The weather is finally starting to show signs of Fall. The beauty of the changing colors, the cool, frosty mornings, and the finish of harvest are always a great way to prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded $8,308,100 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to twenty-three projects in eighteen unique communities through the 2024 Downtown Revitalization, Planning, and Public Works opportunities.

The CDBG program provides funds to help communities tackle projects that enhance public health and safety, economic well-being, local vitality and quality of life. The program is federally funded through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). DED administers the CDBG program on behalf of Nebraska’s non-entitlement communities.

“Successful economic development increasingly depends on forward-looking community development,” said DED Director K. C. Belitz. “For the state to grow, it’s critically important to invest in projects that enhance the attractiveness of our communities. These initiatives elevate quality of life and strengthen our ability to recruit new residents to Nebraska.”

All of the funded communities outlined a solid approach to impactful community development, demonstrating collaboration and support from local businesses and residents. Congratulations to Emerson for receiving a $435,000 grant to implement a facade improvement project within the municipal limits of the village. I look forward to seeing what you do with this grant for your community. (Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Press Release. “Nebraska Department of Economic Development Awards $8.3 Million of Community Development Block Grant Funds”. 08 November, 2024. https://shorturl.at/QrDOq)

News from Governor Pillen’s office

Governor Jim Pillen provided state senators with the newly published 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report, aimed at providing historical context for funding of the state’s school districts, the impact of recent legislation in reigning in property tax increases, and a request to state senators to consider legislation that will finally address inconsistencies in state aid to schools. The report, compiled by the Governor’s Policy and Research Office (GPRO), compares data across each of the state’s 244 school districts, accounting for the impact of state aid and property tax increases to taxpayers in those districts.

There are three key findings from the report:

1. Caps are working to slow the growth of school property taxes. It is estimated that in 2024 growth will be 2.7%, the smallest percentage increase since 2018.
2. Cuts in state aid are negatively impacting property tax relief delivery, especially for certain districts.
3. State revenues can eliminate property tax increases enacted by school districts, through the reaction of a stable school aid formula.

“The majority of taxpayer’s property tax bill is tied to their local school district–an average of 60 percent,” said GPRO Director Kenny Zoeller. “One hundred and eleven school districts have had a reduction in state aid in the current year. Some have increased property taxes to help meet that decrease and others have far exceeded it. We need to find a way to better help districts budget for the aid they do get, thereby creating some predictability and hopefully, further reduce what Nebraskans end up paying in property taxes year over year.”

The analysis calls for Nebraska lawmakers to provide greater funding certainty through the Tax Equity and Equalization Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). That formula has undergone multiple adjustments since its creation in 1990, which has also made it more confusing and has created disparities among districts in how they manage predicting budget shortfalls that are subsequently made up through property tax increases.

“The formula is inconsistent and hits taxpayers hard. It is not fair to them or the schools. Providing certainty to school districts will allow Nebraska to have sustained property tax reductions for the first time in history,” concludes the report. A copy of the 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report can be found on the Governor’s website at https://governor.nebraska.gov/2024-school-property-tax-collection-report. (Strimple, Laura. Press Release. “Gov. Pillen Sends Senators the 2024 School Property Tax Collection Report; Asks Them to Address Inconsistencies in State Aid to Schools”. 08 November, 2024. https://shorturl.at/1ynxp)

I am including the following table that shows how the disparities in the TEEOSA formula is affecting school districts in Legislative District 17.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by calling my office at (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.