Empowerment Network (empowermentnetwork.swoogo.com) will host its 19th Annual State of North Omaha Summit on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Swanson Conference Center on the Fort Omaha Campus. The summit will review community progress, highlight remaining gaps, and outline the set priorities for Transformation 2030.
“As our community navigates rapid changes, we have opportunities to accelerate momentum while addressing gaps. The State of North Omaha Summit’s relevance has never been greater than it is today with the current environment,” said Willie Barney, founder and CEO of Empowerment Network. The summit is an annual event that provides reports on trends, identifies gaps, and presents opportunities for engagement.
For nearly two decades, the summit has served as a central touchpoint for North Omaha’s collective advancement. In 2025, the community revisited measurable gains in employment, education, housing, health, safety, and entrepreneurship. Attendees also participated in deep-dive strategy sessions, identifying remaining gaps and aligning on next-phase goals.
The 2026 summit will feature remarks from prominent community leaders, including Mayor John Ewing, Senator Terrell McKinney, Superintendent Matthew Ray, as well as leaders from business, government, and grassroots organizations. The event also kicks off an exciting year of events led by Empowerment Network, including:
- 19th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference (May 6–8)
- Step-Up Omaha 2026 Program Launch (June 1)
- 20th Annual African-American Leadership Conference (Oct. 1-2)
To register for the 2026 State of North Omaha Summit, visit (empowermentnetwork.swoogo.com).