City of Omaha 

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds 

2021 Report 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

City of Omaha 

2021 Recovery Plan 

Executive Summary 2

Uses of Funds 3

Public Health (EC 1) 3 

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) 4 

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) 4 

Premium Pay (EC 4) 5 

Water, Sewer, and Broadband Infrastructure (EC 5) 5 

Revenue Replacement (EC 6) 5 

Promoting equitable outcomes 6

Community Engagement 7

Labor Practices 8

Use of Evidence 8

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category 9

Project Inventory and Performance Report 13

6663 1.01 Revenue Replacement 13 

6663 1.02 Public Sector Rehire 14 

6663 1.03 City Personnel 15 

6663 2.01 Hotel Grants 16 

6663 2.02 CVB Recovery 18 

6663 3.01 Community Grants 19 

6663 3.01 Community Grants- Continued 20 

6663 4.01 Affordable Housing 21 

6663 5.01 Violence Intervention 22 

6663 5.01 Violence Intervention- Continued 23 

6663 5.02 Mental Health Intervention 24 

6663 6.01 Public Spaces 25 

6663 7.01 Broadband 26 

Civil Rights Compliance 27
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

Executive Summary 

The City of Omaha is in the planning stages to determine the best use of American Rescue Plan 

Act Funds (ARPA Funds). In responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City will 

focus on recovery, reinvestment, and rebuilding. The first priority is to stabilize government 

revenues and bring essential City services back to pre-pandemic levels. During the pandemic, 

the City of Omaha implemented many cost saving measures including hiring and purchasing 

freezes, reducing hours and staffing, and closing public facilities. The City has since reopened 

facilities, but is still working to rehire staff and bring service levels up to the standard that 

citizens expect and deserve. The City must also stabilize revenues as there are several sources 

that suffered due to business closures and the generalized economic downturn. 

Additional priorities include aid to the tourism and hospitality industries, community programs, 

broadband expansion, affordable housing, violence intervention and prevention programs, and 

public space improvements. In order to thoroughly explore and understand each of these 

priorities, the City has established teams to identify and recommend options to best utilize the 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) for each of the priorities and determine an 

appropriate distribution of the SLFRF to each. Plans developed will promote equitable 

outcomes, engage the community, and produce positive and measurable outcomes. Funding 

recommendations will be made to Mayor Jean Stothert and the Omaha City Council. 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

Uses of Funds 

The City of Omaha is taking the necessary steps to support a strong and equitable recovery 

from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn through the use of the State 

and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The City solicited and received input from citizens on 

potential best uses for the funds according to the federal requirements and the greatest 

community need. 

Citizen feedback is critical to the formation of effective and equitable projects to maximize 

programmatic impact. There is significant interest and need from many non-profit organizations 

that serve the Omaha community. Community feedback led to informed priority areas. 

To produce efficient outcomes, the City planning teams, each with a focus on one of the 

identified priority areas, consist of city employees across multiple departments that bring diverse 

expertise and experience to the project. The City has also created an ARPA administrative 

team, representing the Finance Department, Law Department, and Mayor’s Office. The 

administrative team is involved in all aspects of ARPA project planning. The City will partner 

with community organizations and stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation 

stages and will include their input throughout project development. 

Public Health (EC 1) 

The City intends to utilize a portion of the recovery funds for public health purposes. One 

anticipated use is to improve public spaces. By improving parks and other public spaces, 

specifically within Qualified Census Tracts, the City will promote active, outdoor activities. 

Socializing and being active outdoors promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides a safer location 

than indoor facilities in regard to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. 

The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) will support payroll costs for some 

employees responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes individuals throughout City 

departments that are working on recovery fund programs and reporting. This also includes the 

services of a consulting firm that the City anticipates contracting with to aid in administration, 

management, and compliance with the City’s SLFRF allocation. 

