[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6486242,"mediaKeyId","5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033","parentId",5682031,"title","Council updates food-inspection code; exempts under-18s from proposed permit fee","audioSeconds",2353,"startMs",4442000,"endMs",6795000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033&start=4442&end=6795","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033/thumbnail_4442000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486242/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-updates-food-inspection-code-exempts-under-18s-from-proposed-permit-fee","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486242-e2782c80d4afb436f0ec582af3d24cd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204123&Signature=RQUbcH5V6RP1cNqW8BFL0P6uanXr1eRDOgO5YT7xBCBIJnf51b82IvDK6--L4WKKHa2rOhma1kdPgUcN3juqCpDG0piaJOCpAk-9P1oIiDrh9~zM7rFe2cHgDR0whjYkjSoJrvlQt2n9oc7PuJw6WVRR~qSnAkRQF9a3fVKXn2LjrE2u-ldo~ViNFd-~4Zraqvv8-rIpZDspTf1-4qrAEhdsJTV9-uHprBxKvbHBWX80Ti2va5mc5r3j8Sh4XazSK9bSQzKcTyDM4eLTC951JKhiC8hXBYcDOG4eZX73hNv8VTiq~s1k4W7wj2WDjww7LPUKyPEcfUVGMKgRoHRl3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Omaha, NE","date","2025-08-26T22:16:10Z","article","The Omaha City Council approved an amendment of the whole to Chapter 11 (Food Inspection and Protection), updating the city’s food code for the first time in roughly two decades.

Council member Pete Festersen, a co-sponsor of the amendment, described the update as largely a modernization, removing obsolete language and aligning local rules with state requirements. The ordinance adopts a prohibition on bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods — a provision already required by state law — and adds a provision to require food-handler training every two years.

Notably, in response to concerns raised during earlier hearings, the amendment exempts anyone under age 18 from the proposed permit fee while still requiring the training. Festersen said the change aimed to reduce barriers for young people seeking entry-level food-service jobs.

The council heard that city inspectors had worked with industry stakeholders and that the Omaha Restaurant Association and hospitality groups had submitted letters of support. Festersen said he shadowed a food inspector and observed issues that would benefit from routine training.

The vote: The amendment of the whole (40d) passed on a 5–2 roll call. Council members Harding and Milton voted against the amendment; the measure otherwise carried.

Ending
City staff and council members said the ordinance is intended to improve food safety while minimizing new burdens on small businesses and young workers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Omaha Nebraska City Council meeting August 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved an amendment to the city’s food-inspection code that updates standards, formalizes a no-bare-hands rule consistent with state law and requires periodic food-handler training; the adopted amendment exempts those under 18 from paying a permit fee.","taxTitle","Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska","taxId",2556,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486247,"Council rejects effort to remove “diversity, equity and inclusion” from 2026 budget after lengthy public comment",2664,3856000,6520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033&start=3856&end=6520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033/thumbnail_3856000.jpg","/articles/6486247/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-rejects-effort-to-remove-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-from-2026-budget-after-lengthy-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486247-391e96fde0a5d6787e928490d5ec70d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204123&Signature=JDXjpHdJR99p-cY~NwTmXl7Gp2BFxRpMGcJOZI8Fx4mLh16Vss1-Y0GXyr7ziXECgH5rFLhMM8D2e2g5ka09TWkOrgTqO6bGW-K-BadA7xkWRUw9C5UR5gyYtwkeo-msW2IabHcsr0mzE7zrAhM5W-fd~NDH9ZTgqBhvgmy7KrBdcA-4xnvi8BxAZ7O~XVvg2o2oW6MlsfGOXW2wlC8luWl3gQ4VKZTDUgCxkVX39zO7HTCRBj77tb7RD5HRwZtHlSWnLLWU6zRo1a~7xyeufUcuYuRg8pYI4m6BNT0fr30y1xQ-ne~8B2S6c4XnZl4uFDDoy2tSjuE27JCh9HJ45w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha City Council voted 3–4 to reject a resolution that would have removed the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the city’s 2026 budget documents.

Council member Brinker Harding introduced the measure, saying it carried no direct fiscal impact but was intended to avoid potential jeopardy to federal funding tied to an executive order at the federal level. Harding said removing the phrase was a precaution to protect grants for infrastructure, affordable housing and SAFER firefighter awards.

Council member Leirion Gaylor Baird Begley (president) and others opposed the change. Council member Aimee Goodwin spoke at length against the amendment, saying the proposed removal would send a harmful message to marginalized residents and that language matters.

