Since 2014, the Omaha-Council Bluffs area has consistently seen a voter turnout rate between 43% and 60% in both local and state midterm elections. In presidential elections, however, that rate has jumped, particularly in the most recent election.

Local voter turnout rates have been higher than state and national rates.

Across the state and country, turnout rates in the 2020 election were higher than in 2016. Our local turnout rates also increased, and we remained higher than state and local rates.

About the Data

This quick look at Civic Engagement comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: Douglas, Sarpy, & Pottawattamie County Election Commissions, The Bipartisan Policy Center, The Election Project

The post Voter turnout trends in the Omaha metro, as told by 2 charts appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Overall, property crime rates in our community remain higher than national rates. Douglas and Pottawattamie Counties have consistently had higher rates than the national averages. Sarpy County, however, has had consistently lower rates than the United States.

Violent crime is down in Pottawattamie and Douglas Counties and remains the same in Sarpy County. Violent crime rates provide insight into the prevalence of a community’s most serious crimes and the level of safety within them. Violent crime in Douglas and Pottawattamie Counties has generally been on the decline over the last 14 years, with some increases in certain years. Meanwhile, Sarpy County has seen a gradual increase in violent crime since 2014.

In recent years, violent crime rates in Sarpy County have been lower than the national average. However, both Douglas and Pottawattamie Counties have violent crime rates higher than the national average.

About the Data

This quick look at Safety comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, 2000-2019

The post How safe is the Omaha metro? appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

While overall, 16% of individuals in our community lack access to healthy foods, the percentage significantly increases when looking at those living below the poverty line.

The USDA measures access by food deserts — areas (census tracts) where at least 1 in 5 people are living below the poverty line and at least one-third of people are more than a mile from the nearest grocery store.

We have a higher percentage of people living in food deserts than the national average. The Omaha-Council Bluffs area has a high concentration of food deserts — specifically in the northeast and southeast sections of Omaha, and western portions of Council Bluffs. Nine percent of our neighbors are living in a food desert while only 4% of all Americans live in food deserts.

About the Data

This quick look at the Health comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: USDA Food Access Research Atlas

The post Omaha’s Food Deserts: Who has access to healthy foods appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

While unemployment is low in our community, it’s almost two times higher for people of color. We also see large numbers of people who are working multiple jobs or underemployed, meaning they are working full-time but still living under the poverty line.

Our community fares better when compared to national unemployment rates. Locally, unemployment for residents across all races/ethnicities has declined in recent years.

About the Data

This quick look at the Workforce comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2014-2018 5 Year Estimates, Table S2301, B17004, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Multiple Job Holder Report; U.S. Census American Community Survey 2014-2018 and 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, Tables B20017, B20017A, B20017B, B20017I (geographic area includes the Omaha-Council Bluffs MSA, which includes Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Washington, Saunders, Pottawattamie, Mills & Harrison Counties); American Community Survey 2014-2018 5 Year Estimates Tables S2411, B23008, American Community Survey 1-Year 2019 table S0201, American Community Survey 1-Year 2018 tables C17010A, C17010B, C17010I, etc. (accounting for households in poverty by race); Nebraska Department of Labor (NE Works),National Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, US Census American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-year Estimates Table S1501.

The post Working multiple jobs? Data shows you’re not alone appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Almost 1 in 2 local renters are spending too much on housing. It is recommended that less than 30% of a household’s income be spent on housing costs. In our community, 45% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs. Of those who own their own home, only 19% spend more than 30% of their income on their home and related costs.

About the Data

This quick look at Housing comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2014-2018 5-Year Estimates Table B25106 & S1901 (geographic area includes the Omaha-Council Bluffs MSA, which includes Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Washington, Saunders, Pottawattamie, Mills & Harrison Counties). H2050 Equity Profile. The Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) 2020 Fair Market Rent (FMR).

The post How much renters need to earn to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Omaha appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

In a 2019 ConnectGO survey, about 65% of people reported a lack of satisfaction with the quality of transit service in the Omaha metro, and 60% reported a lack of satisfaction with the current service area of public transit. Projects like the new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) are key to increasing efficiency in public transit.

