Omaha’s mayoral challenger announces a plan to improve economic development and create jobs in north Omaha.
Mayoral candidate Heath Mello says his ten year goals for north Omaha include 1,000 new businesses, 5,000 new jobs, and at least $50 million invested through public and private partnership for his Economic Renewal Plan. Mello would focus on major corridors for development, enforce fair and inclusive policies for small businesses, and create an entrepreneurial engagement center.
He says up to $2 million a year would come from the city budget and he’d move cash so he wouldn’t have to raise taxes, but also wouldn’t reveal what investors he has agreements with for funding."We do this not because it's the right thing to do for north Omaha but we do it because we know the investment will pay off in dividends by creating a stronger local economy, by creating more small businesses,” Mello described.
Wednesday before his announcement Mayor Stothert was at the Downtown Rotary Club lunch, and says she’s got a plan of her own for north Omaha that covers housing, job training, entrepreneurship and job creation. She says resurfacing roads like Ames Ave., and improving public transportation have been a priority.
“Look at what’s happening up at the 75 North Project and Prospect Village where the city has bought up a lot of property and are creating more livable connected neighborhoods in that area, look at where the fair deal marketplace is. The city has been a huge marketplace with that,” Mayor Stothert explained.
Wednesday afternoon, Omaha City Council President Ben Gray endorsed Heath Mello.
