The City of Lincoln has been known for its tremendous growth in recent years. With new projects on the horizon, city leaders are currently focused on two aspects of Lincoln’s growth that honor both its past and future.
“We are reworking our downtown specific plan to help preserve Lincoln’s historic downtown area as our city center as we continue to grow outward,” says Sean Scully, city manager. “Our focus is supporting downtown’s existing and successful businesses, making it easier for them to thrive with a number of grant programs, but also examining how we can bring other interesting and vibrant businesses to our downtown.”
The city has recently engaged a consultant and is preparing to address downtown zoning. Adjacent to City Hall at F and 6th streets, a new mixed-use project is now under construction, soon to offer retail at ground level and residential above. “We’re excited about this new project as well as bolstering our longtime downtown businesses at the same time,” says Scully.
“Our historic downtown keeps us grounded while our airport and the surrounding land with great industrial potential allow us
to soar.”— Sean Scully, City Manager
North of the downtown core, adjacent to the Lincoln Airport, an 84.1-acre parcel holds grand potential as an economic driver for the city’s future. City leaders are focused on marketing the property, slated for industrial development, with an eye toward tech, aviation or alternative energy companies that will not only keep Lincoln apace with the regional progressive economic initiatives, but also provide high-level jobs and careers.
City-owned for decades, the Lincoln Airport itself is a draw for new industry, with its Foreign Trade Zone designation, new hangar project, and space and amenities for private plane operators as well as prospective businesses. It’s already home to William Jessup University’s flight simulators.
“Our historic downtown keeps us grounded while our airport and the surrounding land with great industrial potential allow us to soar,” concludes Scully. “Lincoln is ideally poised for smart growth and welcomes residents and industry to experience our bright future with us.”
