{{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Short description|Under-construction streetcar system in Omaha, Nebraska, US}} {{use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox rail line | logo = Logo Omaha Streetcar (2023).png | logo_width = 250 | image = | type = Streetcar | status = Under construction | locale = Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. | stations = 13 | website = {{URL|https://omahastreetcar.org/}} | routes = 1 | daily_ridership = | planopen = 2028 | owner = City of Omaha, Nebraska | character = Streetcar in mixed traffic | stock = CAF Urbos | linelength_mi = 3.0 | map = {{Omaha Streetcar|inline=y}} }}
The '''Omaha Streetcar''' is a streetcar system under construction in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. It is estimated to be completed in 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Omahastreetcar.org - PublicInput |url=https://omahastreetcar.org/ |access-date=May 13, 2025}}</ref>
==History==
===Background=== The Omaha-Council Bluffs streetcar era began operations in 1868. By 1890, the metropolitan area had {{convert|90|miles}} of tracks{{nbsp}}— more than any city except Boston. The Omaha Traction Company was the dominant private streetcar provider of the time; it was engulfed in repeated labor disputes.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 16, 1935 |title=Militia in Omaha After Fatal Riot |page=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/16/archives/militia-in-omaha-after-fatal-riot-1800-set-up-martial-law-with.html |access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=June 30, 1935 |title=New riots in Omaha; Bricks Bombard Street Cars in Revived Strike Outbreak |page=2 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/30/archives/new-riots-in-omaha-bricks-bombard-street-cars-in-revived-strike.html |access-date=January 3, 2023}}</ref> By 1955, the city closed its streetcar system in favor of buses.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Jessica |date=January 26, 2022 |title=After years of stalled attempts, Omaha is on track to build a streetcar |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/after-years-of-stalled-attempts-omaha-is-on-track-to-build-a-streetcar/article_823d3656-7ebf-11ec-9acc-d33c669a6c2f.html |work=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=January 1, 2022}}</ref>
===Planning and development=== In 2009, the City of Omaha and Heritage Services developed a ''Downtown Omaha Masterplan'' to improve the Omaha downtown area by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Steven |last2=Bisson |first2=Douglas |date=February 5, 2010 |title=Downtown Omaha 2030 Master Plan: Creative Resolution to Unique Challenges |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706185611/https://www.newpartners.org/2010/docs/presentations/friday/np10_bisson_jensen.pdf |url-status=live |url=https://www.newpartners.org/2010/docs/presentations/friday/np10_bisson_jensen.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=newpartners.org}}</ref> The transportation element of the ''Omaha Master Plan'' was completed in 2012, and included a bus rapid transit (BRT) and other non-car transit as part of the transportation blueprints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suttle |first=Jim |date=2010 |title=Omaha Master Plan - Transportation Element |url=https://urbanplanning.cityofomaha.org/images/stories/Master%20Plan%20Elements/Omaha_Transportation_Element_Final_TODAmendments_TODamendments_102620.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112153354/https://urbanplanning.cityofomaha.org/images/stories/Master%20Plan%20Elements/Omaha_Transportation_Element_Final_TODAmendments_TODamendments_102620.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2021 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=cityofomaha.org}}</ref> In 2013 as part of a central Omaha transit analysis, SB Friedman Development Advisors forecast central Omaha development impacts from improved transit.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=2014 TIGER Grant Application |url=https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318191606/https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=ometro.com |pages=23–48}}</ref> The Friedman analysis compared streetcar projects from Portland, Seattle, and Tampa to BRT alternatives from Cleveland and Kansas City, estimating the streetcar increases development by $1{{nbsp}}billion and the BRT alternative by $262{{nbsp}}million.<ref name=":0" /> However, the Friedman analysis ignored Portland's $725{{nbsp}}million, Seattle's $1{{nbsp}}billion, and Tampa's $165{{nbsp}}million in direct subsidies to developers, calling into question if streetcar economic impact differs from other modes of transportation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=O'Toole |first=Randal |date=June 14, 2012 |title=The Great Streetcar Conspiracy |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2226591 |journal=Cato Institute Policy Analysis No. 699 |ssrn=2226591 |via=SSRN}}</ref> The central Omaha transit alternatives analysis was completed in 2014, narrowing down the alternatives to a BRT or streetcar system along Farnam and Harney or a Farnam Contraflow route.