Discover the latest updates and achievements from Spark in Quarter 3! Learn how we're igniting change and fostering community growth in our newsletter.
On September 27th, Spark launched its latest initiative, the Co-Development Apprenticeship (coDA) program, an event attended by community stakeholders, city government officials, state senate members, and developers.
The coDA program is designed to support aspiring and emerging developers by offering hands-on, practical experience. Like a residency program in medical training, coDA builds on Spark’s Developer Academy by providing participants with the opportunity to reduce risk while developing their experience, portfolio, and balance sheet. Collaborative cohorts of 2-5 developers will work alongside Spark and the community on projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-family rental housing.
What makes coDA unique is its cooperative, team-based approach to development. Participants will not only gain valuable skills and mentorship but will also contribute to increasing the supply of housing units. By bringing together emerging developers, Spark is ensuring that new ideas, innovation, and collaboration will shape Omaha’s future housing landscape.
An inaugural cohort will be chosen soon, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the coDA program. Applications for coDA are currently open. If you or someone you know are interested in hands-on development experience through coDA, please visit our website for more information and consider submitting an application. Applications received by November 1, 2024 will be considered for the first coDA cohort!
Brian Doyle has over two decades of experience as an attorney and non-profit leader. He represented residential and commercial real estate developers, home builders, and provided intellectual property counsel as a registered patent attorney to artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Brian’s personal journey in recovery lends him an empathetic and optimistic perspective in both his professional and personal life.
In recent years, he has dedicated himself to helping individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges in securing safe, affordable, and permanent housing. Outside of work, Brian cherishes time with his wife Jennifer, their daughters Caroline and Margaret, and their dog Rainbow.
Feel free to reach out to him at brian@sparkcdi.org to introduce yourself and say hi. Let’s give Brian a warm welcome!
Spark’s Strategic Planning Retreat:
Shaping the Future Together
On September 5th, Spark’s Board of Directors, Spark Capital Loan Committee members, and staff convened for a pivotal Strategic Planning Retreat, held at the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) conference room. This retreat marked a significant step in our strategic vision for 2025-2027.
Our strategic planning process is guided by a deep commitment to community-driven outcomes and impactful change. To this end, we partnered with Parlay Consulting Firm, whose experts in strategic development led the retreat.
The day was filled with collaborative discussions, thoughtful reflections, and innovative brainstorming. The contributions from our Board of Directors, Capital Loan Committee members, and staff were invaluable. Their diverse perspectives and feedback will play a crucial role in tailoring the new strategic plan to meet our evolving needs and aspirations.
As we move forward, Parlay will help Spark craft a strategic plan that aligns with Spark’s mission of profoundly transforming disinvested neighborhoods into thriving, prosperous communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the retreat. Your dedication and insights are instrumental in guiding Spark toward a future where all neighborhoods in Omaha have the foundational assets they need to thrive.
Spark Capital is now a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
This prestigious designation, awarded by the US Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund, acknowledges organizations dedicated to providing vital financial services to underserved and low-income communities. This recognition highlights our commitment to supporting individuals and communities that traditionally face barriers to accessing financing, helping us further our mission of driving economic growth and revitalization in Omaha’s neighborhoods.
Becoming a CDFI opens the door to new avenues of funding, which in turn allows us to deepen our investment in the areas that need it most. With this certification, we’re now better equipped to provide financial resources and support to emerging real estate developers, local entrepreneurs, and other community-based projects that align with our goal of creating thriving, inclusive neighborhoods.
Spark Capital Loan Fuels North Omaha Transformation with our First Female Developers
Angie Saxton at the single-family home located at 4014 Browne Street.
At Spark Capital, we're always looking to finance emerging developers who are committed to transforming our communities. This July, we proudly deployed a Spark Capital loan for the redevelopment of a single-family home in North Omaha, led by Zulma Eraso and Angie Saxton. This milestone is especially significant as Zulma and Angie are the first female developers to receive a Spark Capital loan. Both are graduates of our Developer Academy.
Through their hard work and determination, Zulma and Angie have exemplified what Spark’s Developer Academy is all about: empowering local leaders with the tools and resources they need to transform disinvested neighborhoods. Their project not only contributes to improving North Omaha but also serves as a beacon of what’s possible when passionate community members are given the opportunity to invest in our neighborhoods.
Let's keep the momentum going! As Spark continues to support projects like this, we remain committed to our mission: creating thriving, prosperous communities in Omaha. We're excited to see what comes next for Zulma, Angie, and all future graduates of our Developer Academy.
Four More Families Have a Place to Call Home!
First house closing ceremony in July.
What began as an empty lot in February has now blossomed into four vibrant homes in North Omaha. The first house closed in July, and as of September, the remaining three families have received their keys. Each home is a fresh start, filled with hope, dreams, and the promise of a brighter future.
This milestone is a testament to what’s possible when we come together as a community. The journey from groundbreaking to move-in day is a reminder of the impact we can have when we invest in our neighborhoods. Every home represents the collective effort of partners, neighbors, and supporters all working toward a common goal.
Phil McClain, North Omaha Real Estate Developer.
A special congratulations goes out to Phil McClain, a Developer Academy graduate and the dedicated developer who brought this vision to life. Through his hard work and by accessing a Spark Capital loan, Phil was able to fulfill this project and provide four families with homes they can be proud of. His commitment to revitalizing North Omaha is an inspiration, and we are honored to have partnered with him on this journey.
With four houses now built and sold, the transformation in North Omaha is well underway. Together, we’re turning visions into reality, one home at a time.
Here’s to even more families finding their place to call home—and to the developers and partners like Phil McClain who make it all possible!
Join us for the North Omaha Trail Cleanup!
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.
