A business-backed committee campaigning for two City of Omaha bond questions on the Nov. 3 ballot named its leadership group Monday.
The Building a Better Omaha Committee is a privately funded campaign committee formed by the Greater Omaha Chamber. It is chaired by Nate Dodge, CEO and chairman of NP Dodge Co.
Members also include Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber; Elizabeth Balazas and Ruth Ann Popp of the Omaha Police Foundation; Tiffany Regan of the Omaha Parks Foundation; Dana Bradford of C3 Brands; David Cota of FNBO; and Paul West of Carson Wealth.
“Omaha has always been a community willing to invest in the things that make our city a better place and allow us to grow,” Dodge said in a statement. “Our job is to make sure voters have the information they need to understand these projects, why they are needed, and what they can mean for Omaha for decades to come.”
The Public Facilities Bond Question would authorize up to $155 million in general obligation bonds. The money would go toward a $181 million joint headquarters for the Omaha police and fire departments, planned for a 3.2-acre site in the Crossroads development between Cass and Chicago streets near 74th Avenue.
It’s estimated the building will be able to hold more than 300 police and fire employees. It would not serve as a police precinct or fire station. If voters approve the bonds, construction would begin in January 2028, with the project scheduled for completion in spring 2030.
The Parks Bond Question would authorize up to $30 million to complete the redevelopment of Tranquility Park at 120th Street and West Maple Road. The plan calls for 16 synthetic-turf fields, and city officials have said the complex could host national soccer tournaments.
Neither bond would require an increase in the city’s property tax levy.
“These are important long-term investments in public safety, quality of life and Omaha’s ability to continue growing,” Mello said in the statement.
City and business leaders rallied support for the bond questions at an event in September. The committee plans media appearances and meetings with civic groups through October.