OMAHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
"INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND PROJECTS"
OEDC
ABOUT OEDC
Established in 1977 as a Nebraska 501(C)(3)
non-profit Community Development Corporation, Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC) continues to align its vision with that of the residents and businesses of North Omaha.
The organization’s stated mission is to identify and implement economic development projects and community revitalization programs that create affordable housing, jobs, training, and business ownership opportunities for area residents.
OEDC seeks to remove those barriers low-income individuals and families experience in realizing their inherent worth and in strengthening their communities.
Over its 30 year history, OEDC has consistently maintained a strong focus on “investing in people and projects” which encourage self sufficiency within the community. The organization’s strategy has been to focus and leverage revitalization resources to achieve positive changes that contribute to social and economic success in neighborhoods. This has been accomplished through the development of partnerships between community, city, non-profits, other Community Development Corporations within its service area and private entities.
OEDC has arranged for nearly $40 million in investments and equity contributions to sponsor revitalization initiatives. These ventures have created needed jobs and generated a minimum $1.6 million in taxes through property, payroll, personal income and sales tax revenue.
OEDC is governed by a nine member Board of Directors who are elected from the service area and the local corporate/business community. A minimum of 51% of the OEDC Board of Directors must reside, work, or own a business in the area served by the Corporation. Currently OEDC has professional staff of five. The Board’s composition has enhanced OEDC’s capacity to remain focused on organizational goals.
These organizational goals have remained consistent over OEDC’s 30-year history: restore the physical livability of neighborhoods within the North Omaha area and improve the stability and sustainability of these neighborhoods. In doing so, OEDC has assumed a leadership role in improving the quality of life of area residents by providing safe, decent housing; in improving the local economy through diversifying housing choices which have increased property values and subsequently raised the tax base; in improving the community’s long term social and economic health in addressing the need for competitive economic development and improving the overall livability of the neighborhoods.
OEDC has also provided significant value-added services that have expanded the economic sector of the community, addressing gaps in skills and training identified within the service area. Through active involvement in collaborative initiatives, OEDC has strengthened local organizations and institutions that promote sound economic and social planning strategies that will ensure the sustainability of North Omaha. The organization owns various business ventures and serves as the developer for its own projects. The organization provides counseling/technical assistance to area residents who seek to start new businesses and/or expand established entities creating additional job opportunities. In doing so, OEDC is cultivating an environment reflective of the unique character and history of North Omaha.
STAFF
President
Controller
Economic Development Director
Coordinator, Planning, Research and Special Projects
Administrative Assistant
OEDC
Board of Directors
Larry Gomez
Chair
Lillian Burkhalter
Vice-Chair and Nominating Committee Chair
Leroy L. Lazure
Secretary and Personnel Committee Chair
Ernest J. White
Venture Development Committee Chair
John Hamler
Investment Committee Chair
Cort Bonner
Shawn Buchanan
