John Fregonese, Principal of Fregonese Associates and lead consultant on the project, provided the public with an update and review of the four scenarios for growth over the next 40 years. This presentation was also presented at the April 17th Steering Committee meeting.

1. Your Chance to Shape Our Region’s Future
Heartland 2050 Regional Visioning | April 2014

2. Heartland 2050 is an unprecedented
regional visioning project that will
help define what kind of region we
want to be in 40 years.

3. Gathering
Information
Public
Workshops
Scenarios and
Strategies
Final Vision
2013 2014
In Progress October - November December – May June– December

4. More than 650 participants!

5. 22%
46%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Access to
nature and
outdoor
recreation
Cleaner air Access to
fresh food
Healthy
homes (i.e.
lead-free,
mold-free,
safe wiring)
Places within
walking
distance

6. 27%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Bus Rapid
Transit
(BRT)
Streetcar /
Trolley
Light Rail Improve
existing bus
service
Paratransit
and On-
Demand
Rural
Transit
No new
transit
investment
Not sure

7. 24%
38%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Beautiful
landscapes
Good air
quality
Locally grown
food
Outdoor
recreation
Strong
neighborhoods
Low cost of
living
Convenient
transportation
system
Strong
economy

9. All Housing
Total housing placed

10. OPEN SPACE
At least 2 workshop
tables drew open
space in approximately
the same location.

11. • Cluster development near existing cities/towns/highways
to preserve agricultural land
• Improve employment accessibility by reinforcing existing
infrastructure and investing in transit
• Build single-family housing to attract new jobs and
residents
• Protect/reinforce/improve access to the region’s many
recreational amenities
• Focus on development of industrial
clusters/agribusiness/high-tech related to agriculture
• Revitalize downtowns and protect our existing
historic/cultural amenities

12. Heartland 2050: Omaha-Council
Bluffs Values and Priorities
Quantitative Study
Prepared for Fregonese Associates
January 28, 2014

13. About three in four see their quality of life in the Omaha-Council Bluffs
Region as positive and increasing. While slightly less, the majority say
the region is on the right track.
Pg. 13
BASE: ALL QUALIFIED RESPONDENTS (N=400)
Q320. Thinking about the quality of life that will be here for you or your friends’ children and grandchildren, do you see their quality of life in the Omaha-Council Bluffs region
increasing or decreasing in the future?
Q330. On another subject, do you feel things in your own community today are going in the right direction or do you feel things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?
Q335. Thinking of all the positive and negative aspects about the quality of life here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs region, what percentage of things would you classify as positive?
What percentage is negative?
Quality of Life
in the Future
Direction of Their
Own Community
Quality of Life
in the Region:
Positives vs. Negatives
78%
23%
Increasing Decreasing
60%19%
22%
Right direction
Wrong track
Not sure
71%
29%
Positive Negative
18-34 yr olds
most likely to
believe quality
will increase.
Higher income
($100K+) more
optimistic about
direction of
community and
quality of life.

14. 66%
59%
57%
56%
54%
53%
47%
44%
42%
41%
33%
31%
28%
27%
25%
Reducing crime and making neighborhoods safer
Increasing the number and quality of jobs
Retaining well-educated, well-trained, young adults
Improving education
Lower property taxes
Lower state, local and sales taxes
Increasing access to quality health care
Addressing the aging infrastructure (i.e. improve roads, bridges…
Increasing economic development through business expansion
Improving affordability of housing and living
Improving social equity and justice
Reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation options
Increasing the enjoyment and access to culture and the arts
Increasing the opportunity for residents to be involved…
Increasing civic involvement and engagement
Reducing crime is the most important issue to the region
with two thirds giving it high priority. Jobs, young adult
retention, education and taxes also rise to the top.
Pg. 14
BASE: ALL QUALIFIED RESPONDENTS (N=400)
Q350 Please rate each of the following issues where 1 means "Not at all important to the future of the region"
and 10 means "Extremely important priority for the future of the region":
Top 2 Box Importance (Rated 9/10 on 10 pt. scale)
Greater Importance To:
Jobs: those with high school education or less (71%)
Education: those residing in Iowa (73%)
Property taxes/State, local & sales taxes: those 55+ (63%)
Violent crime per 100,000 people
in the Omaha MSA is 407.1, below
the MSA average of 409.4.
Property crime per 100,000 people
in the Omaha MSA is 3,368.8,
above the MSA average of 2,949.8.
Iowa ranks 24th among the states in terms of
state/local tax burden. Nebraska ranks 21st.

