Checking in on the Good Life districts and more
Senator Mike Jacobson
When I initially accepted the appointment to the Legislature and then ran for the office, I did so to make a difference for District 42 and rural Nebraska. For too long, I have felt that we have not received our fair share of state resources and attention. Lincoln and Omaha have gotten funding for convention centers, sports complexes, road construction, and help with water infrastructure, whereas we largely had to fund our own costs for such endeavors. These projects attract visitors and shoppers who spend their money when they are there. They also attract new residents who see a better quality of life that includes recreation, shopping, cultural activities, educational opportunities, and a larger population. There are also those, like many of us, who want to be around fewer people, have opportunities for outdoor recreational activities right outside their door, in some cases, and a more relaxed lifestyle. However, we still want access to quality shopping, good health care, all the basic services, and cultural opportunities that our urban neighbors enjoy.
LB707 was introduced by Senator von Gillern this year to make important fixes to the original Good Life District Economic Development Act, which passed in 2024 with the intention of spurring retail development and growing sales tax revenue. The concept was to incentivize expansion or new construction of large retail developments, such as the Nebraska Crossing complex in Gretna, that might also include recreational activities. Five facilities were authorized to participate under the original legislation. To offset the cost of development, the state would return 2.5% of the state portion of the sales tax collected within the boundaries of the Good Life District. LB707 added much-needed guidelines and specifics on what type of project qualifies for such a designation. The bill also requires “new” stand-alone brick-and-mortar retailers to be constructed to attract new retail opportunities. The net effect will create additional retail sales that the state is missing out on today.
The first four sites for Good Life Districts were designated fairly quickly after applications opened: Omaha, Bellevue, Gretna, and Grand Island. Just this month, Kearney was named the fifth and final Good Life District, which will include 200 acres of vacant land surrounding the city’s SportsPlex. I worked hard to have Kearney named the fifth site, bringing this concept to the largest market west of Grand Island and close to North Platte along the interstate. Mayor Kelliher and I spoke last year about whether North Platte could be a possible site, but unfortunately, we lack the population base today to support such a development. The developer of the Kearney site has already gotten commitments for the land and 14 major retailers who want to locate there. This site will, in my opinion, be the site that truly meets all the requirements of the program and will achieve the goals of the bill. It will do two things for North Platte: bring new-to-market major retailers closer to our area, and stretch the supply lines for these retailers closer so that further expansion west is more feasible.
Growing sales tax revenue is good for the state and good for the local area when local option sales tax can also be collected. More sales tax revenue takes pressure off of property tax reliance. We must continue to find opportunities to grow our local economies if we want to lower our tax burden. All the better if we can collect more revenue from out-of-state travelers who stay here and shop here as they travel down the interstate.
It has been a pleasure serving as your State Senator. I have enjoyed the challenge and will continue to do my best to serve the interests of District 42. Please keep reaching out with bill ideas or concerns at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.