Launched in 2014 by the Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com.) with more than 200 partners, Transformation 2025 helped generate over $1 billion in public-private investments in North and South Omaha. The initiative also facilitated job growth and revitalization efforts, connecting more than 9,000 youth to employment through Step-Up Omaha.
Now rebranded as Transformation 2030, the initiative aims to build on that momentum, guided by input from more than 500 leaders and residents. The new $1.4 billion plan focuses on jobs, entrepreneurship, education, housing, cultural tourism and health. Research by PPRP Innovations credits the original plan with creating more than 14,000 jobs, a figure expected to rise with continued investments.
Step-Up Omaha remains a cornerstone, equipping youth with career skills and opportunities, with support from the City of Omaha, United Way, the Lakin Foundation and the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, which implements evidence-based practices addressing six MBK milestones, cradle-to-career, to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color.
Transformation 2030 is also expanding leadership pipelines. The annual African American Leadership Conference empowers rising leaders through workshops on wealth building, career advancement and civic engagement. This year’s conference is set for October 24 at the Hilton Omaha Downtown, featuring keynote speakers Mayor John Ewing, Jr. and Jay Bailey, CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.
Through strategic partnerships and sustained community engagement, Empowerment Network continues to position North Omaha for inclusive, long-term prosperity.
Learn more at empoweromaha.com. For African American Leadership Conference sponsorship opportunities, email info@empoweromaha.com.