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2014 |title=2014 TIGER Application Appendix A: Benefit-Cost Analysis |url=https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318191606/https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=ometro.com |pages=63–167}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |+2014 Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis Final Screening Summary<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2014 |title=2014 TIGER Application, Appendix A: Benefit-Cost Analysis |url=https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318191606/https://www.ometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TIGER-Appendices-A-F.pdf |archive-date=18 March 2023 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=ometro.com |page=76}}</ref> ! rowspan="3" |Criteria !Alternative 1 !Alternative 2 !Alternative 2A !Alternative 3 !Alternative 3A |- !BRT ! colspan="2" |BRT ! colspan="2" |Streetcar |- |Dodge/Douglas Couplet |Farnam/Harney Couplet |Farnam Contraflow |Farnam/Harney Couplet |Farnam Contraflow |- ! colspan="6" |RIDERSHIP |- !Ridership |1,180 passengers | colspan="2" |1,430 passengers | colspan="2" |1,380 passengers |- ! colspan="6" |CAPITAL COSTS |- |Capital Cost (2013) |$36,638,000 |$37,196,000 |$42,543,000 |$141,386,000 |$141,724,000 |- |Annualized capital cost |$2,007,000 |$2,037,000 |$2,330,000 |$7,745,000 |$7,763,000 |- |Cost per mile |$6,242,000 |$6,048,000 |$7,102,000 |$42,331,000 |$44,567,000 |- ! colspan="6" |OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST (O&M) |- |Annual O&M Cost (2013) |$2,647,486 | colspan="2" |$2,681,234 | colspan="2" |$6,883,515 |- ! colspan="6" |COST BENEFIT |- |Cost per user |$3.94 |$3.30 |$3.50 |$10.60 |$10.61 |- !RECOMMENDATION !Eliminate !Advance !Advance !Advance !Advance |}
During her re-election campaign in April 2017, Mayor Jean Stothert said voters should decide the streetcar's future, hoping to put it on the November 2018 ballot, "I've always wanted the people to be the final decision," the mayor said. "That's nothing different."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barth |first=Taylor |date=April 10, 2017 |title=Mayor Stothert calls for vote on streetcar |publisher=KETV |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/mayor-stothert-calls-for-vote-on-streetcar/9251392 |access-date=May 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507213813/https://www.ketv.com/amp/article/mayor-stothert-calls-for-vote-on-streetcar/9251392 |archive-date=May 7, 2023}}</ref> In the 2019 to 2020 election cycle Stothert received: $10,000 from HDR Inc., an engineering firm advocating for streetcars nationwide, and $5,000 from Kutak Rock LLP, a legal firm with specialists in Tax Increment Financing (TIF).<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 3, 2024 |title=Vendor/Recipient Profile: Jean Stothert for Omaha |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/campaign-expenditures/vendor?cycle=2020&vendor=Jean+Stothert+for+Omaha |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303183039/https://www.opensecrets.org/campaign-expenditures/vendor?cycle=2020&vendor=Jean+Stothert+for+Omaha |archive-date=Mar 3, 2024 |access-date=Mar 3, 2024 |website=www.opensecrets.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=O'Toole |first=Randal |date=Jun 14, 2012 |title=The Great Streetcar Conspiracy |url=https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/PA699.pdf |journal=Policy Analysis |volume=699 |pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Sep 2020 |title=Tax Increment Financing |url=https://www.kutakrock.com/services/practices/public-finance/tax-increment-financing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930021028/https://www.kutakrock.com/services/practices/public-finance/tax-increment-financing |archive-date=Sep 30, 2020 |access-date=Mar 3, 2020 |website=www.kutarock.com}}</ref>
Representative Don Bacon was unsuccessful in obtaining an $8 million earmark for the project in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Gaarder|first1=Nancy|last2=Ristau|first2=Reece|title=Omaha officials sought $8 million for streetcar but didn't get federal earmark|url=https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/omaha-officials-sought-8-million-for-streetcar-but-didnt-get-federal-earmark/article_516ae066-d535-11eb-9406-dbc52d7b8da8.html|access-date=2022-01-31|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald|date=June 29, 2021 |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629213632/https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/omaha-officials-sought-8-million-for-streetcar-but-didnt-get-federal-earmark/article_516ae066-d535-11eb-9406-dbc52d7b8da8.html|archive-date=June 29, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2022, a revised plan was announced by Mayor Jean Stothert and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's Urban Core Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Total Mobility System - City of Omaha |url=https://www.cityofomaha.org/total-mobility-system |access-date=2022-01-31 |website=www.cityofomaha.org}}</ref>
