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Mayor Jim Suttle and Councilman Pete Festersen Break Ground on New Florence Streetscape

May 17, 2012
Announcements, Featured, In The Community
Mayor Jim Suttle and Councilman Pete Festersen Break Ground on New Florence Streetscape

Mayor Jim Suttle and Councilman Pete Festersen Break Ground on New Florence Streetscape

May 17, 2012: This morning, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle joined Councilman Pete Festersen and residents of the Florence community in breaking ground on the new North 30th Street Streetscape.

The streetscape, which will line North 30th Street, will create more parking, better sidewalks, and improved landscaping; revitalizing the neighborhood and paving the way for private investment and increased job creation.

“The new streetscape modernizes North 30th Street—making it a thriving center of local business—while preserving its historic charm,” said Mayor Suttle. “It will replace aging sidewalks, add decorative light fixtures, widen parking lanes, improve the landscaping, and integrate green storm water practices—helping to make Omaha a more eco-friendly city.”

“First and foremost this is about job creation,” said Councilman Pete Festersen. “This project recognizes that our neighborhood business districts are key to our economic growth.”

“Florence is one of our city’s most unique and historic neighborhoods and I am committed to ensuring that it’s future will be as rich as it’s past,” Suttle added.

Mayor Suttle and Local College Students Talk Student Loans with President Obama, Urge Congress to Act

May 7, 2012
In The Community, Misc News
Mayor Suttle Speaks with Matthew Gillespie, Creighton University Student Body President, Shawn Addison, UNO Student Government Vice President and Two College Interns from the Mayor's Office About Student Loans During a Conference Call with President Obama

Mayor Suttle Speaks with Matthew Gillespie, Creighton University Student Body President, Shawn Addison, UNO Student Government Vice President and Two College Interns from the Mayor's Office About Student Loans During a Conference Call with President Obama

May 7, 2012 - Today, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle joined Creighton Student Body President Matthew Gillespie and UNO Student Government Vice President Shawn Addison on a conference call with President Obama regarding federally subsidized student loans. Currently at 3.4%, the interest rate is set to double to 6.8% on July 1st unless Congress intervenes.

President Obama discussed the importance of increasing access to college education to the economy and encouraged students to contact their Congressional representatives. “I thought it was important for the White House to hear directly from the students who will be affected if Congress fails to act,” said Mayor Suttle. “College education is the key to strengthening our middle class and growing our economy. In order for Omaha to continue to compete in the global job market we must ensure that college remains accessible and affordable to all.”

Mayor Suttle Announces 2012 Neighborhood Grant Recipients

May 4, 2012
Green Initiatives, In The Community, Public Safety

May 3, 2012 — Mayor Jim Suttle held a press conference and award ceremony for the winners of the 2012 Mayor’s Neighborhood Grants Program at the Hanscom Bark Park on Thursday, May 3.

The Hanscom Bark Park is a dog park and joint venture between the Hanscom Park Neighborhood Association and the Ford Birthsite Association. In addition to funding from other sources, the Hanscom Bark Park received a 2011 Mayor’s Neighborhood Grant and is the only dog park in eastern Omaha.

Every year, $80,000 is awarded to neighborhood and business associations for green improvement and crime prevention projects right in their own backyard — up to $5,000 per association.

“The Mayor’s Neighborhood Grants programs gives neighborhoods the tools they need shape the places where they live, work, and play,” Mayor Suttle said. “The Hanscom Bark Park is a successful example of what neighborhood associations can accomplish with a little creativity, cooperation and hard work.”

Twenty-five projects were selected for funding: 18 from the green improvement category, and 7 from the crime prevention category. Nearly 40 associations applied. The winners were selected by a committee comprised of local government, business, and nonprofit representatives.

All applicants received notification from the Mayor’s Office last week.

Mayor Suttle Joins Distinguished Business and Community Leaders in Announcing a New Partnership to Aid Homeless Veterans

May 1, 2012
Announcements, Featured, In The Community
Mayor Suttle Helps Kick Off the Vets Town Initiative

Mayor Suttle Helps Kick Off the Vets Town Initiative

May 1, 2012 – Today, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle joined Mike Fornear of the Homeless Veterans Project and various leaders in Nebraska’s civic and business communities in announcing a new partnership aimed at assisting homeless veterans.

The project, entitled “Vets Town”, is the first of its kind in the country. It seeks to provide housing and job skills to homeless veterans from the Omaha metro area and throughout the country. Modeled after Boys Town, it is currently seeking donations to acquire a permanent facility in Omaha. University of Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne will serve as President of the Board of Governors for the project.

There are currently about 1500 homeless veterans in Nebraska and approximately 200,000 nationwide. “On average, we have 123 homeless veterans on any given night in Omaha and we have an obligation assist those who have given so much to preserve our freedom,” said Mayor Suttle. “I am excited to see the City of Omaha lead the way nationally on this important issue, and I hope that this model will serve as a blueprint for communities throughout the nation.”