Mental health services are being explored as an opportunity for use of SLFRF funds, specifically 

as they relate to and intersect with the City of Omaha Police Department. Douglas County 

handles many of the physical and mental health initiatives within the City of Omaha, and the 

City is working with County administration to ensure there is no duplication of efforts. This 

collaboration will ensure the City is able to make the largest impact possible with the funds 

received. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Omaha has received FEMA (Federal 

Emergency Management Agency) funding to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to 

various City departments. This has been vital to protecting employee and citizen health during 

this time. The City also received other grant dollars to cover some employee costs as they 

relate to COVID-19 (i.e. overtime for individuals in quarantine, individuals disinfecting public 

spaces, etc.). 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) 

In order to address the negative economic impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 

City is working on a grant program to assist the tourism and hospitality industry in Omaha. This 

program will be managed by the City of Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and will 

primarily focus on helping the hotel industry. The intent is to provide dollars to local hotels to 

assist them with recovery needs. Allocations will be based on the number of rooms for qualifying 

hotels. The City will require recipients to provide documentation of how funds are spent. 

Rehiring public sector staff is another priority for the recovery funds. In early 2020, as the 

pandemic began, measures were taken to cut costs as the City did not receive a direct 

allocation of CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) dollars, including a hiring 

freeze across City departments. To provide a satisfactory service level to citizens, it is essential 

that the City restore staffing to pre-pandemic levels. 

The City of Omaha has received grant funding to respond to the negative economic impacts of 

the COVID-19 pandemic from several Federal recovery sources. Funding sources include 

CDBG-CV 1 and 3, ESG-CV 1 and 2, HOME-ARP, and ERAP 1 and 2. The City received 

approximately $4.7 million of CDBG-CV1 and CDBG-CV3 funds. Most of the City’s CDBG-CV1 

funds went toward emergency services such as food delivery, COVID testing, and small 

business support. Approximately $1.5 million of these funds focused on rent support. All of the 

City’s CDBG-CV3 funds, approximately $2 million, focused on rent support. The City received 

approximately $5.6 million of ESG-CV funds. Approximately $1 million of these funds supported 

temporary emergency non-congregate shelter in the winter of 2020-2021. The remainder went 

to homeless services such as street outreach, rapid rehousing, and shelter operations. The City 

received approximately $8.1 million of HOME-ARP funds. These funds have not been deployed 

into the community at this time, but the funds will support housing stability in the Omaha 

metropolitan area. The City received approximately $22.2 million of ERAP1 funds and 

approximately $16.9 million of ERAP2 funds. These funds are being used to provide rent and 

utility support for households earning 80% AMI or less. The City also received approximately 

$1.1 million in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program funds from the 

Department of Justice. These funds supported the City’s immediate response to the 

coronavirus including direct mitigation and personal protective equipment needs. 

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) 

The City is developing a community service grant fund to provide services to disproportionately 

impacted communities. The Stothert administration already prioritizes funding through the City 

of Omaha budget for programs that respond to the Mayor’s overall priorities, including public 

safety and violent crime prevention and intervention, job training, growth and economic 

development, and pandemic recovery programs to provide food, utility and rent assistance, 

small business support, and work readiness. These priorities specifically address underserved 

and adversely impacted communities within the City of Omaha. The new grant program will 

provide community service organizations an opportunity to apply for one-time grant dollars. The 

City will seek proposals from established grant-making community partners to manage these 

funds and ensure compliance with the qualifications and goals put in place by the City and by 

the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Utilizing a third party for administration of the fund 

will provide readily available capacity and infrastructure that the City would otherwise have to 

duplicate. 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

The City is considering support for violence prevention and intervention in the community. This 

may include safety and security improvements in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs), along with 

funding evidence-based programs to help reduce violent crime, especially those targeting youth. 

The City will utilize a portion of the recovery funds to expand and enhance options for affordable 

housing. The City is in the early planning stages of this program, but the goal is to help 

populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideas 

currently under consideration include partnerships with developers and financial entities to build 

homes, apartments, and other housing alternatives, specifically for neighborhoods within QCTs, 

and working on a new approach to assist the homeless population within the City of Omaha. 

The City is also working on a project to improve public spaces. Public space improvements 

within QCTs will serve disproportionately impacted communities through outdoor recreation, 

healthy living, and safe socialization spaces. By providing outdoor public spaces, these funds 

will help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and build safer, stronger neighborhoods. 

Premium Pay (EC 4) 

The City of Omaha does not have any direct premium pay items included in its initial plan. 

