Omaha Streetcar, Bike Lanes, Mixed Use Growth & Development

Omaha Streetcar, Bike Lanes, Bus Stops, Railroads, Mixed Use Growth & Development

With so much momentum, movement and excitement, it is no wonder why there is so much buzz in and around Omaha!

I have recently read articles about the bike lanes, streetcar and bus routes with new bus stops around town on Dodge Street.

Movement is important to a city and its core.?

Usually tough topics and issues can arise with growth and development while assuring that people connect to the best uses of its real estate or places that we enjoy visiting, entertaining and spending our hard earned dollars.

Omaha has received many mentions, accolades and awards over the years.?In fact, Money Magazine named Omaha the Best Big City in the Midwest in 2015.

There are many reasons, in my opinion, why the city of Omaha and the Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan region are alive and well, active, engaged and forward-looking with an abundance of attractions, historical landmarks and museums as well as having great access to community leaders and networking events to build and grow strong, meaningful relationships.

It is also because Greater Omaha focuses on the importance of cultural events and destinations and offers vibrant entertainment districts with fabulous restaurants.

History tells us the railroad had a big impact on Greater Omaha and it still does in 2022 as the region does an excellent job telling its story.

There are two must-see attractions in that the Union Pacific museum sits in the former Carnegie built library in Council Bluffs, Iowa and the Burlington Station museum and attraction is off 10th Street in Downtown Omaha.

The region and City of Council Bluffs is even spearheading the transformation of a vacated railroad line for the use of trails for the purpose of walking, running and biking.?

You can read about the Lone Tree Ferry, how long and hard it was to build upwards of the hills that now make up Farnam, Dodge, Harney and Douglas streets, see world-renowned exhibits at the Joslyn Art Museum as well as efficiently being able to travel and tour the entire 8-county region while visiting and meeting with the amazing, resilient and awesome people that make Greater Omaha such a special place in the Midwest and America.?

The 2050 Vision Plan of Greater Omaha spearheaded by the organization MAPA is a must read and excellent resource with great videos that outlay the growth goals of the entire region and inform its citizens, visitors and developers.?

The region boasts Midwest work-ethic, is home to the Oracle of Omaha and has transformed in such a positive way to accommodate the communications of multiple generations and effectively cater to the urban-rural proximity while offering the best of both cosmopolitan and rural, country living as its people are so down to earth and fun to be around too.

Growth, economic development, change, communications, technology and innovation are a few topics that can bring both opportunity and adversity as people plan and make choices and decisions while leaders display valuable leadership skills to and for the community.?

With so much positive and exciting momentum, issues can become complex with visitors, citizens, students and residents with respect to movement of people and transportation.?

One day I decided to take my own advice and buy a newspaper and read it.?That day was Thursday, September 29, 2022.?Two things happened.

1.)??I became more informed, engaged and in-the-know which also compelled me to pen this blog article and write about the home city/region that I love.

2.)??It sparked great conversation with my grandmother and family about bike lanes, buses and streetcars

The newspaper I read that day was the Omaha World-Herald and the midlands section was discussing sky bridges, bike lanes and the proposed streetcar project.

I support biking, running and walking.?They are great forms of transportation, exercise, entertainment and events around these things even support great causes.

Public safety and transportation bring challenges and opportunity.?If you are reading this today, get involved in the Greater Omaha region by volunteering, leading or visiting now.?

Omaha and its surrounding communities are on a roll, becoming more inclusive and the time is now to embrace discussion, communication and work on problems needing solved.

Do not miss the bus, train, bike, trail or streetcar to and around Greater Omaha because what I have learned is that Omaha and its neighbor Council Bluffs are awesome! ??

Ben Washburn, Founder & CEO of MMI.