LINCOLN—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has seen its staffing decline to 61.75 full-time employees, down from a peak of 115.25 in May 2025 and its lowest level since 2020. Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration says the reductions are part of an effort to shrink state government as pandemic-era programs conclude. However, former employees and current staff have raised concerns about increased workloads, burnout, and potential impacts on economic development programs, particularly in rural Nebraska. Department leadership maintains that staffing decisions reflect changing workloads and that essential services remain supported.

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