The Greater Omaha Chamber (omahachamber.org) released Omaha COMPETES, a comprehensive, data-driven policy agenda to modernize economic development tools, accelerate job creation, strengthen workforce competitiveness, and ensure the state can compete and win in an increasingly aggressive national marketplace. Omaha COMPETES outlines a clear path forward to restore Nebraska’s competitive edge and sustained growth.
“For generations, our strength has come from a simple truth: when we invest in growth, our communities have a better future,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “This work is about the Nebraska we aspire to build — one where young people choose to stay, where companies choose to expand, and where every region benefits from the growth generated in our economic engine.”
Nebraska has fallen behind peer states in job creation, population growth, and project wins — not because of fundamentals, but because of slower tools, reduced flexibility, and a less proactive posture.
The agenda is organized into four integrated sections: Nebraska’s Current Competitive Reality, Modernizing Economic Development Tools & Site Readiness, Growing Nebraska’s Workforce Competitiveness, and Learning from Winning States. To read the full Omaha COMPETES agenda, visit omahachamber.org/greater-omahachamber-releases-omaha-competes-a-practitioner-driven-agendato-strengthenomaha-competes.