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Regional navigator outlines ARPA-funded housing, workforce and community-building work for six-region initiative
Summary
Emily Wuerl, Mid Plains regional navigator for the 6 Regions 1 Nebraska initiative, told Lincoln County commissioners the program is using ARPA funds for a workforce housing revitalization plan and other community-building efforts across the community-college region.
Emily Wuerl, regional navigator for the Mid Plains Community College region under the 6 Regions 1 Nebraska initiative, briefed the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on May 12 about an ARPA-funded effort focused on housing, workforce and community building across a six-region framework.
Wuerl said the role is funded through ARPA and administered through the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Economic Development and the governor's office. She described a $200,000 grant application that funded a workforce housing revitalization plan with JEO Consulting, and a separate "cost of complacency" cohort that will convene communities on June 24 in Gothenburg to address vacant and dilapidated properties.
Why it matters: Wuerl said the Mid Plains region spans a large area with about 88,000 people and a mix of one larger city (North Platte) and many small towns. She told commissioners the housing work is intended to produce data, dashboards and actionable project planning so small communities can identify and start projects that make them more attractive to workers.
Wuerl said the housing study will be completed by September 2026 and that her navigator position is funded through November 2026. She described three priority areas decided by stakeholders: housing, workforce and community building, and noted the plan will examine recruiting skilled tradespeople and strategies to rehabilitate vacant homes.
Commissioners asked about the initiative's structure and funding. Wuerl told the board she is employed by the Nebraska Chamber and that the regional navigator positions were created statewide with ARPA funding. She said the initiative partners include the Nebraska Chamber, the Department of Economic Development and the governor's office and that more private-sector partners will likely be needed for project-level funding.
Wuerl asked boards and local leaders to share information about the initiative, participate in community outreach and help distribute surveys when the housing study requires local input.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Wuerl and asked to be added to regular updates; Wuerl said she sends a monthly email summary and offered to provide contacts and cards for follow-up.