State Senator Justin Wayne, champion of TIF legislation for 'extremely blighted' areas of the state, questioned the use of TIF for the streetcar saying “For them to extremely blight that area is a slap in the face to North and South Omaha," citing multimillion-dollar investment and renovation projects going on in the urban core of the state's biggest city, “In no way is downtown Omaha extremely blighted.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Cindy |date=Jan 27, 2022 |title=Lawmakers object to TIF use for Omaha streetcar |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/01/27/lawmaker-objects-to-tif-use-for-omaha-streetcar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128002011/https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/01/27/lawmaker-objects-to-tif-use-for-omaha-streetcar/ |archive-date=Jan 28, 2022 |access-date=Mar 3, 2024 |work=Nebraska Examiner}}</ref>
At the December{{nbsp}}6, 2022, Omaha City Council meeting Thomas Rubin, CPA, CMA, CMC, CIA, CGFM, CFM, a transit industry senior executive, consultant, and auditor with four decades experience in transportation and an Omaha native provided a presentation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Thomas |date=Sep 8, 2023 |title=Thomas A. Rubin Bio |url=https://reason.org/author/thomas-a-rubin/?only=policy-study |access-date=Sep 8, 2023 |publisher=Reason Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Thomas |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Presentation to the Omaha City Council re the Proposed Omaha Streetcar |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505215914/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=Omaha City Council |pages=41–44}}</ref> Rubin states the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) excels over the proposed streetcar line on almost all standard transportation measures: going over three times as far west to serve more potential riders and destinations, faster operating speed, and more trips/day{{nbsp}}– and at a far lower cost that does not require hundreds of millions of dollars of additional taxpayer capital.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Thomas |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Presentation to the Omaha City Council re the Proposed Omaha Streetcar |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505215914/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=Omaha City Council |pages=1–6, 45–50}}</ref> Rubin also highlights, per HDR analysis, the Omaha streetcar achieved most of the development potential already since ORBT began operations two years ago with two-thirds of the growth development ability of the proposed streetcar in the development corridor under study.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Thomas |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Presentation to the Omaha City Council re the Proposed Omaha Streetcar |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505215914/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221b.pdf |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=Omaha City Council |pages=7–13, 36–37, 54–60}}</ref> On December{{nbsp}}13, 2022, the Omaha City Council approved $440{{nbsp}}million in bonds to fund the streetcar, $360{{nbsp}}million TIF bonds and $80{{nbsp}}million from lease purchase bonds.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Journal Record, City of Omaha City Council Meeting, Tuesday, December 13, 2022 |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/2022-12-13j.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505220026/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/2022-12-13j.pdf |archive-date=May 5, 2023}}</ref> The City of Omaha published a plan to pay back the $600 million needed, $440 million principle plus $160 million in interest, by: first, diverting $421 million from $2.2 billion in new TIF subsidized projects in the streetcar district; second, diverting $71 million from existing development in the streetcar district; and third, diverting $115 million from existing TIF subsidized projects by extending those TIFs 5 years for a total of $607 million in diverted property taxes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saikia |first=David |date=Dec 2, 2022 |title=Omaha Modern Streetcar Tax Increment Financing Analysis Preliminary Findings |url=https://www.cityofomaha.org/images/pdf/Omaha_Modern_Streetcar--Preliminary_Findings_Report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303001029/https://www.cityofomaha.org/images/pdf/Omaha_Modern_Streetcar--Preliminary_Findings_Report.pdf |archive-date=Mar 3, 2024 |access-date=Jan 1, 2023 |website=City of Omaha}}</ref> Subsequently, investor Warren Buffett, an Omaha resident and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, published a letter to the editor in the ''Omaha World-Herald'' to oppose the street project. He cited its cost and inflexibility compared to a bus system.<ref>{{cite news |last=Funk |first=Josh |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Warren Buffett breaks local politics vow to say not in my backyard to $306 million Omaha streetcar project |work=Fortune |agency=Associated Press |url=https://fortune.com/2022/12/29/warren-buffett-opposes-omaha-streetcar-bus-local-politics-billionaire-investor-nimby/ |access-date=January 3, 2023}}</ref>
