[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6260050,"mediaKeyId","3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60","parentId",3136354,"title","Council hears public testimony on $1.06 million award to African American Empowerment Network; members seek details on scope and outreach","audioSeconds",1380,"startMs",1679000,"endMs",3059000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60&start=1679&end=3059","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6260050/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-hears-public-testimony-on-106-million-award-to-African-American-Empowerment-Network-members-seek-details-on-scope-and-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260050-dbead2d7d121457495d737c44490cda3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072591&Signature=DuLP7sZqHzoS6kFnsjAt0wEm8PEENf-sz8Jl8jENjKdX0RcOWlSiKpyG1gw2ttd63B5QvHp0gxBfwClujeqhnLeXk3MRujaxfdFMWcntR3ge4M1FrhsVIY5PwzKiJ13WnS38LzUP0R0GB8ay2J2zdPJwKJls6qeMRDC9IHEbYttCIvp6WlQHHlkZgguTSy2-pshvVuaDY6bNFX94dyrQLmvbM7XTuN7tBCPE-ydNtk30H69eVyf1dMGa~9g1ikINGE42RhjhkgTorfHZ~P-1cUnRJQxWF-ya922HIDcyM~GfipopMZQxRLTRPmcOwpuudvFg9hyCLpnPoB5OnMeFzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Omaha, NE","date","2025-04-27T16:53:58.217Z","article","The Omaha City Council held a public hearing on an ordinance to approve an agreement with the African American Empowerment Network (AAEN) for $1,057,287, drawn from a federal community-based violence intervention and prevention grant.

Willie Barney, CEO and founder of the Empowerment Network, and Nadia Spurlock, the network’s community engagement and fund development specialist, described the award as a capacity‑building investment intended to send 85% of the Network’s allocation to local grassroots organizations that provide street-level intervention, case management and prevention work. Barney said the grant will support ‘‘building capacity, hopefully, maybe hire someone, a part time person’’ for administration and that the Empowerment Network is partnering with multiple grassroots groups already engaged in North Omaha.

Speakers from partner organizations, including Roscoe Wallace of Vibe Healing, said the funds target community-led providers who have operated with limited resources and strong local trust. The council asked several detailed questions about how the money will be spent, hiring timelines and data management:
- Administration: Councilmembers noted the agenda attachment lists $50,000 for an administrative coordinator; Barney said that position had not been filled and would be posted through an open hiring process if the council approves the agreement.
- Data/evaluation: The grant includes a $65,000 line item for data management and evaluation; Barney said the Empowerment Network plans to contract with an external vendor to build longitudinal measurement capacity and to help community partners track outcomes.
- Direct services and partners: Barney said about 85% of the award is allocated to grassroots partners and cited organizations that have been involved in the collaborative (examples mentioned in testimony included ViBe Healing, Visionary Lion and others). He said partners ‘‘work citywide’’ but that the initial emphasis is on North Omaha, and that programs are designed to be neighborhood‑ and person‑driven rather than strictly geographic.

During the hearing several residents and community advocates supported the initiative, calling it an overdue investment in grassroots violence‑prevention work. Other residents — including Ben Salazar and others representing South Omaha interests — urged the city and the Empowerment Network to clarify how Latino residents and South Omaha organizations will be included and to publish a partner list and outreach plan. Council members asked the Network to provide a partner roster and more specifics on outreach, and the Network agreed to provide that information before the council’s final vote.

The public hearing closed without a recorded final vote on the ordinance at this meeting. Councilmembers indicated they will expect additional documentation (partner list, hiring timeline and outreach plan) before final action.