A wide range of public commenters urged the council to retain the language. Speakers included Lynn Mills, Clarice Dombek, Gwen Easter and others who described DEI language as important to fairness and access. Several speakers said removing the words was the start of a slippery slope that would harm marginalized communities.

Counterarguments at the meeting emphasized financial risk. Council member Melton (cosponsor of the motion alongside Harding) and other proponents said federal grants fund major projects — including multi-million-dollar infrastructure and public-safety grants — and that removing the words from two pages of the budget was a narrow measure to protect those funds.

Council action and vote
The motion to remove “diversity, equity and inclusion” was introduced, debated and put to roll-call vote. The final tally was 3 in favor (Harding, Melton and one other) and 4 opposed (Hugg, Roe, Goodwin and President Begley); the motion failed.

Why it matters
Council members and public speakers framed the discussion as a choice between protecting federal funding streams and preserving language that signals city commitment to equity. The debate drew dozens of speakers and underscored how symbolic language in official documents can become a focal point for broader political conflict.

Ending
The budget retained the phrase. Council members said they would continue to track potential federal actions that could affect city grants.","A proposal to strike the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the 2026 city budget failed on a 3–4 vote after extensive public testimony and debate about federal funding risks and the symbolic effects of removing the language.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486251,"Council allocates $150,000 in Keno revenue to four local food-assistance groups",1369,2025000,3394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033&start=2025&end=3394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033/thumbnail_2025000.jpg","/articles/6486251/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-allocates-150000-in-Keno-revenue-to-four-local-food-assistance-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486251-45342634b94768dae7de469e73ea6811/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204123&Signature=WKIa7CwfXWnb4ae8N4KDBWOorEnyf0Q4Dxq0hUy0-HPXeU9SQLb1P-OO6F7H0MLVNdfXw~tiroNOAAP0zQ1~bBMGB4QwxU7cxQdpUcK5jmdc5wTATZnqmFIpvHo7JgBpK4l2wTQwp~v0K5e-axr2V1mZ9Q5~t2VgCnGdxtq3HjE-FEouWEMiFSeaO2iMSCEFFG8cK4BUxdvwGz3Xd-iBr~bx3f~ueglLMs8NE43l9zGYhIbozRt6yP4CvwkegusbmWmK87IV5VLOktpB8F0cbKsPfVoLVJTZvcAJEg-403Yq3LmkGmxEs5nWeO~I5pLxEegv~pcRyG~fSMLI3CgRMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha City Council voted 7–0 to increase the Keno Fund revenue estimate by $150,000 for 2026 and to allocate that money to four nonprofit food providers: Food Bank for the Heartland, Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Together Inc., and Heart Ministry Center.

Nut graf: Council member Pete Festersen proposed the allocation, citing new Keno management revenue from the city of Kearney and rising local need. Nonprofit leaders told the council the additional funds will help address increased demand as federal food programs face cuts.

What the council approved
Council members approved a one-time appropriation of $150,000 to the Keno Fund and designated $37,500 to each of the four organizations. The motion carried unanimously.

Why proponents urged the allocation
Tim Williams, government affairs officer for Food Bank for the Heartland, told the council that Douglas County’s food insecurity rate has climbed in recent years and that the food bank expects sustained, high demand. Williams said federal commodity reductions and changes to SNAP will increase pressure on local emergency food providers.

Alicia Christiansen, director of policy and advocacy at Together Inc., said the organization’s pantry has seen daily visitor averages grow from 155 in 2023 to 203 in 2025 and that the funding would increase capacity.

Lundley Corbett Kuntz, representing Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, described their model of same-day rescue and delivery of perishable foods to nonprofits and said the funds would support delivery operations that they provide free to partners.

Dominyron (Dominy) Ron, CEO of Heart Ministry Center, said the center operates the largest pantry in Nebraska and projected distributing more than 3.17 million pounds of food in 2025; he described the funds as critical to meeting growing need.

Council context and financing
Festersen said the $150,000 is a conservative estimate of new management-fee revenue produced by a recent contract to operate Keno in Kearney. Council member Melton clarified that Keno funds are statutorily limited to community service programs and cannot be used for general infrastructure or road maintenance.

