Name                           RJ Neary

Occupation                   Chairman, Investors Realty

Education                     BA Agricultural Economics from University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Political Affiliation        Democratic

Website                       www.nearyforomaha.com

What are your connections to the community?

Prior to moving to Omaha at age ten, RJ lived in Armstong Iowa on a farm with his five siblings. RJ learned the importance of these values quickly through his chores on the farm, his paperboy route in Dundee, and his own lawn mowing service throughout high school. He then graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and shortly after, opened his own bar in Omaha, continuing his journey of entrepreneurship. RJ started at Investors Realty in 1987 and is still there over 30 years later.

What experience do you bring to the office?

RJ has served in many leadership roles in Omaha. He served as chair of the Omaha Planning Board and has been involved in the Omaha by Design Board of Directors, Urban Land Institute, Omaha Habitat for Humanity, and Catholic Charities just to name a few. His various leadership experiences make him well-versed in the current issues Omaha faces today. RJ knows how to execute ideas, and has the ability to incite real change. His vision and teamwork allow him to efficiently get things done. RJ is a trusted leader that can deliver the basic services Omahans rely on and move Omaha forward as a leader in the country.

What would one of your top priorities be?

Under my leadership, I will make Omaha a city of the future. I will correct the city services, and make sure that we get the basics done right. I will improve our processes and bring new programs and initiatives that provide Omahans with the changes that they want to see in our city. My Pathway to the Future will serve as what you can expect from me as the next mayor of Omaha. My Pathway includes my plans, my commitments and my promises for the future of Omaha.

What motivated you to run for public office?

Omaha needs a leader with vision. A leader that looks to the future and prepares our great city for the next generation. I believe that I am that leader, and I ask for your support.

What’s the biggest issue that Omaha faces?

Omaha is a great city but it struggles with racial inequity. Racial inequities have been embedded in housing and the economy long before COVID-19, although COVID has made the situation even more challenging. Redlining, racialized zoning, segregation, predatory lending and exclusions in federal programs are examples of public policies that have produced the racial disparities that permeate housing and economic policy today. Omaha can do better and I am committed to meaningful racial equity as your next mayor.

Is there anything else you want to tell voters?

The City of Omaha is a great place to live and to raise a family, with numerous amenities and a good quality of life. However, over the past eight years, Omaha has struggled to attract and retain young people, especially young professionals. While many mid-size cities have successfully drawn talent from bigger coastal cities, under the current mayor Omaha has unfortunately not kept pace with places like Milwaukee, Cleveland, or even Kansas City in the competition for the next generation. I am committed to reversing brain drain and will work tirelessly to improve our city so that it attracts and retains new talent.