Discover the latest updates and achievements from Spark in Quarter 2! Learn how we're igniting change and fostering community growth in our newsletter.
Exciting news from Spark Capital! In the second quarter of 2024, we've closed 2 impactful loans!
On June 5th, Spark Capital closed on a bridge loan to The Talented 10th Group Incorporated! Our financing will help Don Curry access grant funding from the State of Nebraska to support his development of a tri-plex on North 16th Street. Congratulations, Don!
Charles Hill Jr and Spark teamed up to create affordable housing in the neighborhood he comes from. Read what he says about his experience with Spark Capital!
“I got connected to Spark CDI while researching ways to develop my property. At the time there were no Developer Academy sessions available. But the Spark team supported my project and wanted to help. Spark connected me with an engineer with Lamp Rynearson and joined me at my first City Planning meeting.
With Spark's help, I am now a new developer aspiring to create affordable housing from the neighborhood I come from. Hartman Ridge will bring 2 single family affordable units for sale and create growth to a promising neighborhood.”
— Charles Hill Jr.
These projects reflect our commitment to driving real change and fostering growth and accessibility in Omaha.
Ryan ZimmerMas is excited to join Spark as a Project Manager. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Ryan also lived in Indiana, Portland, Ore., and Germany before moving to Omaha to start a family while earning his master’s degree in public administration from UNO. Most recently, Ryan was the Lead Program Manager at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), project managing the rollout of millions of dollars in state and federal Economic Recovery grants in North and South Omaha and greater Nebraska. He also brings experience in affordable housing development, having served as the first-ever DED Housing Representative in the Omaha metro area. In his free time, Ryan enjoys riding his bicycle, gardening, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Ally, his 8-month-old son, Linus, and two dogs, Clovis and Bingen.
Olivia Johnson, a proud North Omaha native and Metropolitan Community College alumna, has dedicated her career to the history and rejuvenation of our community. Passionate about connecting people with tangible resources and advancement opportunities, Olivia joins the Spark Team as the Office Coordinator. In this role, she is excited to aid in the development of educational and financial pathways for the success of Eastern Omaha residents.
The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Sandra Thompson, visited Spark!
On May 22nd, we had the distinct honor of welcoming the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Sandra Thompson, along with Cassandra Skidanov and Danny Gardner from Freddie Mac, to showcase our Spark Developer Academy. During their visit, they had the opportunity to engage with some of our exceptional graduates, learning firsthand about their journeys, achievements, and the profound impact of the academy on their professional development.
The highlight of the visit was a tour to Donell Brown's impressive development in North Omaha. He is one of our graduates, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent nurtured through the Spark Developer Academy. Seeing the tangible results of our graduates' efforts was inspiring for everyone involved and underscored the importance of continued support and investment in our community.
We are deeply grateful for the inspiring visit from Sandra Thompson, Cassandra Skidanov, and Danny Gardner. Their recognition of the hard work and talent of our graduates not only validates the mission of Spark but also motivates us to keep pushing forward.
It is through such invaluable support and acknowledgment from esteemed leaders in the housing finance industry that we can continue to make a lasting impact on North Omaha and beyond. Your visit was a significant milestone for us, and we look forward to the continued partnership in building a brighter future together.
The first edition of Reignite2Unite was an absolute success!
Thank you to all the developers who attended the Developer Academy Ollie the Trolley on June 7th! It was a fantastic day of learning, networking, and celebrating the progress of our dedicated participants. We are incredibly proud of the strides our developers are making and enjoyed seeing everyone share their experiences and insights.
Special thanks to Corey Leon from Grow America and Franchell Abdalla for joining us. Your presence and support mean the world to us. Corey, your insights into economic growth and development are invaluable. Franchell, your dedication to community engagement inspires us all.
The tour highlighted the remarkable progress of our developers, from innovative housing solutions to community-centered projects. Seeing these achievements reinforces the importance of our mission.
Thanks also to Ollie the Trolley for providing a unique and enjoyable tour experience.
To all our developers, thank you for your hard work and commitment to making a difference in our community. We are proud to support you and look forward to your continued success.
Together, we are building a brighter future for North Omaha. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Request For Proposals is officially open!
Proposals due by July 22, 2024!
Spark is requesting proposals for Phase 2 of the North Omaha Trail! We believe in the power of collaboration and are excited to partner with innovative professionals to bring the phase 2 of this amazing project to life.
Our RFP is open, and we’re looking for proposals that reflect a shared vision of creating a vibrant, accessible trail for our community. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact ryan@sparkcdi.org. Let’s create something remarkable together and make a lasting impact on North Omaha!
