Shaping Policy. Elevating Community Voices. Transforming Omaha.
Why Advocacy?
Urban design doesn’t stop at blueprints—it requires action. Advocacy at Spark ensures that community-driven design isn’t just an idea, but a reality reflected in policies and projects. We work alongside city leaders, state officials, and local residents to champion equitable development, sustainable urban growth, and accessible public spaces.
Advocacy takes time. It’s about persistence, partnerships, and people. From community meetings to policy proposals, we ensure that the voices of East Omaha residents shape the future of their neighborhoods.
How We Advocate
Urban Policy & Equity – Ensuring development reflects the needs of Omaha.
Community Engagement – Amplifying local voices in urban planning.
Surveys & Public Feedback – Gathering input to shape inclusive spaces.
Legislative & Planning Efforts – Supporting policies that enhance accessibility and equity.
Bill Tracker
SUPPORT
NEUTRAL
OPPOSED
Acknowledgment: This bill tracker was adapted from Civic Nebraska’s Legislative Bill Tracker. We appreciate their transparency and civic engagement resources, which helped inform the structure of this tool.
How a bill becomes a law in Nebraska
1. Bill Introduction
When a Nebraska senator has an idea for a new law, they team up with a bill drafter to turn that idea into the official legal format for a bill. Nebraska is a bit unique—bills here can only cover one subject at a time.
Most senators introduce their bills during the first 10 days of the legislative session, which kicks off every January.
2. Committee
Next, the bill is assigned to one of 14 committees. Every bill gets a public hearing in committee. This is where citizens can share their opinions with lawmakers.
Once the hearing ends, the committee can vote to send the bill to the floor (with or without changes), shelve it indefinitely, or take no action at all.
3. General File
This is the first chance for the entire Legislature to debate and vote on bills. Senators can propose and discuss amendments, whether from committees or individual lawmakers. Many see this stage as the most critical step since it’s where most compromises occur. To move a bill forward or adopt any amendments, at least 25 senators must vote in favor.
4. Select File
Select File is the second stage for senators to debate and vote on bills. It’s another chance to propose amendments, make compromises, and take a closer look at the details. At this point, a bill can either move forward to the next stage or be shelved indefinitely. Once a bill passes Select File, it goes back to the Enrollment and Review (E & R) office for a final check, and then it’s reprinted for Final Reading.
5. Final Reading & Passage
Bills can’t be debated or amended, but can be sent back to Select File for a specific change. Voting on a bill can’t happen until at least five legislative days after it’s introduced and one day after it’s placed on Final Reading. Bills need a simple majority (25 votes) to move to the governor. Those with an emergency clause require two-thirds (33 votes).
A proposed constitutional amendment takes 30 votes to put it on the general election ballot and 40 votes to add it to a primary or special election ballot.
6. Governor's Desk
Once the Legislature passes a bill on Final Reading, it heads to the governor. The governor has five days (not counting Sundays) to decide what to do. If they sign the bill — or simply don’t act on it — it becomes law. The governor can also veto a bill or use a line-item veto to remove specific budget items. However, the Legislature can override a veto, but it takes 30 senators to make that happen.
Acknowledgment: The “How a Bill Becomes a Law in Nebraska” section was adapted from Civic Nebraska’s educational materials. We appreciate their clear, accessible explanation of Nebraska’s legislative process, which helped inform this version for Spark’s use.
Here’s how you can get involved and take action during this legislative session
This list links to several resources you can use to prepare for State Legislative Advocacy. Please feel free to use them to assist your storytelling and advocacy activities.
Contacting your elected officials
Testifying
Preparing your story
Each legislative session is an opportunity to strengthen the social, political, economic, and physical foundations that help Nebraska communities thrive. At Spark, we see advocacy as part of holistic community development, working alongside neighborhood leaders, partners, and policymakers to create lasting, equitable change. When every voice is heard, our communities grow stronger together.
Acknowledgment: Portions of this section were adapted from Nebraska Appleseed’s State Legislative Advocacy resources. We’re grateful for their comprehensive materials that support effective community storytelling and advocacy across Nebraska.
Stay Connected
You can keep up with the latest from the Nebraska Legislature by subscribing to our weekly Legislative Update — a quick, accessible way to stay informed on key housing and community development policies.
Subscribe to the Legislative Update!
Interested in getting more involved?
Join our Emerging Developers Action Group (EDAG) — a network of neighborhood-based developers working to expand equitable access to local development opportunities and build a pipeline of community-driven leaders in Omaha’s housing ecosystem.
EDAG members have already helped advance equitable development statewide — including supporting the passage of LB288, a landmark housing reform bill strengthening the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act — and elevating community voices in local advocacy, such as testimony before the Omaha City Council in support of a $40 million affordable housing bond.
You can also learn more about our Housing Coalition for Older Adults, an initiative advocating for more housing options for seniors in Omaha. For more information, contact ryan@sparkcdi.org.