The streetcar would run on a {{convert|3|mile|km|adj=on|spell=in}} route from Cass to Farnam on South 10th Street, Farnam west to 42nd Street, and back to 10th Street on Harney. The streetcar was originally expected to be operational in 2026, and free for all riders.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 27, 2022|title='Now is the time to do it': City of Omaha aims for operational streetcar system by 2026|url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/now-is-the-time-to-do-it-city-of-omaha-aims-for-operational-streetcar-system-by-2026|access-date=2022-01-31|publisher=KMTV|language=en}}</ref> On June{{nbsp}}12, 2023 streetcar officials stated plans to hire an outside company to run the streetcar, as Omaha has no one capable, and moved the beginning of operations to spring 2027.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McLoon |first=Alex |date=June 12, 2023 |title=Another step for Omaha's streetcar: Officials plan to hire private company, unveil regulations for federal sign-off |pages=1 |publisher=KETV |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/another-step-for-omahas-streetcar-officials-plan-to-hire-private-company-unveil-regulations-for-federal-sign-off/44179147 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612233515/https://www.ketv.com/article/another-step-for-omahas-streetcar-officials-plan-to-hire-private-company-unveil-regulations-for-federal-sign-off/44179147 |archive-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> While future expansions north, south, and west in Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, have been proposed, Omaha city planning stated an alternatives analysis has yet to be completed on any proposal and would take a total of 8 to 10 years once started.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chapman|first=John|title=Council Bluffs looks to link up with Omaha streetcar route|url=https://www.wowt.com/2022/01/26/council-bluffs-looks-link-up-omaha-streetcar-route/|access-date=2022-01-31|publisher=WOWT|date=January 26, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Derek |date=December 12, 2022 |title=Evaluating and identifying future street car extensions |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221d.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701055130/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/images/agenda/ID_22_12_13/ORD-43221d.pdf |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=City Clerk City of Omaha}}</ref>
Utility relocation work along the route began in September 2023.<ref name=Liewer2023>{{cite news |last1=Steve |first1=Liewer |title=Omaha's $440 million streetcar project kicks off with digging, lane closures on Farnam |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/omahas-440-million-streetcar-project-kicks-off-with-digging-lane-closures-on-farnam/article_53bb866e-5723-11ee-90c4-a399d6309091.html |access-date=3 November 2023 |newspaper=Omaha Herald |date=September 20, 2023}}</ref>
At a June 18, 2024 news conference Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Omaha Streetcar Authority Chairman and developer Jay Noddle updated streetcar corridor costs to $459 million, with $39 million of the increase to be paid by city sewer fees, and a potential cost-sharing agreement with Nebraska Department of Transportation to cover about $21.5 million in bridge replacement costs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Cindy |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Price jumps for modern-day streetcar project in Nebraska's largest city |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/18/price-jumps-for-modern-day-streetcar-project-in-nebraskas-largest-city/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619030750/https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/18/price-jumps-for-modern-day-streetcar-project-in-nebraskas-largest-city/ |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=Nebraska Examiner}}</ref>
Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley issued a 26-page advisory letter to the Nebraska Unicameral on the increased use of TIF in Nebraska and highlighted Omaha's streetcar project summarizing “My purpose for discussing the ‘Streetcar Project’ in the letter is not to criticize or pass judgement on this half-billion dollar undertaking, which uses TIF on over 1,100 parcels of prime real estate,” Foley stated. “It is merely to shed light on the potential impact of the financing techniques being employed to fund it. In the final analysis, construction of the ‘Streetcar Project’ will be anything but free.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Mike |date=Sep 10, 2024 |title=State Auditor Mike Foley Issues Informative Letter to the Nebraska Legislature Regarding the Use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Its Impact on Property Taxes |url=https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/CV0001-09102024-TIF_Letter_Press_Release.pdf |access-date=Sep 3, 2025 |website=nebraska.gov}}</ref> In that same advisory, Foley noted that during the time property taxes are diverted to pay off costs of a redevelopment project, those property taxes are not available for public education and other local services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Mike |date=Sep 10, 2024 |title=September 10, 2024 TIF Letter |url=https://auditors.nebraska.gov/APA_Reports/2024/CV0001-09102024-September_10_2024_TIF_Letter.pdf |website=auditors.nebraska.gov}}</ref>
