Heartland 2050

Overview

Setting a New Course for a More Livable, Vibrant Metro Area

Heartland 2050 is a community-driven initiative, pulling in stakeholders from across the region to think big picture and work towards a common vision for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. We research, plan, and engage the public in discussions on economic development, education, health and safety, housing, infrastructure, and natural resources. Our signature initiative, Close the Gap, focuses on transportation and land use as areas where we can make the biggest impact on the future of the region.

Need

Closing the Gap

Our region is growing. But, growth without a clear plan could have a range of undesirable consequences, from revenue shortfalls and tax hikes to shuttered shop windows and vacant lots across rural communities and urban neighborhoods. Unplanned growth will likely lead to driving more and walking less, while our carbon footprint expands and the opportunity gap for underserved communities only grows wider as our educational, healthcare, and employment infrastructure becomes more spread out and less accessible. With our Close the Gap initiative, we are pursuing a better path.

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Vision

Shaping an Actionable Vision

Looking at the people, places, and resources of the region, we’re working to define and refine clear, attainable goals and an actionable plan to get there. A robust economy that becomes a magnet for a young and highly skilled workforce. An educational system that meets the highest standards nationally. Healthy, safe neighborhoods with a range of quality housing options for all. A smart, green infrastructure. Public green spaces and a thriving local culture. Where the gap gets closed, not widened. A more livable, walkable metro area.

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What We're Doing

Making the Vision a Reality, One Piece at a Time

We’re rolling up our sleeves every day, with one eye on the big picture and the other on the little details. Our role in all of this is to bring people together to solve problems and make the vision a reality. We research and compile data and then share our findings with the public. We organize task forces to study and tackle issues affecting the region. We facilitate dialogue among different elected officials and policymakers. And we seek out new ways, like our Close the Gap initiative, to engage the public and get everyday citizens involved in shaping a vibrant, healthy, prosperous community where we all want to live, work, and play.

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Get Involved

This Place Belongs to All of Us

We have a choice, right now, about what kind of metro area we want for ourselves and for future generations. It’s a choice between action and apathy, fiscal health or budget shortfalls, brain drain or talent boom, connectedness or isolation, planned growth or sprawl, vibrant neighborhoods or empty lots. Between closing the gap and widening it. Now is the time to look at our own neighborhoods but to also think regionally and find a common cause. What kind of community do you want for the years ahead and for the generations to come?

Get Involved

Overview

Setting a New Course for a More Livable, Vibrant Metro Area

Need

Closing the Gap

Vision

Shaping an Actionable Vision

What We're Doing

Making the Vision a Reality, One Piece at a Time

Get Involved

This Place Belongs to All of Us

Featured Event

Equity and Engagement Committee Meeting – July 13 2021

Featured Milestone

Transit ROI Released - 5/26/2020

Blog

First Draft of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Resources

This is Heartland 2050.

The MAPA Team

Mike Helgerson

Karna Loewenstein

Laura Heilman