Research & Background

    how we got here

    The PowerUP vision was developed to directly reflect community input, research, and strategic opportunity identification. 

    This process identified similar needs across the six communities, creating a realistic, regional plan. The results informed the development and design of a strategy that will support the kinds of investments that generate widespread social and economic benefits. 

    This process included:

    Background research for each community

    Site visits to each community

    Regional and community-based focus groups

    Interviews with selected community members, state representatives, and other stakeholders including business owners, educators, community leaders, and state development officials

    An online survey completed by 220 community members

    A literature review that identified 14 articles, reports and other sources of documentation related to regional collaboration

    Background review of existing plans, studies, and projects across the six-community footprint and the state of Nebraska

    key findings

    Strengths/Assets

    Challenges/What's Missing

    Downtowns and local parks - full of opportunity

    School system

    Area events

    Affordability

    Proximity to larger communities

    Great local businesses

    Small town culture

    Strong housing market

    Strong Ag industry presence

    Existing businesses are valued

    Need more housing (types + price points)

    Significant blight

    Vacant storefronts

    Lack of support for business development

    Lack of workforce

    Downtowns need sprucing up

    Need more places to eat and drink

    Need access to affordable capital 

    the opportunity

    Working together toward a unified vision, sharing resources, costs, and ideas can position this six-community district as a regional leader for innovative growth in Nebraska.  

    Establish and brand this six-community region as Nebraska’s PowerUP District 

    A statewide resource center for skills-based education and small business development.  This investment in human capital will expand the knowledge and skills base of current and future residents, directly and indirectly improving the economic growth of the area and, ultimately, the state.  

    The PowerUP District will be recognized for: 

    • Powering the economy with people
    • Reimagining and connecting places
    • Growing Nebraska’s most promising industry sectors

    Blueprint Nebraska

    In Spring 2019, Blueprint Nebraska shared a vision for statewide growth and prosperity. As it turns out, the vision for the PowerUP District, as suggested, is uniquely positioned to PlugIN to the state’s vision for economic growth and prosperity.

    Check out these long-term goals for the state of Nebraska:

    Diversify and improve the productivity of Nebraska’s agri-business cluster.

    Build a pipeline of founders in tech sectors creating the Midwest’s leading tech cluster of R&D and innovation.

    Rejuvenate our communities through targeted investments.

    Build livable housing units, making Nebraska the national housing model for housing affordability and sustainability.