Mayor Jim Suttle and the Empowerment Network Gain Business and Community and Support for Summer Employment

April 26, 2012
Economic Development, Featured, In The Community, Public Safety
Mayor Jim Suttle and Willie Barney of the Empowerment Network Answered Questions About the Step-Up Omaha Summer Jobs Program

Mayor Jim Suttle and Willie Barney of the Empowerment Network Answered Questions About the Step-Up Omaha Summer Jobs Program

April 23rd, 2012 — Mayor Suttle and the Empowerment Network announced today that the response from Omaha’s business and philanthropic community to help match $300,000 the City contributed to Step Up jobs program with an additional $600,000 has been excellent.

“We are pleased to report that we have raised $400,000 toward our goal,” said Mayor Jim Suttle. “This city’s community partners understand the importance of getting our young people trained for valuable workplace experiences during the summer months and beyond. It’s how we curb violence in our community and how we provide kids hope for a productive and prosperous future.”

“The businesses and foundations that have chosen to support the Summer Training Employment Pathway and Urban Pipeline, the “StepUp” program, will provide a structured alternative to negative activity on the streets and deters young people from the temptation of gangs and guns,” said Willie Barney, President of the Empowerment Network. “We are pleased with the businesses and philanthropists who have Stepped-Up on behalf of the young people in our city and our future work force. Their financial contributions will pay for training, work experience and eventually full-time jobs that will benefit our youth and make a huge difference in their lives now and in the future.”

More than 20 companies have made cash or job contributions totally $400,000 in the last month. They include; American National Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Lindsay Manufacturing, Woodmen of the World, ConAgra Foods, Pinnacle Bank, AT&T, Coventry, UPS, Omaha Steaks , Cox Communications, Wells Fargo Bank, Physicians Mutual, Security National Bank, American Harvest, Max I Walker, three foundations and a number of non-profits. There are also proposals pending.

“We are hoping more businesses and community leaders will consider investing so we can reach close to a million dollars and provide employment opportunities for 500-700 young people in Omaha,” said Mayor Suttle. “Our City is dependent on the success of our young people and we must make sure they are given every chance to gain the skills necessary for a successful career, particularly in areas of high unemployment.”

Mayor Jim Suttle Unveils Transportation Master Plan for Omaha

April 23, 2012
Announcements, In The Community
www.MovingOmaha.org is a new website which will allow the public to learn more about the City of Omaha's 25 year Transportation Master Plan
www.MovingOmaha.org is a new website which will allow the public to learn more about the City of Omaha’s 25 year Transportation Master Plan

April 23, 2012: After more than a year of collecting research, and input from the public and community organizations, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle unveiled the City’s new Transportation Master Plan at a news conference this morning.

“Through public forums, town halls, and online discussions, the people of Omaha made one thing clear: They want more options when it comes to transportation,” said Mayor Suttle. “I am encouraged by the progress we have made towards making our city more bike and pedestrian friendly, but I know that we still have a long way to go.”

The Center for Disease Control’s “Communities Putting Prevention to Work” grant as well as grant dollars from the Douglas County Health Department and Live Well Omaha enabled the City to engage in this transportation study which focuses on health, social equity, and available resources to make necessary changes.

“The landscape of our City is changing, by choice and by necessity,” said Rick Cunningham, Director of City Planning. “As Omaha continues to grow West, the eastern half of our city is being revitalized and attracting younger residents who have made it clear that they want options beyond the automobile.”

With the Transportation Master Plan, the City of Omaha and members of the community have come together to build on the transportation network that is currently in place, and provide direction for new transportation projects which give the citizens of Omaha more choices in their mobility.

The Transportation Master Plan is a guide for our community 25 years into the future and is expected to achieve four goals for our city:
• It will provide more balanced options for enhanced mobility.
• It will serve to create a safe and healthy environment for the people of Omaha.
• It will create more livable and connected neighborhoods.
• It will yield future economic returns through fiscal sustainability.

“By modernizing our City’s transportation system we will continue to rebuild Omaha’s urban core and help to reverse the “brain drain,” by attracting young, talented professionals from throughout the country who understand that a multimodal transportation system is essential to any modern city,” said Mayor Suttle.

“The plan recommendations contain both capital projects and policy changes to help move Omaha towards its goals,” said Bob Stubbe, Director of Public Works. Some of the projects include;
• Harney Street Bikeway
• Dundee Business district Streetscape
• Park Avenue Streetscape 17th Street Conversion
• 16th Street reconstruction
• Howard Street / St Mary’s Ave Bike Lanes
We have already committed to projects like the 84th street bridge, the 72nd street pedestrian overpass and the L street bridge.
In addition to specific projects, the City, over time will also be looking at growing its network of on-street bicycle facilities as well as rebuilding the historic boulevard system.

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