No ordinance vote was recorded on the transcript; the item remains pending final council action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Omaha Nebraska City Council meeting April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council held a public hearing on an ordinance authorizing $1,057,287 to the African American Empowerment Network for community‑based violence intervention funding, and councilmembers pressed the Network for partner and outreach details.","taxTitle","Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska","taxId",2556,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260054,"City Council approves multiple routine permits, plats and assessments in unanimous votes",134,499000,633000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60&start=499&end=633","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60/thumbnail_499000.jpg","/articles/6260054/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/City-Council-approves-multiple-routine-permits-plats-and-assessments-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260054-5dda661f12221985ff3fe65c3e46405b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072592&Signature=Za5aFjT6hyG~jXT4IDiOp9N7~elwQUICu9l-alhxi0oY0spdiDwchLFq-8lypnPbDK37pWLwukc6BN~mFG-~X672DewkdGzgsGe7vVRqjgElaUlD~tQeJDRzshKLyLBtBlCj8L6Dkp8OsSe3gM7zVs2uCgJcIenNHMeNmJVpGxCdV6WgpMvS-xQ2bEnP0iO-50yBavl6JCqr8OXaOPv1ygPzPS0TRvLWJKrgynJt4R9B1~pFmVsK2UkpnnJaFjTU-dvutJeT2j89qnTgirQxcKa3FqDska~ZlLLpasfoQsadABky8Rvx1Jwk~~Yqas2s4QsPV6BIZPp8DRHFPWnCpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha City Council on Monday approved a series of routine permits, plats and tax assessments in a set of unanimous roll-call votes.

Votes recorded during the meeting included:
- Item 6: Class C liquor license for Elion, 4915 Underwood Ave — approved 7–0.
- Item 7: Class I liquor license for Funny Bone Comedy Club (FBDC of Omaha LLC), 710 North 14th St., Suite 210 — approved 7–0.
- Items 8 and 9: Sanctuary Ridge Replat 1 (plat approval and subdivision-agreement amendment) — approved 7–0.
- Item 10: Ordinance repealing the PUD overlay at 3819 X Street (owner Peter Matthews) — approved 7–0.
- Item 11: Ordinance rescinding the PK overlay for property at 3863 Mason Street/Marcy Street — approved 7–0.
- Items 12 and 13: ACI overlay boundary amendment and rezoning from GC to MBD for property northeast of 20th & Miami (Carnation Place applicant) — approved 7–0.
- Consent agenda (items 14–22) — approved 7–0.
- Items 23–31 (public hearings listed on the agenda) — approved 7–0.
- Item 32: Special tax assessment (litter group 2025-3), amendment requested by Parks Dept. — approved 7–0.
- Item 33: Special tax assessment (weeds group 2025-4) — approved 7–0.

Several of the matters had brief public hearings with the applicants present by Zoom or in person. Council members asked routine clarifying questions about neighborhood outreach and property ownership on a few planning items.

Details recorded in the meeting record show roll-call results by member for multiple items; the meeting minutes should be consulted for the full vote roll and any motion text not recited in the public hearing.

These approvals cover zoning adjustments, plats and business licensing that move projects and new businesses toward permitting and operation; separate budgetary or TIF actions were handled on other agenda items in the meeting.","At the meeting the Omaha City Council approved several consent and planning items — including two liquor licenses, subdivision plats, zoning overlays and special tax assessments — in unanimous roll-call votes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260058,"Omaha Council proclaims April 2025 Work Zone Awareness Week",301,161000,462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60&start=161&end=462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60/thumbnail_161000.jpg","/articles/6260058/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Omaha-Council-proclaims-April-2025-Work-Zone-Awareness-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260058-272aa522edef4958660f3bb447f711fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072592&Signature=CRR4sEdOQvdOySlnMDzI4z8WvgthQg5sr8Gj-0PntxZeTNRraGgBfekbhGq7kc9Bcwbi~RrPPga-U38M2-LSn2mTooVdWBqXgIb4~4p797HfkWi-k4UQ1K29ORpKpwU5UuZsn-xmUEXHOLL6LctsqFUvs~tzeUXbyPBh99nr1ZZgp3LST8fQLlxScdhn7SDZdlLKLhCS7yI9-rGnu4PWeh5e8~WFGnYa1K-HBxYS-HIeifWdSQxOjq6tUGRwn2Dr1SbIZVXZv~ECUwy1yD0Dch~Vtz~P42DWoaNk-yoo~591hnK2o9XOPKrkacDw1BCoyBcZ4~5pSkJ6svKT5xxQbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha City Council on Monday adopted a proclamation designating the week of April 2025 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Omaha.

