Omaha City Council appoints Johnny Nesbitt and Chad Tettenborn to Municipal Land Bank

The Omaha City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, focused on several key appointments to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, with significant discussions surrounding the voting process and the importance of due diligence in these appointments.

The council addressed the appointment of Johnny Nesbitt to the Omaha Municipal Land Bank. During the discussion, Council Member Johnson expressed concerns about the lack of presence of the appointee, stating that it hindered her ability to conduct due diligence. Despite her objections, the council proceeded with a vote, which resulted in the appointment being approved with a 6 to 1 majority.

Following this, the council moved on to consider the appointment of Chad Tettenborn to the same board. Similar to the previous appointment, there were no proponents present to speak in favor of Tettenborn, and Johnson again raised her concerns about the necessity of having the appointee present for a thorough evaluation. The public hearing for this appointment also concluded without opposition, and the council prepared to vote.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing discussions about the importance of transparency and accountability in city appointments, with Council Member Johnson advocating for a more rigorous process. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to filling key positions while balancing the need for thorough vetting of candidates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's procedural dynamics and the differing perspectives on how appointments should be handled, setting the stage for future discussions on governance and community representation.