Council approves 70‑unit mixed‑income senior housing TIF; one councilor abstains

The Omaha City Council approved a tax increment financing plan to support a five‑story, 70‑unit mixed‑income senior housing development at 2211 Douglas Street.

City staff and proponents said the project includes 70 units total — 45 low‑income housing tax credit (LIHTC) units and 25 market‑rate units — and carries an estimated development cost of about $17.5 million. The developer is Douglas Senior Housing, LP (managed by Jake Hoppe); proponents described a capital stack that includes LIHTC, a CHI Health contribution, the National Trust Fund and a Front Porch award. Proponents and Spark (a local development nonprofit) emphasized the project’s intergenerational programming and supports for older adults, such as transportation to appointments and on‑site checkups with partner CHI Health.

Opponents at the hearing questioned TIF transparency and whether tax incentives are being used appropriately. Council member Goodwin highlighted the project’s infill and reuse benefits, and asked detailed questions about unit mix and estimated rents. Proponent Donnell Brown estimated affordable rents “below $1,000 a month” for LIHTC units and about "under $1,500" for market units; he described an intergenerational orientation and partnerships to support seniors’ access to services.

Council member Goodwin moved to approve the resolution; the motion passed 6–0 with Council member Festersen recorded as abstaining. The council’s approval advances the project toward final financing and construction, subject to execution of TIF and other funding agreements.