The proclamation, presented by Councilmember Danny Bagley in his role as chair of the council’s Public Works Committee, said work zones ‘‘present challenges for trucks and buses with sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, narrow lanes, and uneven road surfaces’’ and urged drivers to slow down, use alternate routes when possible and pay attention to roadside workers.

Public Works staff member Austin Rausser and others thanked the council and pointed to a public service announcement and additional educational materials posted on the Department of Public Works website, publicworks.cityofomaha.org. Rausser noted the city’s recent infrastructure projects and the department’s interest in reducing fatalities and serious injuries to road workers.

Councilmember Begley thanked public works staff and highlighted driver education partners such as Cornhusker Driving School. The proclamation record notes the city will make the PSA available online for public viewing.

No separate vote count was recorded for the proclamation beyond its formal reading and presentation.

The designation is largely symbolic but is intended to coordinate city outreach and public messaging as the construction season begins.","The Omaha City Council adopted a proclamation designating April 2025 as Work Zone Awareness Week, urging drivers to take precautions during the start of construction season.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260040,"Council receives mixed testimony on proposed street‑racing ordinance; impoundment and constitutionality questioned",1388,3422000,4810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60&start=3422&end=4810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60/thumbnail_3422000.jpg","/articles/6260040/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-receives-mixed-testimony-on-proposed-streetracing-ordinance-impoundment-and-constitutionality-questioned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260040-f9d36d03ae3a925276727734975bf310/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072592&Signature=R3J0RdQIyWr3dHyYbU5j~H~FFkF1zLTyOunuDzp-jnUmVOdiLNm2kwlKBw8QjtprZxUgmJ~ZR7MPtDY~P5WW524XNe86naPbWapEYYPZpSC08NA7i3fFx1Dy4kiHblCd37Q4CxYufMuJvqC6W905zZF7pNxQP70SU0EMGz9U760cBil-Z2O616c8ZM47tv9D3PmzhmJz2yqV~vrQWKbaSQDfPeujJUy1MJhWl1YSzFgJedaEhPZzKoXhHvS9aXBfKLyBoQPQt7sSjpOviy2-Z14wP5PnlMHnkbLLWn9LnSGAvnVv8NLLY-QtUQOUNjGee9fk6RONlvTCZC9Tfo3Wuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City prosecutors, police and public-safety officials presented a proposed ordinance intended to curb street racing, ‘‘sideshows’’ and stunt driving on city streets, and the council heard extended public testimony both for and against the measure.

Kevin Schlumpf, City Prosecutor, described the proposed ordinance as a tool to address gatherings that block streets, create large crowds and produce dangerous driving behavior. The draft ordinance would create a specific offense for organized street racing and stunt driving, allow fines and provide authority to tow and impound vehicles connected to the activity. Schlumpf and Omaha Police Captain Mark Desler said vehicle impoundment can immediately stop an event and act as a deterrent.

Supporters at the hearing — including Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, driving instructors and neighborhood residents — urged stronger enforcement and said towing and impoundment would help stop repeat events. Pat Vendetti of Cornhusker Driving School urged stronger penalties and suggested vehicle confiscation on a first offense.

Opponents raised legal and practical objections. Joy Kathurima of the ACLU of Nebraska said she was concerned the impoundment provision imposes a punitive penalty before conviction, could punish owners whose vehicles were used without their knowledge, and risks broad discretionary enforcement of the ‘‘spectator’’ definition. A public commenter who addressed the council by Zoom noted the county sheriff has used impoundment in some cases and warned codifying the practice could invite litigation. Other opponents pointed out the city’s staffing shortage in traffic enforcement and argued additional ordinances have limited effect without sufficient personnel to enforce them.

Council members and prosecutors discussed an amendment of the whole to add explicit language addressing engine noise and a clearer definition of ‘‘drag race’’ and said they expect further adjustments to address civil‑liberties and enforcement concerns. Captain Desler said the Traffic Unit supports the ordinance as a tool and that impoundment can stop ongoing events immediately; the department noted the unit handles both large-event traffic control and a crash investigation squad.

