Lincoln: Nebraska’s “good life” districts are in a tough spot. Governor Jim Pillen’s budget plan aims to cut $5 million a year in funding for these areas, which were designed to boost tourism and development.
These districts were created under the Good Life Transformational Projects Act, which aimed to lower sales tax rates to attract visitors. But now, Pillen wants to scrap this funding as part of a strategy to tackle a $432 million budget shortfall.
The governor’s proposal would mean losing about $20 million over four years, which is a big hit for these districts. The plan was to use the tax savings to develop unique shopping and entertainment areas, but without funding, that vision is at risk.
There’s been a lot of controversy, especially around the Gretna district, which was supposed to be a major project. The owner of Nebraska Crossing, Rod Yates, has been struggling to get his ambitious plans off the ground, and without a solid project, the state is losing out on tax revenue.
Pillen has expressed regret over the funding incentives he previously supported and is looking to change course. State Senator Brad von Gillern is hoping to find a way to keep the program alive in a more effective manner.
Other districts in Grand Island, Bellevue, and Omaha are also affected, and they’re all at different stages of development. Gretna is the last to hold a local election needed to access state incentives.
Linehan, who originally sponsored the legislation, is frustrated with how things have unfolded. She believes the law is being misused for less impressive projects than intended.
Yates has even asked to withdraw his application for the district, but he’s still looking for ways to push his vision forward. He’s been in talks with state officials, hoping to find a path to make his plans a reality.
Meanwhile, Gretna’s Mayor is determined to show that the district can still thrive, even without Yates. He believes there are other developers ready to step in and create something special.
