Omaha’s philanthropic community will invest millions of dollars into the city’s public parks.
In his first State of the City address, Omaha Mayor John Ewing highlighted the upcoming public-private partnership, which he said holds “transformational potential to do more than plug a maintenance hole.”
Undisclosed philanthropic partners will contribute $5 million, an amount the city aims to match. The money will fill a gap identified by a consultant hired by the city.
Omaha’s more than 250 parks add up to about 10,000 acres of green space, 130 miles of trails and numerous rec centers, sports fields and courts.
The consultant found insufficient staffing levels, varying park conditions, desolate athletic fields and uneven recreation services. The group’s assessment counted how much more the city would need to budget basic park operations and maintenance, and determined the department is short $5 million annually, Ewing said.
“Accepting philanthropic support does not mean sacrificing public land or use,” Ewing said. “Let me be crystal clear on that point. Just as with Gene Leahy Mall or Lake Cunningham, city properties remain city properties. What is public stays public.”
Also during the address, Ewing announced the promotion of staff member Jacquelyn Morrison, who previously served as economic development director. With City Council permission, Morrison will become the city’s first director of transformation and strategic partnerships. Her position, salary and benefits, if approved by the council, would be fully funded by philanthropic donors for three years while she reports directly to the mayor.
In his speech, Ewing also touched on several other “key priorities” of his administration, including affordable housing, homelessness and economic development and a number of city updates.
On public safety, the mayor reported the city is narrowing the staffing gap in Omaha’s sworn police ranks, a major campaign promise. He pointed to two-year labor agreements with the Omaha Police Officers Association and Police Management approved last month that “represent stability so the city can focus on recruitment.”
“Given upcoming classes, we expect to be at full staffing by early 2027,” Ewing said.
The mayor also said the city is actively working on developing a joint headquarters for Omaha’s police and fire departments, a project that will require a referendum on seeking general obligation bonds to pay the cost.