. A disc golf course will be built, and plans also include new trails.
PIPAL PARK - 7770 Hascall Street
$1 million
A new barrier-free playground and spray ground, restroom building remodel, walking paths, repaved park road, signs, and landscaping. Work may be completed in two phases to include City CIP funding.
LYNCH PARK - 2200 S 21st Street
$3 million
The multi-phase project includes a reset of the baseball field, all roads and parking lots, court spaces, existing open-air shelter, and additional open field space. A later phase will include the addition of a playground, spray ground, restroom building, walking trail, and additional parking. A caretaker/maintenance facility is also being developed. Work will be completed in multiple phases to include City CIP funding.
PAXTON-JOHN CREIGHTON BOULEVARD TRAIL
$1 million
This 2.3-mile section of the trail will be expanded to 10 feet wide and resurfaced with a projected new lifespan of 20-plus years. This section from Fontenelle Park to Adams Park helps keep several other projects currently under construction, and future trail segments strategically connected as part of the city’s trail network.
HITCHCOCK PARK POOL - 5025 S 45th Street
$1 million
The focus is on infrastructure to continue successful operations for another 20 years, including all gutters and grates, caulking and sealing, damaged or decaying pipe, a new fence around the property, and a new roof for the main building are also planned. The high dive will be removed and replaced with new features.
ELMWOOD PARK POOL - 606 S Happy Hollow Blvd
$400,000
The focus is on the stabilization of the existing open swim area and the deepest part of standing water in the pool to continue successful operations for another 20 years. The work will focus on improving all gutters and grates, caulking and sealing, and repairs to the existing drop slides.
CLARKSON PARK - 124 N 42nd St
$125,000
A new rubber surface for the playground resurfacing, add benches around that existing space, add picnic tables and make improvements to the existing shelter.
KOUNTZE PARK - 3505 Florence Blvd
$250,000
This project includes the major activity areas of the park including the areas by the former community center, playground and spray-ground areas, baseball field, and court areas. Work may need to be done over multiple phases to include City CIP or additional private funding.
In addition to the city parks, three other public spaces are part of the ARPA-funded improvements:
PLAZA DE LA RAZA SQUARE - 24th & N
$500,000
Multi-phase proposal to redesign and activate the plaza. Additional funding will be provided by the State and other private funders.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARK - 24th & Lake
$75,000
Reset or replace existing pavers and stonework that surround the memorial to Dr. King. Matching funds are being provided by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
DREAMLAND PARK - 24th & Lizzie Robinson Avenue
$75,000
Refurbish the existing fountain and beautification including new signage, flowers, and tree trimming.
August 29, 2022
The City has completed the Hotel Stimulus Program, funded with American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The program was designed to help the city’s hotel industry recover from pandemic-related losses. Visitor spending declined by nearly $350 million in 2020 as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues closed or reduced services, and conventions and meetings were canceled. Hotel revenue dropped 51%.
The City invited 68 eligible hotels to apply for funding and received 46 qualifying applications, totaling $4,489,600. Eligible expenses include planned expansions or upgrades delayed during the pandemic or improvements to mitigate or prevent infections. The 46th and final hotel received payment on August 25th.
“The ARPA Hotel Stimulus program is providing valuable support to an industry devastated by the pandemic. A healthy hotel industry is fundamental to the success of tourism, and tourism is an integral of our city’s economy,” said Deborah Ward, executive director of the Omaha Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Ward described the program as a true economic stimulus. Hotels will hire electricians, plumbers, and construction subcontractors to complete the work in their facilities.
Mayor Stothert announced the stimulus program in January.
July 27, 2022
The 2022 City of Omaha Recovery Plan, required by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), has been filed with the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Act requires local governments to submit a report documenting the distribution of federal funds.
The City of Omaha report summarizes all ARPA-funded programs that have been announced and are in progress; including Revenue Replacement and Public Sector Rehiring, Hotel Stimulus Program, Community Grants, Affordable Housing, Premium Pay, and Improvements to Public Spaces.
2022 City of Omaha Recovery Plan
The City also submits quarterly financial reports.
January 2022 Compliance report
April 2022 Compliance Report
July 2022 Compliance Report
October 2022 Compliance Report
December 2022 Compliance Report
June 29, 2022
More than 50 Omaha non-profit agencies will receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through a grant program created by the City of Omaha.
The City partnered with United Way of the Midlands and the Omaha Community Foundation to administer the $15 million program to qualifying organizations. The program requires a direct response to the negative economic impacts of Covid-19 and support programs to provide job assistance and reduce and respond to increased violence due to the pandemic. A total of 244 applications were received for funding.