City of Omaha announced a new projected operational date of 2028.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=Molly |date=Dec 9, 2024 |title=Omaha Streetcar: expect more lane closures as construction ramps up in 2025 |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/central-omaha/omaha-streetcar-2024-recap-more-utility-work-and-construction-expected-in-2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210005359/https://www.3newsnow.com/central-omaha/omaha-streetcar-2024-recap-more-utility-work-and-construction-expected-in-2025 |archive-date=Dec 10, 2024 |access-date=Jun 23, 2025 |publisher=KMTV}}</ref>
2025 Omaha mayoral candidate Mike McDonnell proposed a referendum allowing residents to decide whether to continue the streetcar project, even though opponents, including Douglas County Treasure John Ewing, Candidate Jasmine Harris, and Mayor Jean Stothert, argue that it is too late to halt the project.<ref>{{Cite news |last=First Alert 6 staff reports |date=February 26, 2025 |title=Election 2025: Mayoral candidate Mike McDonnell attacks Omaha Streetcar plan |url=https://www.wowt.com/2025/02/26/election-2025-mayoral-candidate-mike-mcdonnell-attacks-omaha-streetcar-plan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226234414/https://www.wowt.com/2025/02/26/election-2025-mayoral-candidate-mike-mcdonnell-attacks-omaha-streetcar-plan/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |publisher=WOWT |url-status=live }}</ref>
In September 2025, Omaha's Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) sought a payment plan to protect ratepayers and the utility district from shouldering a significant increase in streetcar-related construction costs. Omaha has called for a way to monitor MUD’s streetcar expenses, stating the city was blindsided by the cost of the utility district’s first phases of work.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Jessica |date=Sep 3, 2025 |title=Costs climb and contention grows as MUD, City of Omaha tackle utility work for streetcar |url=https://thereader.com/2025/09/03/costs-climb-and-contention-grows-as-mud-city-of-omaha-tackle-utility-work-for-streetcar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250904011117/https://thereader.com/2025/09/03/costs-climb-and-contention-grows-as-mud-city-of-omaha-tackle-utility-work-for-streetcar/ |archive-date=Sep 4, 2025 |access-date=Sep 3, 2025 |work=The Reader}}</ref>. As part of the 2026 budget and capital improvement program, the City of Omaha approved an additional $61 million in non-bond funding for the streetcar project for the first time, with $35 million from the Sewer Revenue Improvement fund.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ewing |first=John |date=Sep 11, 2025 |title=City of Omaha Capital Improvement Program |url=https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images/CIP_Edited_Final_9-11-25.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225170509/https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images/CIP_Edited_Final_9-11-25.pdf |archive-date=Feb 25, 2026 |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha |page=34}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dowding |first=James |date=Aug 26, 2025 |title=Annual Budget For Calendar Year 2026 |url=https://finance.cityofomaha.org/images/Finance/Budget/2026/2026_Adopted_Budget_Web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225171838/https://finance.cityofomaha.org/images/Finance/Budget/2026/2026_Adopted_Budget_Web.pdf |archive-date=Feb 25, 2026 |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha |page=46}}</ref> City of Omaha Public Works Director Robert Stubbe confirmed non-bond funding for the streetcar would be used during Omaha Street Car Authority's 2026 budget deliberation, Resolution 2025-031.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Elizabeth |date=Nov 17, 2025 |title=Minutes for the Omaha Streetcar Authority (OSA) Monday, November 17, 2025 At 1330 PM |url=https://www.cityofomaha.org/images/omaha-streetcar/agenda/ID_25_11_17/11-17-25_OSA_Board_Minutes_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225180142/https://www.cityofomaha.org/images/omaha-streetcar/agenda/ID_25_11_17/11-17-25_OSA_Board_Minutes_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=Feb 25, 2026 |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha |page=2}}</ref>
On February 24, 2026, the Omaha City Council held a public hearing on an additional $70 million in lease-purchase bonds for the streetcar project.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Elizabeth |date=Feb 24, 2026 |title=CITY OF OMAHA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026 |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2026-02-24a.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224120539/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2026-02-24a.pdf |archive-date=Feb 24, 2026 |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha |page=8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqeBxdlaAjI |title=Omaha Nebraska City Council meeting February 24, 2026 |date=2026-02-24 |last=DOTComm |access-date=2026-02-25 |via=YouTube}}</ref> During the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff Economic Development Steve Jensen stated that the administration did not expect to issue more than approximately $490 million in streetcar-related bonds in total, explaining the additional authorization was intended in part to allow the city to shift a portion of the planned financing from 20 year TIF revenue bonds to 40-year lease-purchase bonds.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqeBxdlaAjI |title=Omaha Nebraska City Council meeting February 24, 2026 |date=2026-02-24 |last=Baker |first=Elizabeth |type=Video |time=49:29 |access-date=2026-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225222837/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqeBxdlaAjI&t=40s |archive-date=Feb 25, 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The following table summarizes streetcar related bond ordinances adopted since 2022:
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Omaha streetcar–related bond ordinances ! Ordinance !! Date passed !! Type of bonds !! "Not to exceed" amount !! New money or amendment !! Notes |- | ORD 43221<ref name=":1" />|| December 13, 2022 || Tax increment financing (TIF) revenue bonds || US$360,000,000 || New authorization || Master TIF bond ordinance for the streetcar project; payable from TIF revenues. |- | ORD 43220<ref name=":1" />|| December 13, 2022 || Lease‑revenue bonds (via Omaha Public Facilities Corporation) || US$80,000,000 || New authorization || First lease‑revenue tranche for streetcar facility and equipment. |- | ORD 43636<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Elizabeth |date=Dec 19, 2023 |title=JOURNAL RECORD CITY OF OMAHA CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2023-12-19j.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225231532/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2023-12-19j.pdf |archive-date=Feb 25, 2026 |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha}}</ref>|| December 19, 2023 || N/A (amendment only) || N/A || Amends ORD 43220 || Extends maximum maturity to 40 years; does not add new money. |- | ORD 43637<ref name=":3" />|| December 19, 2023 || Lease‑revenue bonds (master lease‑purchase) || US$50,000,000 || New authorization || Establishes master lease‑purchase framework for the 2024 project. |- | ORD 44355<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Elizabeth |date=Jul 29, 2025 |title=JOURNAL RECORD CITY OF OMAHA CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025 |url=https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2025-07-29j.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=Feb 25, 2026 |website=City of Omaha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303203834/https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/wp-content/uploads/images/2025-07-29j.pdf|archive-date=Mar 3, 2026}}</ref>|| July 29, 2025 || Lease‑revenue bonds, Series 2025C || US$65,000,000 || New authorization || Third supplemental indenture; provides financing for the 2025 project. |- | ORD 44611<ref name=":2" />|| February 2026 (proposed) || Lease‑revenue bonds, Series 2026D || US$70,000,000 || New authorization || Fourth supplemental indenture; provides financing for the 2026 project. |} City Councilman Brinker Harding stated during the public hearing that he holds no personal equity stake in land within the streetcar district.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqeBxdlaAjI |title=Omaha Nebraska City Council meeting February 24, 2026 |date=2026-02-24 |last=Butler |first=Elizabeth |type=Video |time=52:30 |access-date=2026-02-25 |via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303204532/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqeBxdlaAjI|archive-date=Mar 3, 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> Harding is also a senior vice president at Colliers International in Omaha, a commercial real estate firm that specializes in investment sales and landlord representation in the local market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brinker Harding |url=https://www.colliers.com/en/experts/brinker-harding |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230131232423/https://www.colliers.com/en/experts/brinker-harding |archive-date=2023-01-31 |access-date=2026-02-25 |publisher=Colliers International |language=en}}</ref>
==Rolling stock== In February 2024, it was announced that the line will use six CAF Urbos streetcars similar to those currently in use in Kansas City and Cincinnati.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dvorak |first=Gina |date=2024-02-02 |title=Omaha streetcar open house set for Feb. 22 |url=https://www.wowt.com/2024/02/02/omaha-streetcar-open-house-set-feb-22/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=www.wowt.com |language=en}}</ref> Funding was approved in May of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLoon |first=Alex |date=2024-05-14 |title=Omaha streetcar update: Vehicle builder approved, bridge work needed |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-streetcar-update-vehicle-builder-approved-bridge-work-needed/60780267 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=KETV |language=en}}</ref>
== See also == * Light rail in the United States * Streetcars in North America * Transportation in Omaha * General Motors streetcar conspiracy
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://omahastreetcar.org/ Official Streetcar website] {{Modern Streetcars}}
Category:Public transportation in Nebraska Category:Streetcars in Omaha, Nebraska Category:Proposed public transportation in Nebraska Category:Proposed railway lines in the United States Category:2028 in rail transport