Water, Sewer, and Broadband Infrastructure (EC 5) 

The City of Omaha is considering broadband expansion to areas where it is currently 

unavailable or unreliable as a top priority. The majority of these areas are in Qualified Census 

Tracts and will assist many lower income families with access to broadband. During the 

pandemic, the City identified the need in these areas as schools began shifting to remote 

learning. At this time, the City is uncertain if State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) 

will be the primary source of funding for expanding broadband. The City of Omaha is 

researching all available funding sources for this type of project. The City understands the need 

to partner with an organization specializing in broadband in order to facilitate this project. The 

City of Omaha Information Technology Director will be involved in project management of any 

broadband expansion project. 

Revenue Replacement (EC 6) 

The City of Omaha Finance Department calculated the City’s revenue loss for 2020 to be 

approximately $23 million according to the “General Revenue” definition and calculation 

methodology as provided in the Interim Final Rule. The City has calculated the loss using a 

modified accrual basis and will continue to use that basis for all revenue loss calculations. 

Approximately 90% of the City’s losses were in the General Fund. Sales tax, occupation taxes, 

restaurant tax, hotel/motel tax, motor vehicle taxes, building permits, vehicle rental taxes and 

community center revenue were among the hardest hit revenues for the City of Omaha in the 

General Fund. The City plans to utilize revenue loss for general government services. 

The most significant City responsibility is public safety, therefore some of the revenue loss funds 

received will be utilized to cover payroll and benefits for public safety employees. This allows 

the City to ensure public safety is maintained during this unprecedented time. The City of 

Omaha will use the remaining revenue loss funds to cover payroll and benefits for other city 

employees across city departments. Individuals throughout city departments provide essential 

services to the citizens. 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

Promoting equitable outcomes 

Although projects are only in the planning stages, promoting equitable outcomes is, and will 

continue to be, a vital component of all projects as they move forward. The City of Omaha is 

especially focused on the multitude of ways in which already disadvantaged groups have been 

most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to build projects around helping 

these communities. The economic and health impacts of COVID-19 on communities across the 

nation have fallen most severely on disadvantaged communities. Low-income communities and 

people of color have faced higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. 

These groups also have higher rates of unemployment and have been found to lack basic 

necessities like food and housing. As stated in the Treasury’s Interim Final Rule (pg. 5), the 

COVID-19 pandemic has magnified many social vulnerabilities that have led to 

disproportionately severe impacts in disadvantaged communities. As the City of Omaha begins 

to quantify local needs, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds will be targeted to counter these 

impacts. 

Building up and improving the public spaces found in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) is one 

way the City plans to counter the negative health impacts of the pandemic on disadvantaged 

communities. The City is considering plans aimed at parks, public plazas, and other public 

outdoor recreation spaces for improvements. By improving public spaces, specifically in 

Omaha’s QCTs, the City of Omaha is improving and promoting healthier, safer activities and 

spaces. Outdoor recreation and socialization provides opportunities for physical activity within a 

space that, being more open, mitigates the spread of COVID-19. Physical activity is important 

for a healthy lifestyle, and activities within parks and outdoor spaces provide important social 

opportunities while allowing for safe social distancing. Additionally, public space improvements 

are highly visible and will be readily available for use by Omaha citizens. By enhancing parks 

and other public spaces within Omaha’s QCTs, the City is delivering visible and accessible 

improvements directly to the communities that have been most heavily impacted by the COVID19 pandemic. Public spaces will be vital in addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19 on 

disadvantaged communities by combining the safety of open spaces that allow for distanced 

and safe socialization with active recreation promotion. The City of Omaha is thus extremely 

focused on improving public spaces in order to promote their use. 

The City of Omaha is also focused on aiding disadvantaged communities through affordable 

housing projects. Again, this project is in the planning stages, but a range of possibilities are 

being considered. Locally, and across the country, limited access to affordable housing has 

been further exacerbated as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19. Low-wage earners 

and marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by this shortage. In addressing 

these pressing issues, the City is considering multiple options, including building stronger 

communities through investments in housing and neighborhoods that increase the supply of 

affordable and high quality living units, improving access to stable, affordable housing, and 

direct services aimed at reducing and addressing homelessness. As with the public space 

project ideas, the main focus of these affordable housing project ideas will be Qualified Census 

Tracts to best address housing issues impacting the most disadvantaged communities harmed 

by the pandemic. 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

These two project categories are directed at the Negative Economic Impacts (EC2) and Service 

to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC3) categories specifically. Other projects will 

also be focused on improving equity throughout the City of Omaha. For example, the City plans 

to implement a community grant program that will be described on the City’s website to create 

project visibility. As the City continues to identify and begin projects, teams will remain 

dedicated to considering, striving to create, and working to promote equitable outcomes 

throughout the community. 

