Nebraska's public institutions are facing consequential choices on economic development, school finance and university research: a staff survey details unrest at DED, Omaha Public Schools raises taxes after a state-aid error, and AAUP opposition complicates UNL's AAU return.
Omaha Public Schools raises levy after $50.6 million state-aid error
Board approves $1.21 total levy, with higher bills coming in December
The Omaha Public Schools board voted 9-0 Monday night to raise the property-tax levy to $1.21 per $100 of valuation after a $50.6 million budget gap tied to an incorrect state-aid calculation. The increase is about $200 a year for a $250,000 home and will appear on homeowners' bills in December; OPS must finalize its budget by Sept. 30.
Why it matters: The vote converts a state education-funding error into an immediate tax increase for Nebraska's largest school district and its property owners.
Read the full story: WOWT
DED employee survey exposes deep distrust of agency leadership
Public-records responses show widespread criticism as the workforce shrinks
The Nebraska Examiner reported Monday that 39 Department of Economic Development employees answered an anonymous state engagement survey, with 32 disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that DED prioritizes and cares for employees. The article said DED's full-time workforce fell from about 115 in May 2025 to 66 on Sept. 18; Director Maureen Larsen attributed reductions to winding down pandemic-era programs and said five positions were open.
Why it matters: The findings raise questions about the agency's capacity, rural reach and employee retention as Nebraska relies on DED to support statewide growth.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
AAUP opposition complicates Nebraska's bid to rejoin elite research group
A national faculty organization says UNL's department cuts undermine its standing
AAUP President Todd Wolfson sent a Monday letter arguing that the University of Nebraska should not yet re-enter the Association of American Universities, saying UNL's elimination of foundational departments damaged its research standing. KETV reported that UNL closed four academic departments in December; university spokesman Dean Gayman said the decisions reflected enrollment, program demand, financial sustainability and the institution's long-term academic mission.
Why it matters: The dispute could affect Nebraska's effort to regain AAU status, which is tied to research prestige and access to a large share of federal university research funding.
Read the full story: KETV
Nebraska proposes air permit for Hastings ethanol and carbon-capture facility
State notice opens a 30-day comment period on a revised operating permit
The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment proposed a Class I operating permit for Chief Ethanol Fuels and CC Hastings Capture Company's ethanol and carbon-capture facility in Hastings. The notice says the proposal would increase volatile organic compounds by 2.23 tons per year, reduce total hazardous air pollutants by 2.55 tons, and accept public comments through Oct. 20.
Why it matters: The permitting process sets the near-term regulatory path for a Hastings industrial project while giving residents and groups a formal window to request a hearing or object.
Read the full story: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment public notice
Around Nebraska
Watch Next
- Sept. 22, 1:30–4:30 p.m. CT: Nebraska's Data Center Task Force will meet in Grand Island to discuss water and environmental permitting, energy, planning and zoning, and public comment.
- Sept. 25, 11 a.m. CT: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will hold a special meeting in Lincoln to consider four representatives for Nebraska Medicine's new governing board.
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