OMAHA- Community input will be heard May 21 on a plan for a new “Innovation District” in the North Omaha area, which is being funded by a $30 million state grant. The effort is to be overseen by the Omaha Inland Port Authority, the steward of the funding awarded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The public is invited to the 6 p.m. meeting at the Venue at Highlander Accelerator, 2120 N. 30th St. Representatives of the port authority will introduce the planning process and gather input to shape a vision for “inclusive economic development in the area.”

The proposed Innovation District is separate from the planned airport area business park project that is also being steered by the Port Authority Board, in partnership with a development team led by Omaha Economic Development Corp. and Burlington Capital. Funds for both projects were originally approved by the Nebraska Legislature as part of the Nebraska Economic Recovery Act of 2022, though the legislation and funding sources have since been updated. On the Innovation District initiative, the port authority board has started to lay the groundwork for awarding a $546,000 consulting contract to HR&A Advisors Inc. Focus group sessions are to be held the day before the public meeting.

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