Omaha, Nebraska – Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. is launching a focused, multi-year push to strengthen economic growth and improve daily life in both North and South Omaha. The effort brings together leaders from across levels of government with the goal of making development more intentional, coordinated, and visible to the public.
In North Omaha, Mayor Ewing is joining a cross-government body for a targeted four-year effort centered on quality-of-life improvements. The group is charged with aligning policy, advancing legislation, taking administrative action, and reporting progress openly. It will include elected officials representing city, county, school, transit, utility, and state governments. The initiative is organized by Ashlei Spivey and will focus on intentional economic development growth designed to meet local needs.
Coordinated efforts in North and South Omaha
At the same time, Mayor Ewing is working to move the needle in South Omaha by convening local leaders and elected officials to coordinate and streamline development efforts. He has met with South Omaha representatives to identify shared priorities and areas of interest, aiming to reduce duplication and speed up progress on projects that matter most to residents.
“This effort dovetails with my team’s efforts to create a “HAPPIER” Omaha with focus areas on homelessness, affordable housing, parks, poverty, infrastructure, economic development and resilience,” Mayor Ewing said. “I look forward to working with elected officials in North Omaha and economic development leaders in South Omaha to build meaningful change.”
To support this work, Mayor Ewing has formed a dedicated economic development team. Heading up a task force on economic development is Bridget Hadley from the Planning Department. She will help guide strategy and coordination across agencies.
Additional economic development support for the Mayor’s Office includes Jacquelyn Morrison, Senior Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development; Marco Floreani, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development; and Steve Jensen, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development and Development Services. Together, the team will work to align planning, development services, and investment efforts.
City leaders say the combined focus on North and South Omaha reflects a broader commitment to balanced growth, clearer goals, and measurable progress—aimed at delivering practical results for neighborhoods across the city.
