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Community Development Success Stories
Communities across Nebraska benefit from funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. We encourage you to read the following success stories, which demonstrate how funding has revitalized cities, towns and homes and transformed the lives of residents — whether by providing safe, affordable and accessible housing; renewing infrastructure; improving water and wastewater systems; renovating tourism centers or senior facilities; or expanding businesses and growing the workforce—these stories are waiting to be told.
Learn more about Community Development Week
Learn about the history and purpose of Community Development Week, as well as why we celebrate in Nebraska, and how your community can get involved.
Tell us your success stories. Stories are featured in our publications and online.
We know that communities across the state work tirelessly on goals to improve their communities for their citizens. We want to recognize projects that have helped communities accomplish those goals.
Success Stories
Wakefield Celebrates Civic Center Grand Opening
After nearly four years of planning, fundraising, design and construction, the City of Wakefield, Nebraska today celebrated the grand opening of the brand new, $1.5 million multi-purpose Wakefield Civic Center. At 12,280 square feet, the Civic Center offers an...
Hastings Cuts Ribbon on Brewery Lofts
Historic Buildings Transformed into Contemporary Apartments for Income-Eligible Residents
One City Block, Six New Homes and Four to Go: Innovation, Generosity Help Fulfill North Platte’s Housing Needs
It’s been 27 years since Nancy Striebel’s first experience as an “insider” in North Platte’s housing market. Her personal quest to find her own Lincoln County home shaped her career – and her passion – to fulfill a continued local need for affordable, available housing.
Fremont Invests in Community Development, Housing
CDBG funding has helped the City of Fremont create a more vibrant and livable community. Community revitalization is breathing new life into the heart of Fremont, Nebraska (population 26,450), with renewed streetscapes and restored upper-level housing sparking local...
Hastings Earns Accolades for Community Revitalization Successes
Governor Pete Ricketts presented the City of Hastings with the Showcase Community Award in April, 2017. The Showcase Community Award recognizes Nebraska communities that have displayed outstanding achievements in community development over the past five years, as well...
CDBG Program Helps Red Cloud Pursue Economic Opportunities
The new National Willa Cather Center is attracting tourism and sparking local business. Beloved American novelist Willa Cather spent much of her childhood in Red Cloud, Nebraska (population 1,115), with the city later appearing as a backdrop for some of her most...
Walthill Repurposes “Old Fire Hall” Into New Public Library
With help from the CDBG and CCCFF programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local donors, the Walthill Fire Department relocated in 2014 from its tired, 70-year-old fire hall into a brand new facility. Though you might think the Old Fire Hall would subsequently be happy to retire, today it is starting life anew as a place that the whole community can use and enjoy.
Village of Oconto Benefits from Water System Improvements
Tasked with upgrading its water system, the Village of Oconto turned to the CDBG program for assistance. As its water system displayed worsening symptoms of age and deterioration, villagers of Oconto, Nebraska (population 157) knew their community was facing a big...
Cambridge Carries Out Flood Mitigation Project
Funding from the CDBG program helped the City of Cambridge address a major public works issue, resulting in enhanced public health and safety. Prior to 2016, heavy rains usually meant standing and pooling water in low-lying portions of Cambridge, Nebraska (population...
Newly Rebranded And Renovated Railside Downtown District Is Key To Grand Island Community Success
Grand Island (population 50,550), especially the downtown area, has seen a lot throughout history. As with all things in time, some areas of the downtown started to show signs of wear. However, the City of Grand Island was awarded $30,000 in CDBG Downtown Revitalization planning funds and brought new life into their downtown.
Share Your Success Story
Tell us your community success stories. Stories are featured online and within our publications.
We know that communities across the state work tirelessly on goals to improve their communities for their citizens. We want to recognize projects that have helped communities accomplish those goals. We appreciate all that you do for your communities and for the state!
Submission Instructions:
- Please download and fill out the Success Story Submission Form.
- Click on the “Submit Your Success Story” button below! This button will direct you to ShareFile for submission.
- Upload your completed Success Story Submission Form and any photographs you have!
Publications
| Title | File Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2023 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 14, 2024 | |
| 2018-2022 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 6, 2023 | |
| 2016-2020 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 8, 2022 | |
| 2015-2019 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 8, 2022 | |
| 2014 -2018 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 8, 2022 | |
| 2013-2017 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 8, 2022 | |
| 2012-2016 CDBG Investments & Impacts | March 8, 2022 |
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