Ending
Council members described the allocation as a timely, one-time response to testimony at budget hearings and to recent federal funding uncertainty for food assistance programs.","The council approved a $150,000 Keno revenue allocation for food assistance in 2026, dividing the amount among four local food providers amid rising food insecurity and expected federal cuts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6486255,"Council approves a package of district budget amendments; one motion to remove “DEI” fails",128,629000,757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033&start=629&end=757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682031-2890a824429f44f6c5f8584e00ff7033/thumbnail_629000.jpg","/articles/6486255/Omaha/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Council-approves-a-package-of-district-budget-amendments-one-motion-to-remove-DEI-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486255-887b352f680d5adf03acc853b8afa040/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204123&Signature=o-wIA3FrqYTzaVsDyRtDGTemsOsGRqSZo17r3jd2xts0VOGo8puk0iA0eAeDrGuKJjGiBA0Ju6RM-Rz1vT2xhrHAzI8ZbBykztV25WaKrbbPR7InA-IQ6d9ixU5-k9zY4npqowP4VKkBtV~~4uLWlbSFmE5xT6aLqIOggVQgESIEanz2jTCdu4VKJWFluTGBNsITjmryWVi0xMrgMenmm4NtgoZv716-pHh2fmkAZvLxCW7HFXq2fcPewvUWi8IctgY~PNovVFETYbdYdoae6xW57cFZkatf4LWusx9XlC9JcAtYTtWIIo1gcPH~~-~gW1fMTrkpV8s2yZZxTHncrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Omaha City Council members voted on a set of individual budget amendments that redirected small amounts of the 2026 general fund for community service projects and park improvements across council districts.

The council approved multiple one-time appropriations — most commonly $50,000 allocations tied to individual council members — for nonprofits, parks projects and neighborhood initiatives. The votes were largely unanimous. Council members also approved a separate Keno-funded allocation of $150,000 to local food assistance organizations (see separate story).

Why it matters: The amendments funnel locally controlled discretionary dollars into neighborhood-level projects such as park maintenance, workforce training and nonprofit service delivery. The council emphasized responsiveness to public input heard during the budget process.

What passed (highlights)
- Item 6 — Heartland Hope Mission: $50,000 for community service programs. Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 745.02–753.95 in the meeting record).
- Item 7 — Omaha Parks Foundation: $50,000 for Sunnyslope Park tennis court resurfacing (neighborhood fundraising to supplement). Motion passed 7–0 (vote recorded at 871.71–879.81).
- Item 8 — Nebraska Center for Workforce Development Education ($35,000) and The Furniture Project ($15,000): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 1254.95–1264.79).
- Item 9 — Florence Park improvements ($45,000) and Police speed monitor ($5,000): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 1397.39–1403.89).
- Item 10 — Multiple community organizations (Victory Boxing, parks, South Omaha Museum, South Omaha Neighborhood Association): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 1577.09–1588.37).
- Item 11 — North Omaha Music and Arts: $45,000 (parks/facilities) and $5,000 (community services): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 1996.28–2004.54).
- Item 12 — Keno revenue increase and distribution: Raised Keno fund revenue estimate by $150,000 and allocated $37,500 each to Food Bank for the Heartland, Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, Together Inc., and Heart Ministry Center; motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 3388.15–3410.28).
- Item 13 — Omaha Parks Foundation ($35,000) and Omaha Municipal Land Bank ($15,000): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 3511.85–3519.84).
- Item 14 — North 20th Street streetscape CIP programming revisions (capital improvement programming): Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 3837.50–3846.16).
- Item 16 — Revenue/expenditure adjustments for areas annexed 07/30/2025: Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 6539.79–6550.86).
- Item 17 — Approval of the 2026 budget as amended: Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 6568.89–6589.76).
- Item 18 — 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Program as amended: Motion passed 7–0 (roll call recorded at 6612.73–6621.07).

What failed
- Item 15 — Resolution to remove the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the 2026 budget: Motion failed 3–4 (Harding, Melton in favor; Hugg, Roe, Goodwin and President Begley opposed; recorded at 6510.49–6533.17).

Council comments and context
Council members repeatedly described the package as district-level investments responsive to requests from neighborhoods, business improvement districts and nonprofit partners. Several council members noted the amendments were limited, one-time allocations rather than ongoing programmatic funding.

Ending
The council finalized the amended 2026 budget and the 2026–2031 CIP after the roll calls above. Many of the approved allocations will be administered through existing city channels or through the nonprofit partners named in the amendments.","The Omaha City Council voted on a series of 2026 budget amendments that direct small discretionary awards to neighborhood groups, parks and service providers. Most amendments passed unanimously; a separate resolution to remove the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the budget failed 3–4.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council updates food-inspection code; exempts under-18s from proposed permit fee

Council rejects effort to remove “diversity, equity and inclusion” from 2026 budget after lengthy public comment

Council allocates $150,000 in Keno revenue to four local food-assistance groups

Council approves a package of district budget amendments; one motion to remove “DEI” fails