News
Keep up with all the recent happenings!
Registration open for the 2026 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference
Registration Open: Thriving Children, Families & Communities Conference Registration is now open for the 2026 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference, a statewide event bringing together leaders from across Nebraska to tackle issues impacting…
Nebraska’s Latest Census Data Highlights a Decade of Steady Growth and Emerging Strengths
Written by: Tricia Moyer, Economic Development Research Specialist The newest release of U.S. Census Bureau data offers an encouraging look at Nebraska’s demographic and economic trajectory over the past decade. With fresh insights into population trends,…
Southeast Community College Invests in Nebraska’s Workforce, Breaks Ground on Three Facilities
Southeast Community College broke ground on three major facilities this spring on its Beatrice, Lincoln, and Milford campuses. These facilities reflect SCC’s commitment to preparing Nebraska’s workforce demand while keeping up with extraordinary enrollment growth. In…
Jonathan Jank Joins NPPD’s Economic Development Team
We are pleased to welcome Jonathan Jank to Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) as an Economic Development Consultant. Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Concordia University and brings a strong background in business and community…
Rick Nelsen Announces Retirement After Decades of Service
After nearly three decades with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and an incredible 44 years dedicated to the economic development and chamber world, Rick Nelsen is stepping into a well-earned retirement. His contributions to this field have left a lasting mark…
New GIS Layers Now Available In LOIS
Why It Matters: More data layers for better size analysis, stronger data, and quicker decision-making. What’s new: Strata Platforms added GIS layers to LOIS through ArcGIS Living Atlas. They are now available across all LOIS property maps. What you can do next: To…
Governor Pillen Recognizes Clearwater as Nebraska’s 2026 “Showcase Community”
Governor Pillen visited Clearwater to present local leaders with the Governor’s 2026 Showcase Community Award. Each year, one Nebraska community receives the honor for having distinguished itself through projects to enhance quality of life and encourage economic…
Creative District Grants Support Local Economic Development
The Nebraska Arts Council has announced its FY25 Creative Districts Development Grants recipients, and several communities in Nebraska Public Power District’s footprint are celebrating major wins. With more than $1 million in requests submitted by 17 Creative…
Leaders and Organizations Across Nebraska Earn Recognition
Leaders and organizations from across Nebraska were recently recognized for their contributions to planning and community development during the Nebraska Planning Conference in Kearney. The conference was hosted by the American Planning Association Nebraska Chapter…
Nebraska Showcased at the 2026 World Ag Expo
Nebraska partners recently participated in the World Ag Expo, held February 10-12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. In its 59th year, the Expo continues to be one of the largest agriculture trade shows in the world, featuring more than…
Certified for Success: Local Communities on the Rise
What’s Happening: Communities across Nebraska are earning recognition for their commitment to long-term economic growth. The Program: The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program helps smaller communities get…
Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. Named 2026 “Thriving in Thayer County” Business Award Recipients
The Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) is proud to announce Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. as the 2026 recipients of the Thriving in Thayer County Business Award. This year’s honor recognizes not just a successful business, but a family’s…
NPPD’s Economic Development Team recent publications
Nebraska Public Power District’s Economic Development most recently issued the following publications. Community Guides – Be sure to read about all that these communities have to offer. Albion – Loup City Trend Studies – Be sure to read how these counties compare to…
From Plan to Progress: Five Years of Strategic Growth in Seward County, 2020-2025
The Big Picture Over the past five years Seward County has seen significant growth, innovation and strong community partnerships. From major economic investments to creative community projects, the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership (SCCDP) has played…
Promote your Community in 2026 with a Community Guide from NPPD
Be ready for opportunity in 2026 with a Community Guide from NPPD. One of the key services provided by the Nebraska Public Power District’s Economic Development Team is helping to position customer communities to take advantage of development opportunities that…