Ten of Omaha’s major happenings of the last 20 years and what lessons they might offer for Omaha’s future.
At some point, the pandemic will end for Omaha.
But how will Omaha change from the pandemic?
That’s a big question with an unknowable answer until the world steps out of the crisis.
Jacobson
Whenever Omaha emerges from the pandemic, it will have issues to work through, civic leaders say.
Rachel Jacobson, president of the civic fundraising organization Heritage Services, said the pandemic has raised the issues of mental health as so many people experienced some level of trauma, disruption and isolation in their lives.
Jacobson said she could see Omaha in the future placing higher priority on public spaces where people can gather and connect again socially.
Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation, said the pandemic has exacerbated a number of issues that already were challenges for Omaha, including affordable housing and homelessness, food and hunger, and equity for everyone in the community.
Kush
“We really do need to address them all together,” Kush said.
In the work world, one big question is how much the rise in working from home holds.
Stephen Osberg, director of transportation development at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said he’s seen some predictions that a split work week might become more popular. One particular idea involves Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday in the office and Monday-Friday from home, giving someone four days at home around the weekend.
Osberg
If office work changes, Osberg said, that would change people’s commutes, too. If commutes change, traffic changes.
But not every household is equipped for the work-from-home model.
Stavick
Rebecca Stavick, CEO of Community Information Trust, which operates Omaha’s digital library Do Space, said internet access needs to be treated like a utility to ensure no one is left behind.
“COVID-19 has really laid bare the inequities in our community in regards to access to technology and access to the internet,” Stavick said.
Does Omaha step into big changes? Small ones? Or does Omaha snap back into long-familiar patterns?
For now, we just need the pandemic to end.
Omaha's future: Looking back on 10 major changes over the last 20 years
Omaha's future: Looking back on 10 major changes over the last 20 years
TD Ameritrade Park
Omaha broke with tradition to build TD Ameritrade Park, which opened in 2011. In abandoning Rosenblatt Stadium, the city secured its signature College World Series long term. But the city also lost a beloved landmark. Can Omaha find a way to embrace the old as it builds for the future?
The riverfront
Omaha not only built the arena and convention center — it recreated its entire riverfront. Lewis and Clark Landing opened in 2003, and the landmark Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge followed in 2008, among other additions. But the space never fully energized. Now Omaha is taking another costly crack at it with a $290 million riverfront and downtown park revitalization, largely privately funded by donors, along with a privately funded $101 million riverfront science museum.
Maha
Omaha’s home-grown music festival, started in 2009 as Maha Music Festival, has become a headline community event. Omaha is a city constantly trying to become more appealing. What else can we do to have more fun?
Midtown Crossing
Mutual of Omaha’s $365 million investment in its midtown neighborhood was a major bet on Omaha's urban revitalization. Opening in 2010, Midtown Crossing helped lead the city's redevelopment trend. So what’s next? Look down Farnam Street to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
First National Tower
First National Bank changed Omaha’s skyline — 33 years after the Woodmen Tower opened. Now it has been 19 years since First National Tower opened in 2002. When will downtown Omaha see another skyscraper change the skyline?
Corporate evolution
Omaha took a corporate hit in 2016 when Conagra Foods moved its headquarters to Chicago. Four years later, TD Ameritrade — with its new office headquarters in Old Mill — sold to a rival. Union Pacific and Kiewit Corp. staked new corporate headquarters in Omaha. Can Omaha be resilient through future corporate shakeups?
Neighborhood reemergence
Benson and Blackstone became vibrant commercial districts again, in much different ways than Midtown Crossing’s development. On a neighborhood level, what districts are poised to spring back?
ORBT
The city’s new rapid bus line, which debuted in November 2020, symbolizes Omaha’s growing interest in improving its public transit system. Omaha is increasingly turning to new ways of getting around — whether by bus, bike or maybe even streetcar in the future.
CHI Health Center Omaha, originally known as Qwest Center Omaha.
Approved by voters in 2000 and opened in 2003, the modern arena and convention center upped Omaha's game in the competition for concerts, major sporting events and conventions. But that kind of move comes with a steep price — $291 million from public sources and donors.
Elkhorn annexation
Big decisions on Omaha’s growth sometimes happen fast, as when Omaha outraced Elkhorn in 2005 to annex the growing western Douglas County suburb. Now suburban Bennington sits outside a growing Omaha’s boundary.
Jeffrey Robb
Jeff Robb dives into data for The World-Herald. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyrobb. Phone: 402-444-1128.
Reece Ristau
Reece covers Omaha City Hall, including the City Council and Mayor's Office, and how decisions by local leaders affect Omaha residents. He's a born-and-raised Nebraskan and UNL graduate. Follow him on Twitter @reecereports. Phone: 402-444-1127
