THE BENKELMAN STORY
May 16, 2019
MAY 2019 WEBINAR
Megan Spargo, a Benkelman CRA Coordinator, shared the Benkelman Story foundation story, which touches on a community gaining traction, getting community buy-in, and preparing a community for housing. The process that the Benkelman Story capitalizes on is INVESTING: invest in people, invest time & effort, invest in community improvements, providing investment vehicles, which leads to strategic positioning & success. This story touches on Benkelman, Nebraska's journey to start a housing project, starting with five vacant and dilapidated houses.
The Custer Economic Development Corporation highlighted housing initiatives since 2014, noting the construction of more than 80 homes and 61 apartment units since 2013. Scotti Ross and Stuart Fox emphasized that many of these projects were made possible through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
The November HomeNE webinar focused on rural housing initiatives in Nebraska, with a presentation from John Madsen and Jon Schmaderer highlighting successful housing development strategies in Stuart. They discussed partnerships, funding approaches, and the role of local organizations in promoting affordable housing.
Creative Methods that Spur Community Revitalization: Proactive Redevelopment of Commercial and Residential Properties in Ord, Nebraska
