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Nov. 3, Omaha, NE – A comprehensive study of the Omaha-Council Bluffs riverfront began today.
A team from ULI, Urban Land Institute, will survey both cities, interview dozens of stakeholders and present a preliminary report at the end of the week. ULI is a non-profit research organization that specializes in land use.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh and the Greater Omaha Chamber invited ULI to evaluate commercial and residential development, recreation and entertainment opportunities on both sides of the river.
“The riverfront is our front door and we have a tremendous opportunity to make it a destination for the residents of our communities and visitors,” said Mayor Stothert. “ULI will provide ideas that can guide our next steps and promote collaboration between Omaha and Council Bluffs and the private partners who share our enthusiasm for this unique space.”
Since late 2013, discussions have been underway to determine how to activate and promote the riverfront. ULI was identified and hired to provide impartial evaluation and input.
“For the last 160 years North America’s longest river has been the common thread binding together our two communities,” said Mayor Walsh. “For much of that timeframe the Missouri River had continued to be an untapped resource for most local citizens and visitors. In the last fifteen years, both communities have made significant investments toward riverfront improvement. The purpose of this study is about taking a fresh look through the neutral eyes of the Urban Land lnstitute’s professional consultants at this great natural resource and it is our hope that we can discover new ways to enhance the riverfront experience for everyone.”
More than 70 people have been invited to interviews with ULI teams, including Mayor Stothert, Mayor Walsh, community and business leaders.
“For nearly two decades, community vision and collaboration transformed our riverfront into a destination flowing with promise. Now, that same combination is committed to re-energize and fuel new pride in the region, creating a vibrant, enhanced space to attract visitors, our residents and the professional talent our businesses need to thrive,” said David G. Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.
The total cost of the ULI study is $150,000, funded with donations from the private sector.
The preliminary report will be presented Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn at Ameristar, 2200 River Road in Council Bluffs. The full report can be found here.
For more information about Urban Land Institute: http://uli.org