Community Engagement 

Beginning in July, the City of Omaha requested community feedback in order to best 

understand the needs and priorities of the citizens of Omaha relative to impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. The Mayor’s Office created an online response form that allowed citizens to 

provide valued suggestions about how they would like to see the relief funds utilized in the 

community. The form was open from July 20th to August 15th, 2021. Mayor Stothert also posted 

the link to the community feedback form on social media accounts to solicit as much feedback 

from our citizens as possible. The Mayor’s Hotline provided an additional avenue for citizens to 

call or email and provide input.

The community feedback effort has been successful, informative, and helpful to the efforts in 

planning the use of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The City received 

approximately 746 suggestions. The City sorted this feedback into categories. The main themes 

that surfaced include affordable housing, broadband expansion, community programs, violence 

and mental health intervention, aid to tourism and hospitality industries, and public space 

improvements. 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

Mayor Stothert has met with each City Council member to solicit their input about priorities in 

their districts for spending the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The Council 

members shared input and general feedback from their constituents. 

Stakeholder groups across the Omaha metro have hosted public forums, online meetings, and 

administered surveys to better understand the most pressing issues within their respective 

sectors. These groups have produced summary reports which project teams have utilized to 

inform their approach to each priority. The City’s priorities align with the community interests 

articulated within these forums. The City has also received input from many local organizations, 

including neighborhood associations, Omaha 360 Violence Intervention and Prevention 

Collaborative, the Mayor’s COVID Advisory Board, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, 

United Way of the Midlands, Business Improvement Districts, the Greater Omaha Chamber, 

utility companies, medical care providers, economic development organizations, and the newly 

formed Workforce Housing Partners collaborative. 

Labor Practices 

The City has not started any projects, but will be rigorous in enforcing strong labor standards to 

promote effective and efficient delivery of high-quality infrastructure projects while also 

supporting the economic recovery through strong employment opportunities for workers. The 

City will consider project labor agreements; community benefits agreements, prevailing wage 

requirements, and local hiring during both project development and implementation. The City of 

Omaha Code of Ordinances, Section 23-195 indicates the city shall comply with all applicable 

federal and state laws and labor agreements pertaining to equal employment opportunity and 

prohibiting discrimination and shall ensure that such equal opportunity be free of political bias. 

The City of Omaha has an established Human Rights and Relations (HRR) department. The 

HRR department actively facilitates a Small and Emerging Business Program. The Small and 

Emerging Business Program was created to stimulate the growth of small and emerging 

businesses in Omaha, with special attention to economic growth in areas having high levels of 

poverty. It is a race and gender neutral program. City of Omaha Ordinance No. 35344 §§10-

190--10-200.4, the Contract Compliance Ordinance, covers contractors and vendors who do 

business with the City in the amount of $10,000 and above. The HRR Contract Compliance 

Division is responsible for ensuring that contractors and vendors doing business with the City 

comply with the equal opportunity requirements of the Ordinance. The staff conducts 

compliance reviews, investigates contract compliance complaints, assists contractors as 

needed, and conducts training for all contractors or vendors who receive a contract with the City 

for business. 

Use of Evidence 

The City of Omaha intends to direct State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) resources 

to community-based programs as well as violence prevention and intervention programs. The 

City places a strong emphasis on the use of data and evidence in policy making and program 

development. The City of Omaha is committed to improving the quantity and quality of evidence 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

about programs and strategies that are effective; integrating evidence into program, practice, 

and policy decisions; and improving the translation of evidence into practice. The City is 

contemplating a process for program selection whereby applicants will be required to provide 

documentation summarizing their level of conformance with SLFRF evidence-based 

requirements. 

The City of Omaha will encourage use of scientific evidence to guide and inform selection of 

programs and services funded with SLFRF dollars. The City will require sub recipients in these 

categories to provide evidence-based reporting information. The City will utilize relevant 

evidence clearinghouses, among other sources, to assess the level of evidence for each 

intervention and collaborate with partners to identify existing evidence-based models that could 

be applied. The City of Omaha will encourage applicants for sub grants under the categories of 

community based programs and violence prevention/intervention to match the service provided 

to the needs of the target audience, tailoring interventions to the strengths of the population 

served. Sub grantees will be encouraged to increase motivation and reduce barriers to 

historically underserved populations accessing services whenever possible. 

