Top Priority

Carter said affordable housing is Omaha’s most pressing issue, driving homelessness and outmigration. Melton said her priority is ensuring that the city’s priorities match its growth. She said it’s critical that the city continues to provide first responders with the tools they need to keep people safe, enable business and philanthropic communities to thrive and be diligent in making key infrastructure investments.

He said he will push for more middle-class and affordable housing, stronger tenant protections, expanded homeless support systems, inclusive zoning and federal and state funding.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Melton said TIF has been one of the most effective tools in propelling Omaha’s economic revitalization, and that Omaha has used it responsibly to attract major investments. 

Carter said TIF must prioritize housing, infrastructure and underserved communities, not just corporate developers.

Major projects and council’s relationship with mayor

Carter said the City Council must critically evaluate any development projects to ensure they serve the public, noting that the streetcar project’s financing and approval process faced criticism for lacking transparency and “misusing” TIF. 

Melton said the commitment of recent Omaha mayors to economic development has propelled Omaha into one of the top-tier cities in America and said the council should steward taxpayer dollars wisely and make necessary investments in the city’s future growth.

Housing

Melton also touted the council’s efforts to stop regulations that would have added more than $1,300 to the price of a new home. 

Carter said local leaders should fight for working families by enforcing housing standards, expanding affordable housing, encouraging diverse housing options and supporting tenant rights.