“We have the opportunity to provide direct aid to organizations that support individuals and families,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “Together, United Way of the Midlands and the Omaha Community Foundation selected agencies that will expand or enhance existing programs that address the impacts of Covid-19. We will make an immediate and direct impact on the citizens of Omaha.”
United Way of the Midlands received $5 million to award to organizations that address basic needs including access to food and shelter, services for persons experiencing homelessness, access to health care, behavioral and mental health services, health promotion and education, financial literacy, and family support.
The Omaha Community Foundation received $10 million dollars to distribute eligible programs including youth programs, gang prevention and intervention, mental health, crisis response, and assistance to unemployed workers including workforce readiness training, certification, and employment services.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, OCF has worked to respond to both urgent and long-term needs focused on sustainability and strengthening our community,” said Donna Kush, president, and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “With this grant program, we used one of our successful grantmaking models and engaged a resident-led committee to ensure investments in the community are impactful. We are grateful to the City of Omaha and United Way for the opportunity to collaborate on these significant investments in our community.”
“As the pandemic tested our community, exposed barriers to opportunity, and widened gaps for many families, it also highlighted the resiliency of nonprofit organizations and the populations they serve. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Stothert and the City of Omaha, our community had the loudest, most important voice in determining how to direct ARPA dollars where they are needed most. This unique and impactful funding will strengthen our collective ability to respond and recover from the challenges presented by COVID,” said Shawna Forsberg, president, and CEO of United Way of the Midlands.
“United Way of the Midlands and our volunteer network have been honored to facilitate this process on behalf of the City, and serve in this position of trust alongside the Omaha Community Foundation.
GRANT AWARDS
| 100 Black Men of Omaha | Mentoring | $50,000 |
| AIM Institute | Accelerated Technical Training | $154,354 |
| Bluebird Cultural Initiative | Behavioral & mental health support services | $220,640 |
| Boys & Girls Club | Great Futures Program | $213,041 |
| Carole’s House of Hope | Transitional housing, mental health services for homeless young mothers | $150,000 |
| Catholic Charities-Archdiocese of Omaha | Domestic violence services | $176,373 |
| Charles Drew Health Center | Community-based crisis intervention | $600,000 |
| Child Saving Institute | Pediatric & adolescent mental health services | $299,436 |
| Center for Holistic Development | Family Engagement and Resource Connection | $268,000 |
| City Sprouts | Urban Farming Summer Internship | $200,000 |
| Completely Kids | Weekend Food Program Youth & Family Mental Health Services Out of School Time for vulnerable youth |
$100,000 $60,000 $400,000 |
| Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixam | Maya Health Initiative | $432,600 |
| Empowerment Network | Omaha 360 & Step-Up | $358,475 |
| ENCAP | Rent, utilities, medical expenses | $100,000 |
| Family Housing Advisory Services | No charge tax preparation services | $160,000 |
| Food Bank for the Heartland | Food access | $158,494 |
| Girls Inc., of Omaha | The Girls Inc. Experience | $300,000 |
| Greater Omaha Attendance and Community Learning Services | Community navigation program | $70,000 |
| Heart Ministry Center | Fresh Start program | $200,000 |
| Heartland Family Service | Counseling-behavioral health Nebraska Family Works |
$137,500 $500,000 |
| Heartland Hope Mission | Hunger & homelessness prevention | $160,000 |
| Heartland Workforce Solutions | American Job Center South | $600,000 |
| Hope Center | The Hope Employment & Learning Academy | $100,000 |
| Immigrant Legal Center | Legal Services for survivors of crime, violence, and human trafficking | $330,000 |
| InCommon Community Development | Youth Program | $183,626 |
| Intercultural Senior Center | Food pantry for older adults | $160,000 |
| Kids Can | Mentoring | $200,000 |
| Kim Foundation | Suicide prevention campaign | $120,000 |
| Latino Center of the Midlands | Youth internships | $148,832 |
| Legal Aid of Nebraska | Legal Services=Families in Crisis | $244,404 |
| Lutheran Family Services | Behavioral health programs Centers for Healthy Families |
$303,680 $40,000 |
| Mentor Nebraska | Mentoring | $94,200 |
| Nebraska Medical Center | Encompass Omaha-violence intervention program | $400,000 |
| Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation | Counseling | $187,000 |
| New Visions | Homeless veterans services | $120,000 |
| No More Empty Pots | Community Harvest | $250,000 |
| North Omaha Area Health | Mental health outreach program | $320,000 |
| NorthStar Foundation | Student support services | $110,000 |
| Ollie Webb Center, Inc | Supportive employment program | $89,418 |
| Omaha Home for Boys | Mental & behavioral health services Jacob’s Place Transitional Living Program Branching Out Independent Living Program |
$90,000 $100,000 $260,000 |