The public hearing closed without a recorded vote. Councilmembers asked city legal staff and the city prosecutor to refine language, consider the constitutional questions raised by opponents and balance enforcement discretion against civil‑liberty concerns before any final vote.","The City Prosecutor and police urged a new ordinance to target street racing, sideshows and related noise, proposing towing powers for vehicles and penalties for spectators; opponents, including the ACLU and residents, raised constitutional and enforcement concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260045,"Council hears proposed pay changes aimed at recruiting and retaining Omaha police; finance staff outline near‑term costs",601,2726000,3327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60&start=2726&end=3327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3136354-4d3d6ef35d047301178e40106526bb60/thumbnail_2726000.jpg","/articles/6260045/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-hears-proposed-pay-changes-aimed-at-recruiting-and-retaining-Omaha-police-finance-staff-outline-nearterm-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260045-1c3211910d9dbdd3e751ecb4a684a14f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072592&Signature=iAiySuM06imHXQO4qHrgPMYG7t21fikr6Qh3BMpXo3bq~eJEH0Bxb3uVGUFrrC1osiiafB5EFLm~jqiQEOgLq70z7e9nMRWPtPOikjcV33VKUpoT5Tt3WzT~elrVuFniUxkj2Zq2RbSCr48tB7d4GLvyxYfU9sX8nUvGRrUKU4-WgwAIt~poa3H4JSLXDIoU9UZMd5QuvPhKrkzE63Zvd8UaKLR8jBtR9hVzHK7sXjcbGdHMAgqHz~om7rSI5jCu3QQXKsYGXl3Y1az~chZ22003QxohODZ2bidllmc5RL03xleIrhr2mHseNRvMLGVBrjWEF27dYsJJLUS7n7Sqww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council heard a presentation and public testimony on an administration proposal to amend the Omaha Police Officers Association (OPOA) collective bargaining agreement to raise police pay and change hiring processes.

Deputy city attorneys and administration staff outlined a multi-part plan the mayor proposed and discussed with the OPOA. Key elements of the proposed amendment include:
- A 2.7% increase for remaining 2025 pay steps tied to bringing top officer pay to roughly 5% above comparable agencies for the remainder of 2025; the administration said this equates to a corrective 2.7% adjustment applied to officer steps once implemented.
- An automatic annual adjustment process: the city would take a March 31 snapshot of comparable agencies and adjust pay so Omaha remains approximately 5% higher; administration counsel said this produced a projected automatic increase of about 5.58% at the beginning of the 2026 payroll year to remain ahead of an announced La Vista increase.
- Enhanced lateral recruitment credit so experienced officers (with approximately eight years of qualifying experience in comparable agencies) could be placed at a top step rather than a mid‑step.
- Operational changes including continuous recruitment and multiple academy start dates per year.

City Finance projected the immediate added cost as roughly $2.5 million in 2025 (to be handled within existing budget through attrition) and about $9 million for the 2026 budget year. Deputy city attorneys and OPOA representatives said personnel and labour negotiations recommended the changes; the Personnel Board recommended approval.

Justin Smith, treasurer of the OPOA, testified in support, citing staffing shortfalls (the department was described in testimony as about 14% below authorized strength) and near‑term retirements. Supporters framed the package as an investment in public safety and recruitment.

Public commenters expressed mixed views: some supported pay increases to keep recruitment competitive, while others urged the city to also invest in officer training, equipment and community interventions. Council members asked technical and budget questions, including confirming the finance projections and clarifying the snapshot date and mechanics of the annual adjustment.

The hearing closed without a final council vote recorded in the transcript; councilmembers indicated they would follow up on technical language and budget implications prior to any final action.","City administration and the Omaha Police Officers Association described a proposed pay amendment that would raise top officer pay and set an automatic step to stay 5% above comparable agencies; estimated costs are $2.5M for 2025 and about $9M for 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears public testimony on $1.06 million award to African American Empowerment Network; members seek details on scope and outreach

City Council approves multiple routine permits, plats and assessments in unanimous votes

Omaha Council proclaims April 2025 Work Zone Awareness Week

Council receives mixed testimony on proposed street‑racing ordinance; impoundment and constitutionality questioned

Council hears proposed pay changes aimed at recruiting and retaining Omaha police; finance staff outline near‑term costs