The Greater Omaha Chamber released a new report, Working Families, Working Economy: An Examination of the Economic Impact, Supply and Demand of the Child Care System in the Greater Omaha Chamber Region, providing a comprehensive analysis of how child care availability directly affects workforce participation and economic growth across the region.
Commissioned with First Five Nebraska, the report examines the relationship between child care access, affordability and workforce dynamics across the Chamber’s eight-county, two-state region. Findings highlight the critical role child care plays in supporting working families and enabling businesses to grow, expand and compete.
The report finds that inadequate child care has a significant economic impact on the region, including an estimated $1.02 billion in lost business output, $919.2 million in lost labor income and nearly 3,909 fewer jobs annually. These impacts stem from workforce disruptions such as absenteeism, employee turnover and reduced labor force participation.
“Across our ongoing engagement with employers, the Greater Omaha Chamber consistently hears that workforce availability remains a primary factor influencing business growth, expansion and retention decisions,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “While companies continue to invest in facilities, technology and market development, access to a reliable workforce remains a key determinant of long-term success. This report is designed to inform decision-making and identify areas where alignment across sectors can support both workforce participation and economic growth.”
The analysis also identifies a gap between supply and demand, with approximately 4,730 more children needing care than available licensed child care slots across the region. This shortage affects both families seeking reliable care and employers working to attract and retain talent.
“This report clearly illustrates the enormous economic impact of child care in the Greater Omaha area,” said Jason Prokop, co-president of Early Futures Partnership. “It further reinforces the need for child care assistance for low-income families to ensure they can participate in the labor market and meet the workforce needs of our businesses. This is critical not only for working families and businesses, but for the economic development of our communities as well.”
Additional findings underscore the real-world challenges facing families and employers. Parents report difficulty accessing affordable care, with costs averaging approximately $13,000 annually for one child, while employers across multiple industries cite child care access as a barrier to hiring and workforce stability.
The report outlines several opportunities for action, including strengthening child care assistance policies, expanding employer-supported child care solutions, and increasing coordination across business, government and community partners to improve access and affordability.
The Chamber will use this report as a data-driven foundation to support ongoing conversations with employers, policymakers and community leaders, reinforcing the importance of workforce participation as a key driver of regional competitiveness.