Culture & Services: Investing in Public Spaces for a Safer South Omaha
South Omaha thrives when people have places to gather, celebrate, and connect. Parks, plazas, and recreation centers aren’t just amenities—they create a sense of belonging, support small businesses, and keep communities safer. Yet Omaha’s budget priorities tell a different story, favoring policing over public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods.
The 2025 city budget allocates $202.8 million to the police department—nearly four times more than the $56.3 million for Parks and Recreation. (City of Omaha Capital Improvement Program & Budget)
Even with an 81% increase due to storm damage, funding for public spaces remains a fraction of the city’s spending on law enforcement.
Public Spaces Keep Communities Safer
The idea that crime is best addressed through policing ignores the proven impact of well-maintained public spaces.
In Philadelphia, blocks with newly renovated green spaces saw 29% fewer gun crimes than those without. (Urban Institute, 2022)
Cities that invest in parks and community spaces save money—for every $1 spent, they see a return of $4–$6 in economic growth, public safety, and health improvements.
Free gathering spaces reduce social isolation and keep young people engaged, lowering the likelihood of risky behavior.
Despite these benefits, Omaha continues to prioritize policing over investments that make neighborhoods safer before problems arise.
Plaza de la Raza: A Model for Smart Investment
One project that reflects the value of public spaces is the Plaza de la Raza redevelopment, led by the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC).
For years, Plaza de la Raza has hosted Cinco de Mayo Omaha, one of the city’s largest cultural celebrations. Now, LEDC is transforming the space into a year-round cultural hub, ensuring the community has a dedicated space to gather and connect.
Projects like this should be a city priority, not an exception. South Omaha has already lost spaces like Rosenblatt Stadium, which could have been repurposed as a community venue but was instead turned into a parking lot. We can’t afford more short-sighted decisions that strip South Omaha of its gathering spaces.
A Plan to Prioritize South Omaha’s Public Spaces
To ensure our community benefits from long-term investments, I will advocate for:
✔ Expanding public plazas and recreation centers to give people more free spaces to gather.
✔ 100-year land leases for key cultural sites to protect them from private development.
✔ Reallocating infrastructure funds to ensure South Omaha gets its fair share of public investment.
✔ Community-led redevelopment projects that serve residents first.
Omaha’s priorities need to shift. A safer city isn’t one with more policing—it’s one with more opportunities for people to connect, support each other, and build strong communities.