| PACE | Violence prevention & mentoring | $360,000 |
| Partnership for Kids | College and Career Readiness Program | $500,000 |
| One World Community Health Ctr | Access to behavioral health care Social Assistance Team Medical care for uninsured adults Medical care for uninsured children |
$120,000 $240,000 $150,000 $100,000 |
| Santa Monica Inc | Residential Treatment for women | $100,000 |
| Siena Francis House | Case management services Emergency shelter program Miracles Recovery Program |
$242,000 $372,000 $95,169 |
| Stephen Center | Emergency shelter program | $100,000 |
| The Bike Union Mentoring Project | Apprentice program | $100,000 |
| The Salvation Army | Utility Assistance $80,000 | $80,000 |
| The Simple Foundation | Safe Place to Play and Learn | $426,959 |
| Together Inc. | Rapid Rehousing Program Food programs and access |
$150,000 $100,000 |
| Urban League of Nebraska | Community Coach Enhancement Program | $300,000 |
| Visiting Nurse Association | Maternal Child Community Home Visitation | $113,272 |
| Whispering Roots, Inc. | Emergency food production and delivery | $200,000 |
| Women’s Center for Advancement | Emergency housing support for domestic abuse victims/survivors Provide financial support for domestic abuse victims/survivors Safety & mental health services |
$78,000 $57,000 $250,000 |
| YouTurn | Make a 180 Against Violence | $245,473 |
June 21, 2022
Mayor Jean Stothert has announced the second distribution of funds provided by the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA).
The City of Omaha received $112,591,455 in ARPA funds. The first allocation was received in May 2021, the second half was received this month.
The programs support initiatives to expand affordable housing, make improvements to public spaces, coordinate services for persons experiencing homelessness, and compensation for City employees who continue working throughout the pandemic to maintain city services.
“The primary use of ARPA funds is for local governments to replace revenue losses through 2023,” said Mayor Stothert. “However, funds can also be used to support community programs, respond to pandemic impacts, and promote economic recovery. The programs we have created and funded are especially important and will have community-wide benefits.”
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Through a partnership with Front Porch Investments, the City will make a commitment to create and preserve affordable housing, and support access to affordable housing for renters, homebuyers, and homeowners.
The City’s $20 million investment will be matched by Front Porch Investments through $20 million in philanthropic contributions. The City will also apply for an additional $20 million available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), increasing the partnership and allocation for affordable housing to $60 million, making it the largest program funded with ARPA dollars.
Front Porch Investments (FPI) is a nonprofit organization, formed to implement the strategic framework and solutions identified in the Assessment of Housing Affordability, Needs, and Priorities Report” released in 2021.
“Front Porch is a trusted and proven partner, bringing together funders with community stakeholders, impacted residents, housing-supportive nonprofits, and developers to meet the city’s urgent housing needs,” said Mayor Stothert.
Front Porch deploys impact-driven funds through a combination of low-interest loans and catalytic grant-making, providing a simplified investment model for funders, and a one-stop-shop for developers and non-profits working toward filling the housing gap.
“Successfully addressing the affordable housing crisis in the Greater Omaha Metro will require a collective effort. Fortunately, we are seeing the urgency of the City’s housing needs being met with support from stakeholders across our community. What brings hope and encouragement is the advocacy and hard work of many nonprofit organizations, along with interest and excitement from existing and new developers, braided with this City of Omaha ARPA partnership, and implemented by Front Porch Investments’ innovative solutions to leverage funding from public and private sources,” said Meridith Dillon, executive director of Front Porch Investments.
The ARPA funds will serve households earning less than 120% of the area median income and prioritize those earning less than 80% of the area median income, and will be allocated in several ways:
- Short-term loans and grants to increase affordable and mixed-income housing by developing a variety of for-sale and rental affordable housing options across the city
- Acquisition, site remediation and preparation, and pre-development of properties for affordable housing projects
- Homebuyer support including down payment assistance
- Preservation of existing affordable housing units
ARPA funds must be spent by 2026. The City and Front Porch Investments have developed a strategy to use a majority of the $20 million in ARPA funds twice before the deadline through one round of short-term loans followed by a round of grants to housing supportive nonprofits.
Front Porch Investments will issue a Request for Applications this summer. The first round of funding will specifically target projects needing short-term (18-24 months) loans. These loans will be repaid in 2025, making the money available for a second time in the form of grants. The program has been reviewed by Deloitte and meets the federal requirement of the Act.