15. 13% 7%
1%
21%36%25%8%69%
Jones
believes that the region
should begin focusing
new growth and
development across the
region into new areas
and communities
where there hasn’t been
much development
before.
Smith
believes that the region
should begin focusing
new growth and
development in the
urban center,
existing towns, and
in parts of the city
that need to be
revitalized or
redeveloped.
Pg. 15
Three times as many residents prefer infill of existing areas
over new growth in outlying communities.
Pg. 15
BASE: ALL QUALIFIED RESPONDENTS (N=400)
Q565. Below are the opinions of two hypothetical residents. Please indicate which opinion comes closest to your own. Is your opinion more like Mr. Smith or more like Mr. Jones?
Neither: 11%
■ Somewhat ■ Strongly ■ Exactly
like Jones like Jones like Jones
■ Exactly ■ Strongly ■ Somewhat
like Smith like Smith like Smith
18-34 year olds most
likely to agree with Smith
and infill strategy (74%)

16. Nearly all believe having a plan for regional growth in the
region is important. More than half feel the Omaha-Council
Bluffs region has preformed ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in this area.
Pg. 16
BASE: ALL QUALIFIED RESPONDENTS (N=400)
Q800. How important is it that Omaha-Council Bluffs region have a vision or a long range plan for growth in the region?
Q805. How would you rate the performance of Omaha-Council Bluffs region when it comes to planning and preparing for growth in the region?
Importance of Having a Vision or a Long
Range Plan for Growth in the Region –
Top 2 Box (Extremely/Very Important)
5%
38%
54%
4%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Poor Fair Good Excellent
80%
Performance Rating of Omaha-Council Bluffs
Region on Planning and Preparing for Growth
58
%

17. Building Types Place Types Scenario
Development
Evaluation
Model a library of building types that are
financially feasible at the local level.

18. Planned Land Use
Infrastructure
Growth Forecast
Current
conditions
and future
forecasts
Test Scenarios
A
B
C
D

19. What might our region look like in 40 years?

24. • In Scenario A, we will continue to
grow and decline much the same as
we have in the recent past. Areas
of the urban core will continue to
lose population, as westward
expansion continues in Douglas
and Sarpy counties.
SCENARIO A
90,762
58,777
31,766
45,033
713
440
872
1,296
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Land Consumed

25. Abandonment (Scenario A only)
Abandoned Housing Units 17,468
Population Displacement from Abandonment 39,501
Employment Displacement from Abandonment 16,269
Approximate Improvement Value Loss from Abandonment $ 1,397,254,051

26. • In scenario B, the highest growth
occurs in central Omaha and
Council Bluffs, and over 40% of
new growth takes place in existing
urban and suburban areas, making
efficient use of road and water
infrastructure.
SCENARIO B
90,762
58,777
31,766
45,033
713
440
872
1,296
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Land Consumed

27. • In Scenario C, population and
employment growth are focused in
the core, revitalizing North, South
and Midtown Omaha and Council
Bluffs. Sarpy County and western
Douglas County see some moderate
growth. The region makes significant
transit investment to serve the bustling
central city.
SCENARIO C
90,762
58,777
31,766
45,033
713
440
872
1,296
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Land Consumed

28. • In Scenario D, new jobs are located
near urban, suburban and rural
communities to reduce long
commutes and revitalize existing
neighborhoods and towns. Infill and
redevelopment help to build walkable
communities and main streets across
the region.
SCENARIO D
90,762
58,777
31,766
45,033
713
440
872
1,296
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
Land Consumed