Omaha is a community with an extensive history of collaboration between local government, 

state departments, non-profits, and philanthropic organizations. The City of Omaha and 

Douglas County partner on a diverse range of issues to address the needs of the Omaha 

metropolitan area. The City and the County will maintain a collaborative response in monitoring 

local priorities and addressing needs via available resources. 

The City of Omaha Finance Department has established written accounting and grant 

management procedures. Subrecipient agreements will outline the responsibilities of grant 

partners as indicated in the interim final rule and compliance and reporting supplement. 

Compliance with subrecipient agreements, and the City of Omaha Grants Management 

Handbook, will be monitored by the City of Omaha Finance Department and Grant 

Administration Division. 

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category 

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health $0.00 $0.00 

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination $0.00 $0.00 

1.2 COVID-19 Testing $0.00 $0.00 

1.3 COVID-19 Contact Tracing $0.00 $0.00 

1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing 

Homes, Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, 

Schools, etc.) 

$0.00 $0.00 

1.5 Personal Protective Equipment $0.00 $0.00 

1.6 Medical Expenses (including Alternative Care 

Facilities) 

$0.00 $0.00 

 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes 

to Public Facilities that respond to the COVID19 public health emergency 

$0.00 $0.00 

1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses 

(including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine) 

$0.00 $0.00 

1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and 

Other Public Sector Staff Responding to 

COVID-19 

$0.00 $0.00 

1.10 Mental Health Services $0.00 $0.00 

1.11 Substance Use Services $0.00 $0.00 

1.12 Other Public Health Services $0.00 $0.00 

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts 

$0.00 $0.00 

2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs $0.00 $0.00 

2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and 

Utility Aid 

$0.00 $0.00 

2.3 Household Assistance: Cash Transfers $0.00 $0.00 

2.4 Household Assistance: Internet Access 

Programs 

$0.00 $0.00 

2.5 Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention $0.00 $0.00 

2.6 Unemployment Benefits or Cash Assistance to 

Unemployed Workers 

$0.00 $0.00 

2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral jobtraining, Subsidized Employment, Employment 

Supports or Incentives) 

$0.00 $0.00 

2.8 Contributions to UI Trust Funds* $0.00 $0.00 

2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General) $0.00 $0.00 

2.10 Aid to nonprofit organizations $0.00 $0.00 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality $0.00 $0.00 

2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries $0.00 $0.00 

2.13 Other Economic Support $0.00 $0.00 

2.14 Rehiring Public Sector Staff $0.00 $0.00 

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.1 Education Assistance: Early Learning $0.00 $0.00 

3.2 Education Assistance: Aid to High-Poverty 

Districts 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.3 Education Assistance: Academic Services $0.00 $0.00 

3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and 

Mental Health Services 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.5 Education Assistance: Other $0.00 $0.00 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

3.6 Healthy Childhood Environments: Child Care $0.00 $0.00 

3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting $0.00 $0.00 

3.8 Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to 

Foster Youth or Families Involved in Child 

Welfare System 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.9. Healthy Childhood Environments: Other $0.00 $0.00 

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing $0.00 $0.00 

3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused 

persons 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance $0.00 $0.00 

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other $0.00 $0.00 

3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Health Workers or Benefits Navigators 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.15 Social Determinants of Health: Lead 

Remediation 

$0.00 $0.00 

3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Violence Interventions 

$0.00 $0.00 

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay $0.00 $0.00 

4.1 Public Sector Employees $0.00 $0.00 

4.2 Private Sector: Grants to other employers $0.00 $0.00 

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure $0.00 $0.00 

5.1 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater treatment $0.00 $0.00 