We are faring better than St. Louis and Kansas City but not as well as other cities in the Midwest. We have, however, improved our travel to work times using public transit since 2012 by 10%.

About the Data

This quick look at Transportation comes from The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: 2013 Heartland Connections: Regional Transit Vision Feasibility Analysis, FTA State Spending; U.S. Census American Community Survey 2019 5 Year Estimates, Table B08134, 2020 Connect Go Goals and Principles Report; U.S. Census American Community Survey 2019 5 Year Estimates, Table B08122

The post Commuting by Public Transportation in Omaha? Here’s Your Average Travel Time appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Many children in our community, particularly those from lower-income families, may not have access to preschool programs—57% of children ages three to four are not enrolled in some type of preschool or nursery program. Research has shown that access to high-quality preschool programs can help children be ready for kindergarten.

About the Data

Learn more about Education in The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

The post Where Omaha-Council Bluffs Ranks for Kindergarten Readiness appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Access to the Arts

In Douglas County, there are significantly more arts organizations than in neighboring Pottawattamie and Sarpy Counties. However, the arts organizations are predominantly located in central and downtown Omaha.

About the Data

The Landscape is a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

The post How accessible are the arts in Omaha? appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Omaha and Council Bluffs rates of giving and volunteering are higher than national averages. Our local volunteer rate is consistent with the state’s rate.

About the Data

Learn more about Civic Engagement in The Landscape, a set of thoughtfully collected data that provides a snapshot of our community today and reveals the areas where we could improve the quality of life.

By combining comprehensive, publicly available data with insight and knowledge from nonprofits and residents, The Landscape is a community resource that can help set priorities, identify areas for collaboration, and inform decision-making on investments.

Learn More

Data Sources: U.S. Census Current Population Survey. Volunteering & Civic Engagement Supplements. Data was provided by the National Conference on Citizenship.

The post Meet the generation of Omahans that volunteer, give the most in 2 charts appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

• Local nonprofits continue to advocate for safer, better connected biking and walking options throughout the metro.
• A dedicated bike lane is being tested to great success on Harney Street with hopes of expanding lanes citywide.
• The two-mile North Omaha trail is one of several other trail projects planned with the goal of connecting North Omaha to the urban core and making biking a more viable transportation option in the metro.
• Making biking and walking improvements to Maple Street is a wiser investment than adding a third car lane.
• Building the biking and walking infrastructure is a public health investment that will improve the quality of life for residents.

Omaha’s trails are mostly used for recreation, not transportation. That’s partly because the city lacks the infrastructure to reach everyday destinations by walking or biking. Julie Harris, Executive Director of Bike Walk Nebraska, wants to change this.

Bike Walk Nebraska, in partnership with Metro Smart Cities, created Omaha’s first protected bike lane. Cycling is up 140% on Harney Street, between midtown and Old Market, since the nearly 2-mile bikeway opened last year.

“We’re seeing rider satisfaction increase, and businesses, neighborhood associations, and downtown associations are very happy,” Harris said. “There have been challenges, but overall, it’s been amazing.”

In the Omaha-Council Bluffs area biking and walking to work have remained consistently low over the last 10 years. A 2019 ConnectGO survey found that 65% of respondents did not feel safe cycling for transportation.

This falls in line with a survey of the 50 largest metros in the United States. Findings revealed 60%—the majority of respondents—identified as interested but concerned, meaning they would bike if they felt safer.

“These are the people who say, ‘I wish I could do that, but there’s just no way—it’s not safe.’ We need to design our bike facilities to attract those riders,” Harris said. “Just putting a line of paint on the ground is not going to get someone to ride their bike down Leavenworth. But a protected lane makes a difference for those people who are concerned.”

Her goal is to get more of these protected lanes throughout the city, connecting both north-south corridors and east-west corridors. Another way of increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists is trails.

North Omaha Trail Expected to Improve Connectivity and Quality of Life

Manne Cook is the lead for Spark CDI’s North Omaha Trail Project, a two-mile trail that is currently under construction and will go from 31^st and Ames Avenue to 24^th and Lake Street. Brush removal and concrete work are in progress with murals and artwork to be added along the way.

