Creative district grant requirement relaxed

Lawmakers approved a measure April 9 intended to give the state Department of Economic Development more flexibility when awarding certain grants of assistance to Nebraska municipalities.

Previously, municipalities were required to partner with a certified creative district to be eligible for state assistance under the Civic and Community Center Financing Act. Creative districts are certified by the Nebraska Arts Council and distinguished by geography and artistic or cultural activities or facilities.

LB778, introduced by Lincoln Sen. George Dungan, instead requires the department to give preference to any municipality that is partnered with a creative district when awarding grants of assistance under the act from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.

The bill passed on a vote of 49-0.