Council awards $475,000 LB840 loan to Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity for 20-home project

The Fremont City Council voted unanimously to award a $475,000 repayable loan from the local option economic development (LB840) fund to the Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity to purchase approximately 3.5 acres at 800 North Pierce Street for a planned affordable housing development.

Land administrator Angie Olsen said the project envisions about 20 affordable homes — a mix of townhomes, small cottages and starter homes — to be sold through Habitat’s homeownership program to income-qualified families. "The Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families," Olsen said, recommending a $475,000 loan at 0% interest.

Staff tied the recommendation to Fremont’s 2023 affordable housing plan and a scoring matrix developed to evaluate LB840 applications. Council members praised the project’s potential to address documented housing need; Councilwoman Gannon noted her long personal connection to Habitat and called the organization effective at creating homeownership opportunities.

The council approved Resolution 20 26-146, awarding the LB840 funds, by a 7–0 vote. The award is a repayable loan; terms and monitoring will be administered through the city’s economic development processes. The applicant will proceed with property purchase and development steps per standard permitting and LB840 program requirements.

Next steps: staff will finalize loan documents and track project milestones under the LB840 program framework.