Once extensions to existing trails are complete, the North Omaha Trail will eventually link North Omaha to the Beltline Trail, Fontenelle Park, Field Club Trail, and Council Bluffs via the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge.

“You’ll be able to ride from downtown Council Bluffs to North Omaha, just short of Benson at the 40^th and Hamilton area,” Cook said. “After that, there is exponential growth to the trail system.”

Cook worked in city planning before joining Spark CDI as an Urban Development Manager. He is also a board member for Mode Shift Omaha, an organization that advocates for more walkability and bike-ability.

You may see Mode Shift members at city council meetings, hosting bike rides and coffee chats, and contributing to education and news on behalf of cyclists and pedestrians. Cook is also the founder of Just Ride, a local bicycle club committed to mobility justice. It was established on the belief that people have the right to move through public spaces without the fear of violence, harm, or oppression.

In addition to offering more transportation options, people simply enjoy trails—they improve the quality of life and are something people want to live by. Cook pointed out that these types of lifestyle improvements are crucial for the city to stay competitive and attract talent.

“So much good is happening right now, and it’s going to keep progressing in a positive way,” Cook said. “A lot of people are going to be surprised in the next couple of years by the improvements that are happening and continuing to happen locally. We need to keep thinking about how to make it sustainable and scalable.”

Advocating for East-West Commuter Connections

The Harney Street bike lanes are intended to help expand those east-west connections that could draw more commuter cyclists. But to make a larger impact, Harris said the city needs to commit to planning infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians when installing or reconstructing roads and building bridges and neighborhoods.

In fact, Harris is advocating for a relatively easy investment into east-west connections right now.

“Look at West Maple Road,” she said. “It’s two lanes in each direction and there is talk about adding a third lane in each direction. Think of the resources we could save if instead of adding a third lane for cars, we put in sidewalks and a bike lane. Metro will not put a bus line on West Maple if they have to dump people into a ditch; adding sidewalks would draw the bus lines to that area. This is an opportunity to activate people to ride public transit, bike, and walk.”

Harris added that another car lane will only increase the number of cars using the road. Congestion may decrease at first, she said, but it will draw demand and, eventually, the traffic problem will become worse than it is now.

“What we need is a better network of protected, separated bike lanes,” she said. “Until we have a network, we won’t be able to see the true benefit of biking.”

Cook holds a similar opinion.

“Don’t invest in highways,” he said. “Nobody goes and lives somewhere because of a highway.”

Cook offered a reminder that people within the community have a say in what happens, and residents and nonprofits are increasing the pressure and speaking out about the needs.

A fully developed network of options for people will take a lot of time and resources. But it’s not something the city has to do all at once, and some of these measures come at a minimal cost if they’re done during construction.

“We can make little trail connections here and there,” Harris said. “When we have a new street built or one reconstructed, we make the decision to include safe bike accesses and sidewalks. They knit a city together and make connectivity happen.”

Public Health is the Best Investment We Can Make Now

Cook strongly believes that public health is at risk if we don’t make strategic infrastructure investments now.

“This is a moment in time when we are living toward the end of the pandemic and a lot of social change,” he said. “All this change has happened, but in ten years are we going to look back and wonder if we dropped the ball?”

He worries Omaha will miss this window of opportunity. He wants elected officials to educate themselves on the issue, stop defaulting to what’s already been done, and act with compassion and intentionality.

“The investments we make now will define the future,” Cook said. “Investments in public health and quality of life are the best investments we can make.”

These nonprofits are committed to an equitable outcome, and perhaps more importantly, an equitable process.

“It’s going to be on my gravestone: It’s all about the process,” Harris said. “If we get the process right, we’re going to be in pretty good shape. How are decisions getting made? When are decisions getting made? Who is included in the decision? Is a discussion happening every time a decision is made? That’s what’s going to move us forward.”

Consider supporting nonprofits that are working to improve Omaha’s transportation.

• Bike Walk Nebraska
• Mode Shift Omaha
• SPARK CDI

Follow Just Ride if you want to have fun riding your bike with others while advocating for freedom from violence, harm, and oppression in public spaces.

Check out The Landscape

Transportation Research

The post Is Omaha Pedestrian, Bike Friendly? With Better Infrastructure, It Could Be appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.