Falls City is one of two of the newest communities to earn the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community designation.

The program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, is one of a few nationally that recognizes communities’ economic development preparedness. Also earning the designation was Columbus, Nebraska.

“These two communities’ progressive and future forward attitudes toward economic development makes them naturals for other mid- and small-sized cities in Nebraska to emulate,” said Mary Gerdes, Diplomats President. “Both Falls City and Columbus have made great strides in seizing and growing new and exciting economic and community development opportunities.”

Representing Falls City at the announcement in Lincoln was: Mayor Rodney Vandeberg; Beckie Cromer, Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) Executive Director; Cassey Whalen, EDGE Administrative Assistant; and Beth Sickel, EDGE Board Member. (Shown in photo accepting plaque from Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy and NE Diplomats President Mary Gerdes.)

In making the announcement, state officials highlighted EDGE’s development actions and accomplishments, including:

• Falls City’s EDGE program has implemented a local business recognition program that acknowledges its various business, public, educational and industrial communities through annual and mid-year recognition events, employer tours, media spotlights and quarterly Lunch and Learns.

• EDGE’s Industrial Sites and Buildings Task Force continues to advance a priority action plan focused on analysis and identification of new industrial sites, development of a shovel-ready site, and the design and specifications for a virtual spec industrial building.
• The website www.fallscityedge.com was deemed one of the best community economic development websites by outside review teams impressed with its design and content.
• EDGE was recently awarded a Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Housing Study Grant that will fund 50 percent of the cost for an updated Housing Study, thereby creating a newer, more modernized study for the city that focuses on workforce and retirement housing, housing for special populations, the demolition of vacant, dilapidated housing and land banking for future housing developments.

“Participating in the certified community process was a great experience and it shows that the city has the strong foundation needed to compete globally in the economic development marketplace,” said Beckie Cromer. “Falls City’s certification validates EDGE’s commitment to encourage economic growth and improve the business conditions of the greater Falls City area.”

Falls City and Columbus join an elite group of only 21 other communities certified. To learn more about the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community Program, visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development website. Contact Beckie Cromer, EDGE Executive Director, to learn more about Falls City’s economic development growth strategy.

Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) awarded Falls City EDGE a $12,000 matching grant in round three of the Housing Study Grant Program.

Grant funds are to be used for studies to stimulate ideas for comprehensive development plans encompassing housing, community and economic development opportunities in Nebraska. EDGE will utilize the funding to produce an enhanced local housing and redevelopment plan for Falls City. This study will be the first step toward neighborhood revitalization and will focus on an improved housing inventory and potentially new housing developments. Additionally, the blight and substandard component of this housing study is the first step towards utilization of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Falls City. TIF is an economic development tool many Nebraska communities are aggressively using and a financing option that can assist us in developing new ways to build our community.

“Falls City EDGE is very pleased with this grant award,” said EDGE Executive Director, Beckie Cromer. “Available, quality housing is a key factor in Falls City’s success in attracting new businesses and attracting and retaining workers at all income levels. This comprehensive study will help us determine next steps on how to implement strategies which will improve the housing inventory and redevelopment efforts in Falls City.”

Eligible applicants for NIFA’s Housing Study Grant Program include any housing or economic development entity, profit or non-profit, without direct access to property tax revenue streams. NIFA’s mission is to provide Nebraskans a broad range of financial resources for homeownership, rental housing, agriculture, manufacturing, medical and community development endeavors.

Contact Beckie Cromer, EDGE Executive Director, for more information on the NIFA Housing Study Grant award.