YCDC asks York County for $82,000; highlights childcare gap and 542-unit housing need by 2030

Lisa Hurley, executive director of the York County Development Corporation, asked commissioners to include $82,000 in next year’s county budget to support economic-development work.

"We are requesting $82,000 for the coming year which is the same amount as this current year," Hurley said, outlining YCDC priorities including business recruitment, housing, organizational improvements and infrastructure development. She introduced a new staff member, Emily Perry, who started in May.

Hurley described a new online tool, "Size Up York County," that she said will provide free market-research and hyperlocal data to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses make data-driven decisions. She cited recent business wins, including a new long-term lease by Preferred Popcorn and an expected September opening by McLean Beef.

On housing and childcare, Hurley told the board the county faces an estimated need for "an additional five hundred and forty-two housing units by 2030" and said the Nebraska Children and Family Foundation provided "an updated gap number of over 350," which Hurley characterized as a significant shortfall in childcare capacity. She said YCDC is pursuing rural workforce housing funding and working with local partners to expand daycare capacity.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about financing and program eligibility; Hurley said the YCDC will continue partnerships with county government and local stakeholders and that the requested amount will be included in the county budget process.