2024 was a big year for us! On October 25th we celebrated eight incredible years of learning, growing, and connecting with the amazing people and neighborhoods of Omaha. What began as an idea to support community development has evolved with each partnership, each conversation, and each project we’ve been lucky to be part of.
Our work is a reflection of the resilience, dreams, and vision of our neighbors. Over the past eight years, we’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration and the beauty of what can happen when communities come together with a shared purpose.
Thank you to everyone who’s believed in this journey with us—from neighborhood leaders and nonprofit partners to developers, government officials, and community members. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re excited for all the work we still have ahead.
Spark’s Developer Academy Receives $200,000 to Expand the Developer Academy
The Developer Academy trains aspiring housing developers, equipping them with the tools to create affordable housing where it’s needed most. Graduates can also join Spark’s Co-Development program (coDA), gaining hands-on experience by working on community-driven housing projects.
"We’re thrilled to bring this proven approach to housing development to more neighborhoods," said Buey Ray Tut, Spark’s CEO.
Governor Pillen praised the initiative, emphasizing, “To succeed in growing the state, we have to think beyond the welfare of our hometown. I appreciate the many leaders who’ve committed to the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative. The awards announced today are investments into collaborative projects that will benefit entire regions.”
This initiative aligns with the goals of the "6 Regions, One Nebraska" program, which fosters partnerships to address regional challenges like housing and infrastructure.
With this support, Spark’s expanded Developer Academy will empower even more developers to create affordable, community-focused housing solutions across the Metro. Thank you to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and everyone championing this work!
Stay tuned for updates on how this funding will impact our region.
Celebrating Our 7th Cohort of Developer Academy Graduates!
This fall, we proudly celebrated the 7th cohort of our Developer Academy! 17 passionate and determined individuals have graduated, equipped to transform our communities through real estate development. With this milestone, the Developer Academy proudly celebrates a total of 98 graduates, each contributing to the transformation of our communities.
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the incredible support of our partners and sponsors. Your contributions make this program possible and help us build a pipeline of developers ready to create thriving, prosperous communities.
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the mentors, panelists, and speakers who shared their expertise and inspired our cohort members throughout the journey. Your guidance has been invaluable in shaping the future of community development.
To our graduates, congratulations! Your commitment and hard work have paid off, and we can’t wait to see the impact you will make.
Watch an incredible journey of growth, learning, and community at Spark’s Developer Academy Fall 2024!
Help us to welcome Deisy to the Spark family!
Deisy is a Colombian native, currently living in Omaha who has extensive Economic Recovery Program Management experience. Her focus is on community development and economic resilience, helping organizations navigate challenges and create impactful recovery programs.
She is passionate about fostering connections and believes that meaningful change happens when diverse voices come together. Deisy has led various initiatives that support local businesses and enhance community engagement.
Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her husband and their energetic twin toddlers. Together, they enjoy traveling, learning new things, and discovering new restaurants and activities as a family.
In her downtime, Deisy can be found enjoying a good book or catching up on her favorite shows. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and unique perspective as Spark’s new Project Manager!
Feel free to reach out to her at deisy@sparkcdi.org to introduce yourself and say hi. Let’s give Deisy a warm welcome!
Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!
On October 12th, a group of 16 volunteers came together to make a big difference at the North Omaha Trail Cleanup. We are so grateful for everyone who showed up and contributed their time and effort to help beautify this important community space. The trail is now a cleaner, more welcoming place for all to enjoy!
A special thanks to Keep Omaha Beautiful for generously providing the supplies that made this cleanup possible. Your partnership and support continue to inspire positive change in our neighborhoods.
If you’re feeling inspired by this effort and would like to join us for our next North Omaha Trail Cleanup, we’d love to have you on board! For more information, reach out to our project manager, Deisy Coyle, at deisy@sparkcdi.org.
Our First Friendsgiving:
A Celebration of Community and Collaboration
This past November 22nd, we had the privilege of gathering for our first Friendsgiving with Front Porch Investments and the Omaha Municipal Land Bank. The event was a heartwarming reminder of the power of collaboration. Together with Front Porch Investments and the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, we’re building a stronger housing ecosystem in Omaha.
We’re deeply thankful for the unwavering support and shared vision of our partners. Here’s to the community we’re nurturing, the relationships we’re building, and the future we’re creating together.
Spark Celebrates Community at the 14th Annual Christmas in the Village
On December 7th, we were part of the vibrant and festive 14th Annual Christmas in the Village on North 24th Street. This one-of-a-kind cultural celebration is the largest holiday event in North Omaha, a heartwarming tradition presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation in partnership with 24th & Lake Partners. The event drew thousands of visitors from across the region for a magical day of festive fun for the entire family.
At Spark, we were thrilled to welcome attendees to the Fabric Lab, offering them warm hospitality with chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. The Fabric Lab has become a symbol of our commitment to the neighborhood—a space where ideas, collaboration, and community engagement come together. As families strolled down the bustling streets of 24th and Lake, more than 400 people stopped by to connect with our team and learn about our initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! We are grateful to be part of such a special event and look forward to continuing to work alongside our neighbors and partners in the year ahead.
Spark, 1111 N 13th Street*, Suite 311, Omaha, NE 68102, 402-819-4885
