The City of Omaha has opened the We Make Omaha Future Lab, a civic engagement “experience” inviting input to shape the development of an updated Future Land Use Map.
We Make Omaha is the public engagement effort for the City of Omaha’s new comprehensive plan, a plan for Omaha’s growth and development over the next 20 years. The plan, expected to be complete at the end of 2026, will replace Omaha’s current Master Plan, which was adopted in 1997. The process has already engaged more than 7,000 people in planning for Omaha’s future.
Joining City Planning staff, project partners, and community members, Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. visited the Future Lab in Aksarben Village last week to kick off a month-long opportunity for everyone to weigh in on possible development scenarios.
At the Future Lab, participants explore four scenario narratives, each representing different possible futures of growth in Omaha. They learn about each scenario, ask questions, weigh tradeoffs and record their priorities through an interactive response experience.
The experience is open to everyone, including children and families. All materials are provided in English and Spanish, with additional language translation available.
“We want you to help us envision how our city grows,” Ewing said. “Consider this an open door to shaping our future.”
Visiting the Future Lab
The Future Lab is open Wednesday through Sunday during the month of May. Hours are noon–7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, noon–8 p.m. on Thursdays, and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The space is located at 6470 Frances St., Suite 118, Omaha, NE 68104, in Aksarben Village. It is accessible via Metro Bus lines 11, 15, 18, and 55. A limited number of free rideshare rides are available to assist with visiting the Future Lab; request a ride by emailing wemakeomaha@cityofomaha.org.
Participating online
Throughout the month of May, community members can also read more about the scenarios and give input online from anywhere with an internet connection at wemakeomaha.org/futurelab.
Photo by Brad Williams
