LINCOLN — Nebraska’s fifth and final “good life district” designation goes to the City of Kearney, city leaders announced on Monday.

Kearney’s district joins four other geographical areas designated as good life districts by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in or around the cities of Omaha, Gretna, Bellevue and Grand Island.

Applicants from Kearney and Papillion had been competing for the fifth and final designation allowed under the Good Life Transformational Projects Act of 2023.

Such districts were established under the law, which has been revised in the past two regular legislative sessions, as a tool to help create unique tourist-oriented campuses expected to generate jobs and economic activity.

Under the law, the state gives up half of the state sales tax generated within the boundaries of a good life district for up to 30 years, and that revenue is steered toward eligible costs of developing the district.

Leveraging those state sales dollars would allow the community to attract “large-scale development projects” that will boost economic activity and enhance Kearney, the city’s statement said.

Such districts in the long run are expected to be a boon to the state in the form of increased tax revenue, tourism dollars and growth.

Kearney voters will be asked for approval. According to the city website, the City Council is to schedule an election to ask Kearney voters to authorize a good life district economic development program. If approved, that program shapes how the district functions.

The statement did not identify or describe a specific “large-scale development” project. But it said the Kearney Good Life District would cover 200 acres of vacant land surrounding the city’s SportsPlex and is to include retail, restaurant and destination attractions led by a private developer.

“Kearney has long been a hub of progress and opportunity, and receiving this final good life district designation reinforces our community’s role as a leader in Nebraska’s future,” Mayor Jonathan Nikkila said. “We look forward to leveraging these resources to drive growth, create jobs and enhance the vibrant quality of life that makes Kearney unique.”

The city website says the designation should accelerate development around Interstate 80 and the SportsPlex and increase visits to Kearney.

City leaders said they would work with state officials and local business leaders to ensure the benefits extend to all residents and contribute to the prosperity of Kearney and Nebraska.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kearney-gets-nebraskas-final-good-li...