OMAHA, Nebraska - Mayor Jean Stothert delivered the annual State of the City address Friday afternoon and says, "Our city is confident, growing, focused and engaged. Omaha is financially strong."
Mayor Stothert credits the city's strong performance to investment. That includes public safety. The Omaha Police Department has a record 902 officers on duty, an increase of 100 officers in a short period of time. Stothert says, Our homicide rate has fallen to a 30 year low and the success rate in solving violent crimes is nearly double that of cities of equal size." Response time of officers has improved thanks to the new West Omaha Precinct.
Another area of public safety is the Omaha Fire Department. Ground will be broken on a new station near 34th and Q Street in south Omaha this fall. This will be the first new fire station in 20 years and it will replace the 100 year old station at 25th and L Street.
Mayor Stothert also talked about the proposed pavement maintenance program and the $200 million for road improvement project. That was approved by the Omaha City Council and voters will have the final say in May.
There are several changes that will be made in the near future. That includes new waste and recyclable collections in 2021, the Landlord Registration Program and business growth. That includes the "Forever North" strategy along north 24th Street. That includes development, transportation and culture.
The city is also planning to launch an app this spring that provides information on job openings and the mayor's hotline. It also includes information about road closings, snow removal and trash collection.
Mayor Stothert also addressed the Riverfront Development Project. She says, "This $300 million project, which is 80% funded by private donations, will forever change our city." That includes Heartland of America Park, the Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis and Clark Landing.
A controversial issue has been the use of electric scooters within certain areas of Omaha. There was a six month pilot program and Mayor Stothert says a decision on whether they will remain available will be announced soon.
Mayor Stothert says Omaha is a thriving city with an exciting future.
Photo courtesy of 6 News.