Workforce housing called key to end a century of stagnation at Nebraska City

NEBRASKA CITY – City commissioners instructed the city administration Monday to explore details on how American Recovery funds can be used to promote workforce housing.

City Administrator Lou Leone led three town hall meetings regarding the expenditure of $1.2 million in federal ARPA money.

Leone: “The overwhelming conversation seems to be on workforce housing.”

At an ARPA meeting, Doug Friedli noted that Nebraska City’s population today is the same number as it was 1890.

Friedli: “Our population has been just stagnant and a lot of us know that if we’re not green and growing, you’re ripe and rotting.  In other words, if you’re not growing, it’s not a good sign for a community.”

He said 36 percent of Nebraska City housing units were built before 1939 and rent for 47 percent of households exceeds 30 percent of their income.

Friedli: “As a former banker, it’s tough to make a budget when you’re paying more than 30 percent of your income for your housing needs.”

He said 24 percent of Nebraska City children are living in a single-family household, making it even more difficult to pay housing costs.

 

 

Leone said he would also like to look into details for using funds to upgrade the city website, buy radio equipment for the fire department, a vehicle for police and improving handicap accessibility at Nuckolls Square Park.

Support of the food pantry and child care grants were also mentioned.

Leone said he may cancel remaining town hall meetings, but Finance Commissioner Gloria Glover said additional meetings could be held to engage the public in the details of how the dollars would be spent.

Street Commissioner Vic Johns suggested taking ideas by e-mail, but moving forward with identifying locations for workforce housing.

Friedli said 2,462 people drive into Nebraska City for employment each day.

Friedli: “Think if they, if just a small percentage of them, lived here paying taxes, paying rent, being part of the community, helping our downtown businesses – think how that would help our economy.”

He said an investment in housing would help the city and public schools by expanding the tax base.

Friedli: “Now we have that opportunity. I would call it a once in a lifetime opportunity, once in several generations opportunity to make a real difference. To use these funds to invest in our future.”