Omaha Thrives Child Care Pilot

At a glance

• What: Resolution (item 21) approving a $300,000 agreement with the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative to operate the Omaha Thrives pilot for the 2027 calendar year. The city funds, from the Keno fund, are aimed at the poverty elimination action plan census tracts; the pilot also has at least $1 million in private commitments that are not restricted by area. Eligible providers must be licensed, in the collaborative's network, at step one or higher of the state quality program or accredited, and accept the state subsidy.
• Where it stands: Laid over to November 24, 2026 on a 6-1 vote on November 10.

Discussion

Supporters said child care cost is a workforce issue and that the pilot targets families too high in income for state subsidies. One member asked for a one-week layover because briefings were held the same morning and because the scholarships stay with the provider rather than following the child as in a similar Lincoln program; others agreed more time was reasonable while saying they support the program. The finance committee was told the funding source is ahead of budget.

Sources

• Council agenda, November 10, 2026 (revised): https://clerk.omaha.gov/wp-content/uploads/images/2026-11-10a2.pdf
• Video captions, November 10, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0fEQgfakdo

Log

2026-11-10 - City Council

Public hearing with city and business speakers in support and one opponent. Laid over to November 24 on a 6-1 vote (Festersen opposed the layover).