30. Distribution of Residential Units Built, 1989-2009
Type Volume Total Share Detached Share
New Units 24.5
Detached 20.7 85%
2500+ square feet 6.6 27% 32%
0.5-10.0 acres 8.7 35% 42%
Source: American Housing Survey
77% 23%0% 10% 16% 74%
1990-2010 2010-2030
US Housing Shift (1990-2010 & 2010-2030)
Starter Home vs Peak Home (largest home) vs Downsizing (“Empty Nester”)
The Takeaway: The current houses available are too big for the Millennial and Baby
Boomers who are both looking for smaller housing options in walkable neighborhoods.

31. Estate Homes
Auto-Oriented
Subdivisions
Apartments

32. TOWNHOMES
APARTMENTS
LIVE-WORK
SMALLER LOTS

33. 69%
29%
3%
36%
4%
11%
22% 24%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Today Balanced Future
Multifamily
Townhome
Small Lot
Standard/Large
How well does our current
housing stock match? 63%

34. • Focus on new construction of single-
family subdivisions in western
Douglas and Sarpy counties
• Some relatively expensive housing in
the CBD/Old Market District
SCENARIO A
Lower Density Housing Higher Density Housing
41% 38% 0% 8% 13%
Balanced Housing Match:
48%
69%
29%
81%
3%
36%
0%
4%
11%
8%22% 24%
13%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Today Target Scenario A

35. Lower Density Housing Higher Density Housing
31% 21% 4% 10% 34%
Balanced Housing Match:
67%
69%
29%
52%
3%
36%
4%
4%
11%
10%
22% 24%
34%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Today Target Scenario B
• Provide adequate infrastructure to
allow growth in and around rural/small
towns.
• Create moderate to high density
housing in central Douglas, Sarpy and
Pottawattamie counties
SCENARIO B

36. Lower Density Housing Higher Density Housing
8% 24% 14% 14% 40%
Balanced Housing Match:
81%
• Build a range of affordable and higher-
end housing in the downtown and
areas easily accessible to the urban
core to accommodate workers
• Townhome/ Apartment/ Mixed Use
developments in larger suburban cities
as well, near existing downtowns
SCENARIO C
69%
29% 25%
3%
36%
21%
4%
11%
14%
22% 24%
40%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Today Target Scenario C

37. Lower Density Housing Higher Density Housing
6% 24% 35% 10% 25%
Balanced Housing Match:
98%
69%
29% 30%
3%
36% 35%
4%
11% 10%
22% 24% 25%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Today Target Scenario D
• Balanced mix of housing stock for
changing preferences and a range of
incomes.
• Ensure that housing options exist across
the region, not only in the core.
• Work force housing in proximity to start
up spaces or easily accessed by mass
transit
SCENARIO D

38. 41%
29%
48%
52%
45%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Existing Scenario A Scenario BScenario CScenario D
% Regional jobs accessible to disadvantaged residents
via a 30 minute transit trip
• By locating more jobs within easy travel
distance to struggling neighborhoods and
expanding job training and employment
support, we can create a more equitable
economy.

39. 62,557 67,732
118,663 127,497
294,130
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
Existing Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
All Jobs within 10 Minute Auto Trip
• Working and shopping
destinations are located near
where people live, making it
convenient to work, shop and
play.
• More options available locally,
within a 10 minute drive, can
make it easier and faster to get
where you’re headed

40. 33
17
35
48
39
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Today Scenario
A
Scenario
B
Scenario
C
Scenario
D
“Walkability” Score for the Region
• The fabric of our community can
influence how physically active
we are.
• Neighborhoods with a mix of
retail, services and employment
nearby make it easier and more
convenient to walk.