5.2 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater collection 

and conveyance 

$0.00 $0.00 

5.3 Clean Water: Decentralized wastewater $0.00 $0.00 

5.4 Clean Water: Combined sewer overflows $0.00 $0.00 

5.5 Clean Water: Other sewer infrastructure $0.00 $0.00 

5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater $0.00 $0.00 

5.7 Clean Water: Energy conservation $0.00 $0.00 

5.8 Clean Water: Water conservation $0.00 $0.00 

5.9 Clean Water: Nonpoint source $0.00 $0.00 

5.10 Drinking water: Treatment $0.00 $0.00 

5.11 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution $0.00 $0.00 

5.12 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution: 

lead remediation 

$0.00 $0.00 

5.13 Drinking water: Source $0.00 $0.00 

5.14 Drinking water: Storage $0.00 $0.00 

5.15 Drinking water: Other water infrastructure $0.00 $0.00 

5.16 Broadband: “Last Mile” projects $0.00 $0.00 

5.17 Broadband: Other projects $0.00 $0.00 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement $0.00 $0.00 

6.1 Provision of Government Services $0.00 $0.00 

7 Administrative and Other $0.00 $0.00 

7.1 Administrative Expenses $0.00 $0.00 

7.2 Evaluation and data analysis $0.00 $0.00 

7.3 Transfers to Other Units of Government $0.00 $0.00 

7.4 Transfers to Nonentitlement Units 

(States and Territories only) 

$0.00 $0.00 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

Project Inventory and Performance Report 

6663 1.01 Revenue Replacement 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

6.1 Provision of Government Services 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha Finance Department calculated the revenue loss for 2020 to be 

approximately $23 million according to the “General Revenue” definition and calculation 

methodology as provided in the Interim Final Rule. This loss was calculated using a 

modified accrual basis. This will continue to be the basis for all revenue loss calculations 

moving forward. Approximately 90% of the City’s losses were in the General Fund. Sales 

tax, occupation taxes, restaurant tax, hotel/motel tax, motor vehicle taxes, building permits, 

vehicle rental taxes and community center revenue were among some of the hardest hit 

revenues for the City of Omaha in the General Fund. The City plans to utilize the revenue 

loss for the provision of government services. The most significant City responsibility is 

public safety; therefore some of the revenue loss funds received will be utilized to cover 

payroll and benefits for public safety employees. This allows the City to ensure public safety 

is maintained during this unprecedented time. The City of Omaha will use the remaining 

revenue loss funds to cover payroll and benefits for other city employees across city 

departments. Individuals in all city departments provide essential services to the citizens. 

Output goals 

Replacing the revenue lost due to COVID-19 pandemic 

Outcome Goals 

Utilizing this replaced revenue to help the City of Omaha recover from the impacts of the 

COVID-19 pandemic 

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

No – Not Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14

6663 1.02 Public Sector Rehire 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

2.14 Rehiring Public Sector Staff 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha plans to dedicate some of the funds towards rehiring in order to solve a 

staff deficit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Output goals 

Number of people rehired 

Outcome Goals 

Improved public sector efficiency and results as a result of rehiring 

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

No – Not Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 15

6663 1.03 City Personnel 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff Responding to 

COVID-19 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha plans to use funds to pay for city personnel that are directly responding 

to issues involving COVID-19. These staff members are critical to the City’s continued 

response to the pandemic. This will include the ARPA Administration team employees, who 

are managing the recovery dollars and projects. 

Output goals 

Number of people hired and/or paid for 

Outcome Goals 

Increased ability to respond to COVID-19 pandemic 

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

No – Not Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 16

6663 2.01 Hotel Grants 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha Tourism project is aimed at reviving an industry that was tremendously 

hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct aid provided to the hotel industry will respond to the 

negative economic impacts of the pandemic. 

Hotel revenue in the City of Omaha/Douglas County declined by 51% in 2020 compared to 

2019, and hotels in the community were forced to lay off or furlough the majority of their 

staff. The pandemic-induced losses in the lodging industry brought demand and revenue in 

2020 to below 2010 levels, wiping out more than a decade of growth. 

The City is developing a plan to allow hotels to apply for funds based on the number of 

guest sleeping rooms at each hotel. These funds will allow hotels to implement COVID-19 

mitigation and infection prevention measures and aid in planned expansion or upgrades of 

hospitality facilities delayed due to the pandemic. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Number of hotels participating in program 

 Number of previously delayed facility projects assisted 

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

No – Not Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 17

6663 2.01 Hotel Grants- Continued 

Required Performance Indicators 

Number of Workers Enrolled in Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of Workers Completing Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of People Participating in Summer Youth Employment Programs: 0 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 18

6663 2.02 Convention & Visitors Bureau Recovery 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 

Project Overview 

The Mission of the City of Omaha’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is to stimulate 

economic growth by promoting and developing Omaha as an appealing tourism destination. 

