City of Omaha announces proposal to develop Omaha Streetcar
On Jan. 26, 2022, Mayor Jean Stothert made the historic announcement that she is proposing the development of a modern streetcar.
Visit the City of Omaha’s website for project updates and more information.
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January 26, 2021 — Mayor Jean Stothert and the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Urban Core Committee are proposing to develop Omaha’s first streetcar route through the city’s urban core.
The streetcar will be built, operated, and maintained without a property tax rate increase or sales tax increase.
It will run on a three-mile route from Cass to Farnam on South 10th street, Farnam west to 42nd Street, and back to 10th Street on Harney. The streetcar will be free for all riders.
Mayor Stothert made the announcement to coincide with Mutual of Omaha’s decision to build a new corporate headquarters in downtown Omaha along the streetcar route.
“It’s the right time for Omaha to support a streetcar,” said Mayor Stothert. “Omaha is rapidly developing from the riverfront to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A streetcar will lead to additional development of our core which benefits the entire city. Mutual of Omaha’s plan to build a new downtown headquarters is the first example of what is possible and why now is the time. The momentum we have to forever change our urban core is undeniable.”
The streetcar provides access to jobs, housing, attractions, entertainment and recreation, higher education institutions, and health care. It will allow residents, employees, and visitors to move into, out of, and around the downtown and midtown core, limiting the need to drive between destinations and search for parking. And, it will increase the level of new development along the route, projected at $3 billion over the next 15 years and $5 billion in 30 years.