“Car-Centric” Documentary & Community Conversation
About the Forum
On Monday, April 14, 2025, ODIDA hosted its annual Spring Public Forum at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater. The sold-out event brought the community together to reflect on Omaha’s transportation history and imagine a more connected future.
The evening featured a screening of Car-Centric, a locally produced documentary by Joseph Giitter, followed by a panel discussion with experts in city planning, public transit, and mobility.
Why It Matters
For nearly a century, Omaha’s Downtown was the city’s economic and cultural engine—until suburban expansion shifted the region toward car dependency. Today, Omaha is among the most car-centric cities in the country, with major consequences for safety, sustainability, and economic development.
The forum invited residents to reimagine a future where Downtown is more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly—supporting both livability and growth.
Watch the trailer for Car-Centric. Link to view full documentary below.
Watch the Documentary
Car-Centric by Joseph Giitter is now available to view online.
Watch the Documentary →
Watch the Conversation
Didn’t make it? You can view the full panel discussion below.
Panel Speakers (left to right): Steve Jensen – City Planner, Yanira Garcia – RMTA Board, Lauren Cencic – OMetro CEO, Joe Giitter – Documentry Creator, Clarice Dombeck – RMTA Board, Eric Miller – Transportation Planner, & David Levy – City Planner
View the full panel discussion conversation below:
What’s Next
ODIDA will continue to host public forums to spark dialogue on Downtown’s future—covering transportation, placemaking, public safety, and more. Each event is designed to bring diverse voices together to inspire action and strengthen our city’s core.
✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s forum. Together, we’re reimagining a Downtown Omaha that is safe, connected, and built for the next generation.
