Nebraska communities are experiencing a critical housing shortage that has intensified in recent years.
It's tempting to reach for big solutions to solve a big problem—to rely on large developers creating massive multi-family housing developments. But what if the solution were to think small? What if part of the solution to the housing crisis lies in supporting small-scale, emerging developers?
Local entrepreneurs represent a powerful, often overlooked solution to our housing crisis. Like small businesses, emerging developers are gritty, innovative, and genuinely invested in local growth. Building one, two, or five houses at a time, they incrementally adapt neighborhoods without the disruptive effects of large-scale gentrification. Instead of giving big subsidies to big developers, we could focus on scaling the number and impact of small, emerging developers.
Currently, emerging developers face significant barriers to entry. From navigating complex development processes to securing capital and overcoming the risk of failure, the obstacles are substantial. But two pending legislative bills—LB 288 and LB 164—offer promising pathways to support these local innovators.
LB 288 would expand Middle Income Workforce Housing funds to include rent-to-own housing, creating an entry point for local developers in a rental housing market saturated with out-of-state landlords and private equity interests. An ideal amendment would broaden provisions to explicitly support rental housing, further promoting local ownership of housing assets.
Complementing this, LB 164 proposes a grant program for emerging developers to create commercial spaces for small businesses. This strategy transcends housing, focusing on building holistic, economically vibrant communities that integrate living spaces with entrepreneurial opportunities.
These state-level supports for neighborhood-level developers represent more than housing policy. They're an investment in local entrepreneurship, community development, and economic resilience. By supporting small developers, we're not just constructing buildings—we're empowering local leaders to shape their own community's future.
By shifting our focus from large-scale, top-down development to supporting local, small-scale developers, Nebraska can craft more responsive, sustainable solutions to its housing challenges.
The path forward is clear: support these bills. Reach out to your state senator, share your support, and if possible, testify. Our housing ecosystem depends on giving local developers the tools to succeed.
Registration for this year's Reignite2Unite Omaha Development Symposium is now OPEN!
Expanding upon the success of the inaugural 2024 event, R2U will offer a diverse curriculum including sessions on housing development, access to capital, policy advocacy and innovative solutions with Spanish language options available.
This two day event is tailored for developers, contractors, housing nonprofits, funders, advocates, and public officials, providing a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration.
Check out the symposium agenda and secure your ticket today!
Eliana is happy to join Spark as the Urban Design Outreach Coordinator and contribute to the incredible work being done to uplift and empower the community. As a native of Omaha, she is deeply passionate about community development and creating meaningful opportunities that foster growth and engagement, particularly in North Omaha.
With a background in business administration, nonprofit studies, and public administration, Eliana brings experience in community outreach, project coordination, and client support. She has worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Let It Fly, and State Farm, developing strong skills in community engagement, program coordination, and administrative support. Additionally, her leadership roles in the Black Student Leadership Council, Global Leadership of America, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have shaped her dedication to service and advocacy.
Beyond her professional experience, Eliana is passionate about urban design, placemaking, and supporting small businesses. In her free time, she enjoys learning about business, semi-permanent makeup, and rock climbing. Eliana is looking forward to starting to collaborate with the team to bring positive change to the community!
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Eliana! Feel free to reach out and say hello at eliana@sparkcdi.org.She’d love to hear from you!
Jessica is thrilled to join Spark as our new Finance Director. With nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit industry, including three years in public accounting, Jessica brings a strong background in auditing, budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, and strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Jessica has worked closely with organizations to develop financial strategies, enhance budgeting and forecasting processes, and uphold the integrity of financial operations and policies. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs Rey and Cooper. She loves traveling, being outdoors, playing volleyball, listening to live music, and volunteering.
Join us in welcoming Jessica to the Spark family! We are excited for the leadership and passion that Jessica will bring to our team, and we look forward to working with her. We’d love for you to reach out and say hello. Don’t hesitate to send her a warm welcome at jessica@sparkcdi.org!
Rental Conversion Project in Miller Park
6220 N 30th St
Co-Developers Candice Price and LaTisha Henry are teaming up with Spark to transform a former convent building into rental housing units. Directly across from Mandela Elementary, the apartments will create housing options for teachers, families, and workforce while preserving an underutilized building. The project is currently in the design phase, and co-developers hope to start construction before the end of the year.
New Senior Housing in Downtown Omaha!
2211 Douglas St
A third coDA project will officially launch next month when a soon-to-be-selected emerging developer joins forces with Hoppe Development for an innovative senior housing development at 2211 Douglas Street. Approximately 70 units will rise on the site of a former hotel, with half of the units affordable and half market-rate--a unique project structure that brings much-needed affordable senior units to downtown Omaha along the route of the future streetcar. Most importantly, the project will offer an emerging developer the opportunity to co-develop a major project alongside Hoppe, an experienced affordable housing developer.
We’re gathering the community to help clean up key areas near and along the North Omaha Trail. Come lend a hand as we distribute supplies, review volunteer safety, and hit the trail to make a difference.
Are you a neighborhood leader, artist, or visionary looking to make an impact? The Spark ChangeMaker Academy is here to help you activate your ideas and amplify your work!
This is your chance to bring a place-based project to life, focused on the North Omaha Trail. Whether you're passionate about community, creativity, or transformation, we want YOU to apply!
Developed in collaboration with our Board of Directors, Capital Loan Committee members, and staff, and with guidance from Parlay Consulting Firm, this plan outlines our commitment to transforming disinvested neighborhoods
into thriving, prosperous communities over the next 3 years.
Take a look and explore our vision for the future!