In 2019, 13.4 million visitors traveled to Omaha and spent $1.4 billion in the community. The 

COVID-19 pandemic created a loss of more than $343 million in visitor spending in 2020. 

The City of Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has faced challenges similar to 

tourism departments across the nation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. By investing 

funds towards the recovery of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Omaha aims 

to stimulate economic growth by promoting and developing the Omaha metropolitan area as 

a dynamic tourism community. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Number of marketing campaigns 

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

No – Not Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 

Required Performance Indicators 

Number of Workers Enrolled in Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of Workers Completing Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of People Participating in Summer Youth Employment Programs: 0 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 19

6663 3.01 Community Grants 

Funding Amount: 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha has not yet begun this project other than to launch the process of 

compiling feedback from stakeholders. One of the priorities identified by the Mayor and 

reinforced throughout the public feedback is investment in Community Programs. In 

recognition of the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and 

wellbeing of low-income communities and the importance of mitigating these effects, the City 

of Omaha has identified a broad range of potential services and programs that could benefit 

the recovery in these communities. 

Understanding that basic needs must first be fulfilled before growth and greater progress 

may occur, the City will target resources in these areas. Community-based programs are in 

a unique position to effectively deliver services tailored to the cultural and linguistic needs of 

the populations they serve. The City will prioritize programs and services based upon data 

and stakeholder feedback. Special attention will be directed toward communities and 

populations where the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic have been most 

severe. 

The City will likely retain the services of a third-party to manage a grant application and 

selection process. This entity will also be responsible for post-award reporting and 

administrative compliance functions. Preliminary plans include partnering with established 

non-profit organizations capable of making an immediate impact as Omaha recovers from 

the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 20

6663 3.01 Community Grants- Continued 

Subawards 

None given yet 

Required Performance Indicators 

Number of Workers Enrolled in Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of Workers Completing Sectoral Job Training Programs: 0 

Number of People Participating in Summer Youth Employment Programs: 0 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 21

6663 4.01 Affordable Housing 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha Affordable Housing project is focused on maximizing State and Local 

Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to create more affordable housing options throughout the 

city. The City is still in the planning stages of this project and is considering multiple viable 

ideas. These ideas include subsidizing more affordable housing or apartments, making 

affordable housing more accessible, and working to help the homeless population within 

Omaha. The City will review recent studies and existing data to quantify the need, assess 

and identify gaps in the market, and engage local affordable housing leaders to understand 

current efforts and areas where capacity could be leveraged. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects, programs & services funded in this category.

Number of new units made available 

Number of people without a home aided (aiding the homeless) 

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects, programs & services funded in this category.

Number of people/families housed in the new units 

Individuals placed in permanent housing 

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started. 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 

Required Performance Indicators 

Number of People or Households Receiving Eviction Prevention Services (Including Legal 

Representation): 0 

Number of Affordable Housing Units Preserved or Developed: 0 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 22

6663 5.01 Violence Intervention 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community Violence Interventions 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha recognizes there has been an increase in community violence coinciding 

with the COVID-19 pandemic. Community violence intervention involves focusing on 

individuals at greatest risk for violence involvement, addressing underlying risk, holding 

individuals accountable for violent behavior, and eliminating inequities and advancing justice 

to prevent future violence. In many cases of community violence, those committing harm 

have histories of violence, prior legal system involvement, frequently have substance use 

disorders, and come from impoverished or difficult backgrounds. Overwhelmingly, 

perpetrators of violence have experienced extensive trauma in their own lives. Increased 

stress, social isolation, decreased access to preventative care, and financial and housing 

insecurities contribute to increased criminal activity. 

The City of Omaha plans to invest in evidence-based community violence prevention and 

intervention programs to prevent violence and mitigate the increase in violence. Many 

people face challenges and dangers they cannot control like unsafe neighborhoods, 

discrimination, or trouble affording basic necessities. This can have a negative impact on 

health and safety throughout life. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these problems for 

citizens throughout the community. The City plans to invest State and Local Recovery 

Funds in programs and services that will build positive relationships at home and in the 

community to reduce these negative impacts. 

