Turning Land Into Opportunity
Innovation District
Details
Omaha Inland Port Authority Innovation District
A Sustainable Blueprint for the Future in North Omaha
The OIPA Innovation District is a historic, community-driven economic development project in North Omaha. Grounded in extensive community engagement, cultural legacy, and forward-looking economic strategies, the Innovation District is designed to build a vibrant, empowered ecosystem where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship drive sustainable wealth creation without displacing the people who call North Omaha home.
Guiding Principles
Foster Local Innovation
Promote entrepreneurship, job training, upskilling, and skill-sharing that directly benefits North Omaha residents.
Prevent Displacement
Keep the district strong, affordable, and responsive to existing community members and local businesses.
Leverage Emerging Industries
Position North Omaha on the leading edge of community-driven innovation while creating career pathways to retain local young talent.
Empower Multi-Generational Community
Create an intergenerational space for the North Omaha Community to thrive and shape the neighborhood's future.
Celebrate Cultural Legacy
Honor North Omaha's rich history, family-oriented quality of life, and unbound potential.
Core Pillars
The Innovation District rests on three interconnected pillars designed to ensure that investment directly supports those living and working in North Omaha today
Wealth-Building
Expanding economic opportunity through:
- Quality Local Jobs
- Small Business Growth
- Homeownership
Anti-Displacement
- Preserving and producing attainable housing
- Protecting local renters and homeowners
- Providing affordable commercial spaces
Innovation
Expand high-growth industries via North Omaha’s:
- Rich History
- Creativity
- Entrepreneurship
Target Industries
North Omaha is uniquely positioned to bridge its cultural legacy with emerging tech and trade sectors. Key industry focus areas include:
Media & Entertainment Technologies
Build on North Omaha's rich history, from the 24th & Lake Historic Jazz District to the Lincoln Motion Picture Company and Omaha Star, by creating creative tech incubators, production studios, and digital media labs.
Housing & Construction
Capitalize on the regional construction boom through modular housing, 3D-printing, green construction living labs, and trades workforce training. Partner with local anchors such as Metropolitan Community College.
Agriculture & Renewable Technology
Tap into Nebraska's leadership in precision farming, ag-tech, sustainable manufacturing, and clean energy.
Health & Life Sciences
Connect to major regional institutions such as UNMC and Nebraska Medicine to support health innovation biotech, and an ecosystem of health and wellness.
Financial Technology
Foster fintech startups focused on Al, access-oriented banking, and blockchain solutions.
Development & Business Plan
Through Nebraska Legislative Bill 164, OIPA received an initial $30 million state allocation to establish and operate the Innovation District and meet statutory housing targets.
Phase 1: Real Estate Capital Investments
- Innovation Building (~100,000 SF): A central neighborhood hub featuring flexible office space, co-working, research/makerspaces, and discounted retail space for local small businesses.
- Multifamily Housing (150 Units): A 125,000 SF mixed-income rental development designed to provide high-quality housing accessible to residents across various income levels.
- Single-Family Townhomes (20 Units): For-sale attached homes designed to build wealth by targeting first-time buyers and households earning 80% Area Median Income (AMI).
- Infrastructure & Public Realm: Critical site preparation, utility upgrades, green infrastructure, streetscapes, and public gathering spaces.
Anti-Displacement & Wealth-Building Action Plan
To ensure economic growth lifts current residents, OIPA and its partners are committing to clear programmatic actions.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
- Providing micro-loans (under $100k) and flexible capital to local entrepreneurs and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).
- Offering reduced commercial rents and preferential leasing terms for local North Omaha businesses and MWBEs.
- Requiring local hiring preferences and partnering with local North Omaha and emerging developers.
Housing Stability & Community Ownership
- Expanding down-payment assistance programs, closing cost support, and owner-occupied home repair grants.
- Advocating for tenant right-to-counsel, property tax relief for seniors and low-income homeowners, and source-of-income protections.
- Exploring Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Community Investment Trusts (CITs) to give residents a direct financial stake in the neighborhood’s real estate assets.
Measuring Our Impact
To maintain transparent, community-led governance, OIPA will publicly track annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across economic growth and residential stability.
Economic Development KPIs
- Net new jobs created in the district
- Growth in local MWBE startups and tenants
- Dollars invested vs. private capital leveraged
- Changes in median household income
Residential Stability & Housing KPIs
- Total homes created or preserved
- Median rent and home value changes
- Share of cost-burdened and low-income households
- Protection and expansion of affordable housing stock
Get Involved
The OIPA Innovation District is built by the community, for the community. Whether you are a resident, local business owner, entrepreneur, or developer, there are many ways to participate:
- Attend a District Event: Join our community workshops, pop-up markets, and cultural celebrations.
- Partner With Us: Explore commercial leasing, developer partnerships, or workforce training opportunities.
- Stay Updated: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on housing opportunities, small business grants, and project milestones.
Contact OIPA with any questions or for more information.