Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the LB778 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears bill to prioritize creative-district partnerships for CCCFF grants
Summary
Lawmakers considered LB 778 to direct grant-priority for municipalities that partner with certified creative districts when awarding Civic and Community Center Financing Act grants for fiscal year 2027–28; proponents cited program growth, economic metrics and rural success stories.
Senator George Dungan introduced LB 778 to direct the Department of Economic Development to prioritize municipalities that partner with certified creative districts when awarding grants under the Civic and Community Center Financing Act (CCCFF) for fiscal year 2027–28. "This is a fairly straightforward piece of legislation aimed at boosting a program with a proven track record of success across the state," Dungan said.
Supporters told the committee the creative-district model links local government, businesses and cultural institutions to spur economic development. Dawson Brunswick, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, said Columbus benefited from BD and other investments and urged support. Mike Markey, executive director of the Nebraska Arts Council, summarized program metrics in a handout and said certified creative districts have produced measurable increases in local tax and tourism figures. "Within the creative districts, an increase in sales tax revenue of 47%, lodging tax revenue of 56%, and tourism increase of over 115%," Markey said, citing the council's report.
Lynn Rex of the League of Nebraska Municipalities and Lance Nielsen of Nebraskans for the Arts offered municipal and rural examples — including revitalized theaters and downtown lighting projects — and argued the bill is intended as a one-year priority window (fiscal 2027–28) to expand the number of certified districts and better leverage existing grant programs. Committee members asked about the designation process; witnesses described a multi-step certification with local partnerships and planning requirements. Senator Dungan and proponents said the bill contains no new funding and was structured as a preference to avoid excluding eligible municipalities if insufficient partnerships exist.
No opponents testified; Senator Dungan closed the hearing and said he would remain to close the record. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing.