The City will bolster alternative response initiatives already making a difference in the 

community. The City will also investigate ways to expand existing violence prevention, 

intervention, and crisis response models. Successful models currently under consideration 

include: community outreach and mentorship, violence interruption and crisis management, 

group violence intervention, hospital-based violence intervention, and individualized 

wraparound services. 

Finally, the City will explore ways that the built environment can reduce violence. The City 

will consider partnering with Business Improvement Districts, particularly those located 

within Qualified Census Tracts to improve streetscapes and lighting to create safe, secure 

neighborhoods. The City will consider enhanced security proposals from neighborhoods 

experiencing upticks in crime, particularly gang and gun violence. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 23

6663 5.01 Violence Intervention- Continued 

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 24

6663 5.02 Mental Health Intervention 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

1.10 Mental Health Services 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha received a number of citizen responses indicating a need for expanded 

mental health services. The City is gathering additional stakeholder feedback regarding 

spending in this category. The City will collaborate with Douglas County Administration in 

establishing a mental health strategy that is data driven, responsive to identified needs, and 

will not be duplicative of the County’s efforts in this area. The City will ensure strategies 

pursued are trauma-informed, equity-based, and accessible. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the programs & services funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 25

6663 6.01 Public Spaces 

Funding Amount 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category 

1.12 Other Public Health Services 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha is working on a Public Spaces project that is aimed to improve parks 

and other public areas throughout the City, especially within Qualified Census Tracts 

(QCTs). This project will serve multiple functions in dealing with the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. The goals of the project include improving spaces so that people, especially 

those within QCTs that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, can have a place 

to exercise, gather safely, and take part in other outdoor activities. The improvements to the 

public spaces are aimed at attracting more people to enjoy the City’s spaces, while also 

making needed improvements to these spaces. 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects funded in this category.

Number of parks/public spaces being improved 

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 26

6663 7.01 Broadband 

Funding Amount: 

To be determined 

Project Expenditure Category: 

5.17 Broadband: Other projects 

Project Overview 

The City of Omaha is focused on improving and expanding broadband throughout the 

metropolitan area, specifically to areas within Qualified Census Tracts and other areas that 

lack necessary broadband infrastructure. The City is uncertain if State and Local Fiscal 

Recovery Funds (SLFRF) will be the primary source of funding for expanding broadband. 

The City of Omaha is researching all available funding sources as well as meeting with 

stakeholders to gather additional information about needs for this project. Should the City 

invest in this category, the City intends to partner with an organization specializing in 

broadband in order to facilitate this project 

Output Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects funded in this category.

Outcome Goals 

This will be further refined based upon the projects funded in this category.

Expenditures 

None so far 

Project Status 

Not Started 

Project Demographic Distribution 

Yes – Targeted Toward Economically Disadvantaged Communities 

Subawards 

None given yet 
City of Omaha 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 27

Civil Rights Compliance 

The City of Omaha Grant Administration Division administers several state and federal award 

programs and distributes funding through sub awards to local units of government and nonprofit agencies. The Grant Administration Division of the Mayor’s Office provides management 

and oversight of the funds as directed by federal and state statutes; Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 

Requirements for Federal Awards; United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice 

Programs, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, 2017 Financial Guide; funding agency program 

guidelines; and related sources. 

The City of Omaha Grant Management Handbook sets forth administrative and financial policies 

and procedures for the City of Omaha and sub recipients of grant funds administered by the City 

of Omaha Mayor’s Office, Grant Administration Division. The Grants Management Handbook 

provides a section on Standards of Financial Management, Sub recipient and Contractor 

approval process and agreements, Procurement Standards – to include debarment and 

suspension, and Civil Rights training. Per Sec. 10-192 of the Omaha, Nebraska Code of 

Ordinances, all contracts entered into by the City shall incorporate an equal employment 

opportunity clause. This requirement is passed down to each sub recipient or contractor at any 

level. The City of Omaha Code of Ordinances, Section 23-195 indicates the city shall comply 

with all applicable federal and state laws and labor agreements pertaining to equal employment 

opportunity and prohibiting discrimination and shall ensure that such equal opportunity be free 

of political bias.