Top Priority

Goodwin said housing for low- and middle-income families is a critical need. The city, she said, should audit problematic housing organizations and hold them accountable. 

Gray cited a lack of affordable housing, noting that he helped form the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, which he said more small developers are using.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Gray said TIF is a great tool for development and that he would continue to support safeguards when using it. 

Goodwin said the priority with TIF is to ensure that it can be used to spur development in low-income parts of Omaha, where it is needed most.

Major projects and council’s relationship with mayor

Goodwin said a council member from North Omaha must be concerned about equitable economic development that rebuilds infrastructure, increases affordable housing options and brings services and amenities to District 2.

Gray said council members must ask whether the project increases taxes, aligns with the city’s master plan, requires TIF financing and whether it keeps Omaha competitive with other cities of comparable size. Constituents’ opinions also must be considered, he said.

Housing

Gray said more people should use the Omaha Municipal Land Bank and work with nonprofit home builders. Legislation also should be considered that would provide incentives for private, for-profit developers to participate in building affordable homes, he said.

Goodwin said Omaha’s elderly and most vulnerable citizens should not live in deplorable conditions. She said an independent audit should be conducted to show where housing organizations are falling short. Resources and services for residents in need can be supported by city funding. The city can assist with housing development by making the permitting process efficient, supporting young and emerging developers and optimizing federal resources and effectively using such tools as TIF, she said.