NOTICE OF MEETING
The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Board of Directors will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District Board of Directors meeting to follow. The meeting will be held at the following location: Niobrara Country Cafe, 89141 NE-14, Niobrara, NE 68760.
An agenda of the meeting will be available on the website, www.nenedd.org, under Board of Directors on or before September 22, 2025. The public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please call 402-379-1150.
This city made building homes easy —
here’s how they did it
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Kalamazoo, Michigan, was stuck with vacant lots, slow permitting, and zoning hurdles that blocked new housing. Then they created a portfolio of pre-approved housing plans.
The results? Dozens of new homes built quickly and affordably — without destroying neighborhood character.
Here’s how pre-approved plans work: Instead of each developer going through repeated permit reviews, the city created ready-to-build designs for duplexes, ADUs, narrow infill homes, and more. All plans comply with building codes and come bundled with necessary permits. |
Before launching the program, city officials built homes themselves. This let them identify and remove hidden friction points so the process was as easy as possible.
Small developers can now invest without endless approvals. Buyers and renters can move in sooner. And Kalamazoo’s vacant lots can become vibrant neighborhoods.
Want to launch pre-approved plans in your city? Join us for a live virtural workshop on September 25 with Deputy City Manager Rebekah Kik, who helped spearhead Kalamazoo’s housing reforms. |
| Workshops are $25 each or $125 for all 8. Strong Towns members get free access. Members, check your weekly member email for your code. |
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 Apply now for wildlife viewing grants
A friendly reminder that just under a month remains to get your Watchable Wildlife Grant application in for projects to develop and enhance wildlife observation and nature-based experiences in Nebraska.
Individuals, nonprofit, governmental and for-profit entities are all eligible and encouraged to apply; applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Central Time on October 3.
These grants are funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, and are intended to help the public build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through a wildlife experience.
The maximum award is $6,000. A 25% match is required, part of which may be an in-kind match. Potential projects include (but are not limited to) viewing site development such as decks or blinds, events, infrastructure, interpretive signs, equipment and plan development.
For complete details (and project inspiration), visit the Watchable Wildlife Grant website. You’ll find helpful guidelines for eligible grant options, as well as a list of previously funded projects. All application materials, including a project narrative and budget sheet, can be found there as well.
Have Questions? Contact meghan.thompson@nebraska.gov or olivia.darugna@nebraska.gov or call 308-631-7463.
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Attend the Nebraska Enterprise Fund Small Business Conference
Get your free ticket today!
Discover strategies to grow your small business at the upcoming Nebraska Enterprise Fund Small Business Conference! Hear from entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business coaches as they share practical tips, real-world insights, and inspiration to help your start-up succeed.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this is your chance to learn, connect, and network with like-minded professionals.
We have 10 free tickets for the Nebraska Enterprise Fund Small Business Conference on October 17 from 8 AM – 1:30 PM. The first 10 people to contact Angela will snag them—don’t wait!
Email Angela at angela@sparkcdi.org for your free ticket.
Upcoming Events
***Register for DA Sponsored Events here.***
Todas las clases están disponibles en Español con previo aviso.
October 22 | coDA Informational Deep Dive 12-1pm Zoom
Are you ready to take the next step in your development journey? The co-Development Apprenticeship program (coDA) is a unique opportunity for aspiring and emerging developers to build their skills and portfolio through collaborative, real-world projects. Join us to find out more!
November 3 | Freddie Mac Provided Deep Dive: Manufactured Housing Development 8-10am Teams
This session will cover the evolution, types, and benefits of factory-built housing. You’ll also learn about financing options, zoning considerations, and real-world examples of successful projects
November 5 |From Vacant to Vision: a Development Workshop Build Session 3-5pm In Person
For this build session, we will focus on vacant land and explore the possibilities for how it could be developed. This session is about exploring what could take place on these sites and how they might best serve the community through thoughtful development. Together, we’ll share ideas, spark conversation, and begin to shape a vision for what’s next. |
To stay connected and informed, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter to receive all of our latest news and updates.
REGISTER NOW!
Nebraska RentWise Train the Trainer
In Person Training: November 12-13, 2025
Nebraska RentWise is a program to help renters obtain and keep rental housing and to be successful renters through education. The curriculum takes an active-learning approach and stresses tenant responsibility. Nebraska RentWise increases community awareness and support for quality, affordable rental housing.
This training opportunity is to train individuals to provide Nebraska RentWise. You must attend a Train the Trainer in order to be a “certified” RentWise trainer… And remember, only current certified RentWise trainers will be able to list their agency as an online RentWise provider.
This class will be held in Lincoln at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County offices on November 12th & 13th. The link below will take you to the Nebraska Housing Developers Association website for more information on the agenda and to register!
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