NEWS RELEASE
September 9, 2026
CONTACT:
Aron Wehr
Building a Better Omaha Committee
402.978.7920
Building a Better Omaha Committee Launches Campaign to Support Omaha’s Public Safety and Parks Bond Questions
Committee asks voters to approve both questions on Nov. 3 without increasing the
City of Omaha property tax levy
OMAHA, NE — The Building a Better Omaha Committee today launched a citywide campaign urging Omaha voters to approve both General Obligation bond questions on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The measures would provide new bonding authority for public facilities and park improvements, with City officials identifying a proposed joint Omaha Police and Fire headquarters and completion of the Tranquility Park redevelopment as the principal intended projects.
The two questions would authorize up to $155 million for public facilities and up to $30 million for park and recreation improvements. City officials have said existing levy capacity is sufficient to repay the bonds, and no increase in the City of Omaha property tax levy is anticipated.
“The more I’ve learned about these two projects, the more convinced I’ve become that they are smart investments in Omaha’s future,” said Nate Dodge, Chair of the Building a Better Omaha Committee and Chair and CEO of NP Dodge Company. “One supports the people who protect our community, and the other creates better opportunities for our kids and families. Omaha has always been willing to invest in the next generation. I hope voters will learn the facts and join me in voting yes on both.”
Public Facilities Bond Question
The Public Facilities Bond Question, would authorize up to $155 million in General Obligation bonds for public facilities. The City has identified a proposed joint Police and Fire headquarters in the Crossroads development as the principal project associated with the authorization. The 275,000-square-foot campus would bring key administrative and specialized Police and Fire functions together and accommodate about 300 personnel. It would not serve as a Police precinct or Fire station, and no police cruisers or fire apparatus would deploy from the site.
The current Omaha Police headquarters is more than 50 years old and does not have the size or configuration to serve Omaha’s needs. It cannot accommodate current staffing, specialized units, or modern technology needs, and structural steel with spray-on asbestos fireproofing hampers renovation. Omaha Fire Department administrative functions are spread among multiple locations, while its headquarters at Fire Station 1 also operates as an active fire station and lacks adequate room for training and public functions.
“The Greater Omaha Chamber is excited to help educate the public about the importance of these two questions,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “Voters deserve clear information about the proposed public safety headquarters and completion of Tranquility Park as they consider both questions.”
The Parks Bond Question, would authorize up to $30 million in General Obligation bonds for park and recreation improvements. City officials have identified completion of the Tranquility Park redevelopment at 120th Street and West Maple Road as the principal intended use. The current plan calls for 16 synthetic-turf fields. Construction is underway on the first 12 fields, which are anticipated to open in summer 2027, with four additional fields anticipated to open in fall 2027.
The completed complex would give local young athletes better access to quality playing fields and more opportunities to compete at home. It would also position Omaha to compete for national tournaments, bringing visitors to the city and supporting the economic activity generated by youth sports. The campaign will provide project information, ballot details, election deadlines, and source documents at BuildingABetterOmaha.com through Election Day.
Omaha voters will consider both questions in the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.
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About the Building a Better Omaha Committee
The Building a Better Omaha Committee is a privately funded ballot-question committee organized to inform Omaha voters about and support passage of the two general obligation bond questions on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The committee operates in accordance with Nebraska campaign finance law. Learn more at BuildingABetterOmaha.com.