Omaha Inland Port Authority Defined

Find quick answers about our work, our service area, how we support development, and how you can get involved. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or developer, our FAQ can help you get started.

Who We Are

The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) is a public entity focused on inclusive economic development in Omaha. It supports business growth and community revitalization by transforming land and infrastructure into long-term opportunities, focusing on North and East Omaha.

The Omaha Inland Port Authority is a 300-acre area near Eppley Airfield. Its location supports logistics, transportation, and industrial development and is a key site for attracting private investment and creating jobs for the historically underinvested communities of North and East Omaha.

OIPA focuses on projects in logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and affordable housing. Priority is given to developments that support job creation, infrastructure improvement, and equitable economic growth.

You can attend public meetings, explore procurement opportunities, apply for open positions, or contact the team to discuss partnerships. Meeting agendas, job listings, and contact information are available on our Engage page.

What We Do

We drive inclusive economic growth by combining property development, infrastructure investment, and community-focused programs to create long-term opportunity across Omaha.

Our projects range from business parks and transportation infrastructure to innovation hubs and housing development, each designed to support job creation and community revitalization.

This project, identified in the North Omaha Recovery Plan, aims to create a commercial and industrial business park near Eppley Airfield, bringing investment and jobs to historically underinvested areas.

The Innovation District is designed to attract institutions, startups, and employers to North Omaha, fostering entrepreneurship, workforce development, and sustainable economic impact.

We offer targeted grant programs that support housing, small business growth, and workforce training to build generational wealth and economic mobility.

Life in Omaha

Omaha offers a high quality of life with diverse housing options, excellent schools, reliable healthcare, and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city blends small-town affordability with big-city amenities, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Omaha invests in housing, education, healthcare, and community spaces to support thriving neighborhoods and improve quality of life.

Omaha features many housing options, from historic homes in the Old Market to new builds in growing suburbs like Elkhorn, Gretna, and Bennington. Whether you're looking for affordable starter homes, smart home technology, or family-friendly neighborhoods, Omaha has options for different needs and budgets.

Omaha is home to several high-quality healthcare providers and hospitals. The Port Authority supports efforts to expand access to care in underserved areas, working to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities across the city. Residents have access to university research hospitals, private providers, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics, with ongoing efforts to enhance care in underserved neighborhoods.

Omaha’s cost of living remains below the national average while offering high-quality public services and amenities. The city’s affordability is one of the reasons it continues to attract both residents and businesses.

Omaha’s cost of living is approximately 10% below the national average, particularly in housing, making it a competitive and attractive city for both residents and businesses.

Omaha offers a variety of arts, cultural, and recreational activities. The Old Market district is known for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Family favorites include the Henry Doorly Zoo, local museums, and numerous parks and trails. For more, visit VisitOmaha.com.

Omaha has strong public and private K-12 schools and higher education institutions, such as the University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, and Metropolitan Community College.

Community Advisory Committee

The Community Advisory Committee is a group established by Nebraska state law to ensure community input in the Omaha Inland Port Authority’s planning and decision-making. The committee helps guide priorities and ensures that projects reflect local needs.

The committee includes at least nine members, representing residential property owners, business owners, elected officials, and youth or youth advocates within the inland port district. A single member may meet more than one requirement.

The committee meets monthly, on the third Tuesday of each month, at 2306 N. 24th Street in Omaha. These meetings are open to the public.

To learn more or connect with the committee, contact Melissa Youngblood.

Opportunity

We maintain a regularly updated inventory of sites suitable for commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development, with access to infrastructure and supportive zoning.

Yes. We offer a selection of existing buildings ideal for office, logistics, manufacturing, and retail uses. These spaces help businesses get up and running quickly.

Data

We offer comprehensive data covering workforce trends, demographics, infrastructure assets, market performance, and other key metrics. This information helps businesses, developers, and investors make informed decisions.

Our interactive Map Room features tools that visualize land availability, transportation routes, zoning, infrastructure, and opportunity zones across the port district, helping you explore development potential.

Omaha’s central Midwest location offers access to major interstate highways, Class I rail lines, shipping terminals, and an expanding regional airport, making it a hub for efficient logistics and distribution.

News

The Omaha Inland Port Authority News + Media webpage helps community members, partners, and businesses see how investments and programs drive growth and opportunity across Omaha.