West Hay Market JPA approves $9 million package for South Hay Market Park security and ambassadors

The West Hay Market Joint Public Agency voted unanimously on March 25 to commit up to $9 million toward completing South Hay Market Park and to fund related safety and operations programs.

Rick Hoppy, chief of staff to Mayor Luren Gayler Baird, asked the JPA to back the two-part safety plan: a two‑year security agreement that pairs off‑duty Lincoln police officers during daytime hours with private security overnight, and a pilot ambassador program operated through the Downtown Lincoln Association. "This has been a long time coming," Hoppy said, calling the planned park "the crown jewel of the South Hay Market." He told the board the park as designed is about 8.5 acres and that the JPA's $9 million contribution would include roughly $1.5 million estimated for two years of security and about $200,000 for two years of ambassador services, leaving roughly $7.3 million for park construction and part of the endowment.

Joe Dinger, treasurer and finance director for the JPA, told the board the agency remains in a strong fiscal position and that the requested commitment would not jeopardize bond covenants or ratings. "We have complete confidence that this capital investment can be funded without any adverse effect to our bond rating or to a fund balance position for the West Market JPA," Dinger said, citing the agency's cash balances and reserve policy.

Under the security agreement described to the JPA, off‑duty officers would be scheduled primarily 7 a.m.–9 p.m., with private security taking over 9 p.m.–7 a.m.; the police chief would be responsible for security decisions and could temporarily reassign off‑duty officers for higher‑priority incidents (for example, major public safety events). The agreement's effective date begins when the parks director formally declares the park open; the first payment is due within 21 days after that effective date.

Todd Ogden, president and CEO of the Downtown Lincoln Association, described the ambassadors as a visible hospitality and safety presence to help visitors, point people to services, and "disrupt" dormant or underused spaces. Ogden said two full‑time‑equivalent ambassador positions would be piloted to provide coverage during key daytime and event hours.

Multiple downtown businesses and civic partners testified in favor of the package. Diane Sten, a nearby business owner, told the board she had become supportive of the park plan after revisions addressed business and security concerns; Stacy Klaus of Olsson and Clay Smith of Speedway Motors also voiced support, and Kent Serest praised the JPA's earlier investments in downtown redevelopment.

The JPA moved to approve the security agreement (WH26‑5) and the services/ambassador agreement (WH26‑6); both motions were seconded, called for roll‑call votes, and passed 3–0. The JPA chair noted the agreements make the city, once funds are transferred, responsible for implementing contracts with the police department, private security, and the Downtown Lincoln Association. Board members and staff said the security components are intended to be flexible (for example, suspending on‑site days in extreme weather) so funds are preserved for periods of actual park use.

The agencies involved said the funding commitment is meant to catalytic: by putting security and activation in place, staff hope to unlock additional private donations to complete the park's construction and endowment.

The JPA set its next meeting for April 23, 2026. The security and services agreements take effect only after the parks director declares the park open and after the first payment schedule described in the agreements.