41. 4%
2%
5%
8%
6%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
2%
1%
2%
3%
2%
Existing Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
Transit
Biking
Walking
Percent of All Trips Made
Remainder of trips are made by car

42. +6%
-3%
-15%
-10%
Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
• Residents spend less
time in the car each
day, taking shorter and
fewer trips
Percent Change in Time Spent Driving

45. • Improved construction and
other measures lower our
consumption
• Efficiency means savings –
better for the environment and
lower utility bills for residents
72.6
109.6
98.1
89.0
96.8
251.7
165.5
143.8
130.9
148.2
0.0
50.0
100.0
150.0
200.0
250.0
300.0
Today Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
Household Energy Use (million BTU/year)
Household Internal Water Consumption (gallons per day)

46. 22% 23%
31%
12%
4%
20%
39%
64%
19%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Today Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
Percent of housing units in floodways or stream setbacks
Percent of jobs in floodways or stream setbacks
• If we choose to limit new
development in sensitive
areas such as floodplains
and stream ways, we can
reduce potential damage
from flooding.

47. Households within 1/4 mi. of parks and trails
56%
45%
62% 60%
75%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Today Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D

48. -0.2%
-4.7%
5.6%
14.4%
7.4%
-5.0%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
Existing Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
Revenue-to-Cost Ratio
27.8
22.9
23.3
22.5
26.5
24.1
26.7
24.2
Scenario A Scenario B Scenario C Scenario D
Total Expenditures (billions)
Total Revenues (billions)
• Local tax revenues should be
used efficiently to maintain
today’s level of public services,
infrastructure and roads.

50. • Continue support of existing
clusters (agribusiness, finance,
transportation/logistics, etc)
• Retain the region’s competitive and
comparative advantage for these
types of jobs through innovation
and growth in those clusters
Scenario A: EXPAND TRADITIONAL CLUSTERS

51. • Attract and retain young people across the Midwest
• Commit to infill development that provides a variety
of housing types across economic spectrum
• Focus on housing in close proximity to city and
neighborhood centers
• Attract foreign investment and businesses
Scenario B: MAGNETIC CITY

52. • Cultivate research (basic and applied)
in multiple fields of endeavor.
• Promote STEM curricula in K-12
education
• Support growth of research
universities
• Promote medical sciences through
university and hospital research
Scenario C: SCIENCE CITY

53. • Talent attraction and retention: make
Omaha-Council Bluffs region a draw for
young talent and new business formation
throughout the Midwest
• Capitalize on existing assets
• Increase support mechanisms to incent and
support new business creation and success
Scenario D: START UP CITY

57. Enhanced crosswalk
Street Trees

59. New Main Street Building

62. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Dedicated Bike Lane
Street TreesLighting

64. New Mixed-Use
New Housing Options

67. Street TreesEnhanced crosswalk

69. New Mixed-Use Building

72. Street Trees

74. New storefronts

77. Our web-based
engagement tool

78. Interactive Public Choosing The Regional Vision
www.Heartland2050.org
Public choices guide the Vision.
A
B
C
D

82. People
THE HUMAN ASPECT
How can we maintain and
enhance the quality of life for
the people of our region, who
are our most important asset?
Places
OUR PHYSICAL STRUCTURES
The “stuff” from which our towns
and cities are made – homes and
buildings, streets and sidewalks,
bridges, power and water utilities
– all make up the built
environment of our region.
Resources
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The air we breathe, the land,
and fresh water sources affect
our overall health and the
physical landscape.

84. Your input will be knit together with
responses and comments from your fellow
community members to develop the
priorities and strategies for action and
cooperation to ensure our region not only
grows but grows stronger!
• Take the Survey
• Tell your friends, family members and
coworkers about Heartland 2050 and the
survey
• Stay involved in crafting the vision

85. • By participating in this survey and
providing your email, you will be
entered into an iPad giveaway.
• For more information,
visit: www.heartland2050.org

87. • Describes commonly held desires
• Does not answer every question
• Explains why we’re in this together
• Shared Values / Ideals /
Expectations
• Describes what we want to get
• “This is our common ground”
• Includes Regional Policies
• Relies on Action Steps for
Implementation

88. www.heartland2050.org