To further expand the program, the City will apply for a HUD Section 108 Loan. If approved, the Section 108 funds would be loaned at low interest through Front Porch Investments for projects approved by HUD and meeting federal guidelines. There is no obligation to taxpayers. These Section 108 funds will be set aside for the rehabilitation of multi-family housing, and new construction in HUD-designated Choice neighborhoods in north and south Omaha.
The agreement will be on the Council agenda for its first reading on June 28. a public hearing on July 19th and a vote on July 26th.
Applications for the first round of funding are expected to be available in August. Applications will be vetted through a strategic priorities lens and reviewed by a scoring committee based on a range of criteria. Loan funding applications will also be put through rigorous underwriting by a funds management partner.
Funding awards will be announced in November.
ABOUT FRONT PORCH:
Front Porch Investments was formed to implement the strategic framework and solutions identified in the Assessment of Housing Affordability, Needs & Priorities report released in Spring 2021. Recently, Front Porch Investments awarded over $7.3 million in grants and loans in its first round of funding to support affordable housing development and preservation projects, as well as affordable housing support programs. Projects and programs awarded will catalyze 738 units of affordable housing, initiate three pilots or new programs, launch three capacity-building grants for affordable housing supportive programming, support three inaugural projects led by Black developers in North Omaha, and support public-private partnerships for mixed-income housing in South Omaha.
IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC SPACES
Citizen input provided on the 2021 public survey showed improvements to public spaces were the preference of survey respondents.
Based on that input, the Parks Department has prioritized ten City parks and facilities and several other public areas for significant upgrades and renovations, and several other public areas.
- Mandan Park - 6215 S 13th St.
- Fontenelle Park - 4407 Fontenelle Blvd.
- Pipal Park – 7770 Hascall St.
- Lynch Park - 2200 South 21st St.
- Paxton-John Creighton Boulevard Trail
- Elmwood Pool
- Hitchcock Pool
- Benson Community Center - 6008 Maple St.
- Memorial Park
- Clarkson Park - 124 N 42nd St.
“We could not be more thrilled with this chance to improve the experience of Omaha residents in our parks,” said Parks Director Matt Kalcevich. “These projects have the chance to create new experiences for the next generation of park users and keep up with the change in use patterns we have seen over the past two years.”
PREMIUM PAY
Full-time employees will receive $3,000, payable over several pay periods starting in late July. The $9 million dollar allocation will fund premium pay for police, fire, and civilian employees. During the pandemic, first responders are providing critical emergency services, and civilian employees are essential to maintain the continuity of critical City functions and infrastructure. The city's elected officials, the mayor, and city council members are not eligible. The ordinance to approve premium pay will be on the Council agenda for the first reading on June 28, a public hearing on July 19th, and a vote on July 26th.
OTHER ARPA ALLOCATIONS
Business District Improvement Program - $1 million. A Request for Proposals will be available later this year for BIDs to create and submit qualifying proposals.
Homeless Services Coordinator – $200,000 for two years. A new position in the Mayor’s office to coordinate a city-wide approach to providing services for persons experiencing homelessness. The position will be funded for two years with ARPA funds. It will then become part of the General Fund budget.
Housing Manager – $225,000 for two years. A new position in the Planning Department to oversee the implementation of the City’s affordable housing action plan.
Juvenile Justice Center Plaza - $700,000. The city hired Deloitte to review all programs and spending and all meet the federal guidelines. City council approval will be necessary. Mayor Stothert has briefed all council members.
Other requests for funding are still being reviewed to determine if they qualify.
May 4, 2022
A program created by the City of Omaha to help the city’s tourism industry will provide nearly $5 million to help Omaha hotels recover from pandemic-related losses.
The Hotel Stimulus Program is funded with American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The City invited 68 eligible hotels to apply for funding and received 46 qualifying applications, totaling $4,489,600 for expenses including planned expansions or upgrades delayed during the pandemic, or improvements to mitigate or prevent infections.
“We need a healthy hotel industry,” said Visit Omaha Executive Director Deborah Ward. “It is fundamental to the success of tourism and tourism is an integral part of our city’s economy, important to Omaha’s continued recovery.”
Ward described the program as a true economic stimulus. Hotels will hire electricians, plumbers, and construction subcontractors to complete the work in their facilities.
Visitor spending declined by nearly $350 million in 2020 as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues closed or reduced services, and conventions and meetings were canceled. Hotel revenue dropped 51%, equivalent to $113 million compared to 2019, wiping out more than a decade of growth. Hotel revenue started to come back in 2021 but was still down $18 million
“Tourism is a vital industry in Omaha,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “This is a true stimulus plan to help our hotel industry and our city’s economy.”
The City Council approved the Hotel Stimulus Program funding packa
