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Downtown Improvement District Elections

The Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association (ODIDA) is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a District-wide election to fill nine (9) expiring board positions. The new terms will commence on April 1, 2025, and extend through March 31, 2029. 

Board Seat Nominations

  • Three (3) seats by District residents
    • Joseph Harris II - 900 Farnam St
    • Bill Goodwin - 900 Farnam St
    • John Thomas - 1122 Mayberry Plaza
    • Write-in Candidates 

  • Two (2) seats by business tenants within the District
    • Jeff Jorgenson - Tannenbaum Christmas Shop
    • Write-in Candidates

  • Four (4) seats by property owners, with one (1) representative from each of the four (4) designated wards
    • Ward 1
      • Write-in Candidates
    • Ward 2
      • Ryne Bessmer - 1233 Marcy Plz
      • Write-in Candidates
    • Ward 3
      • Linda Hayek - 1403 Farnam St
      • Mechan Abrahamsen - 312 S 16th St
      • Write-in Candidates
    • Ward 4
      • Chris Russell - 1008 Dodge St
      • Write-in Candidates

Application & Map

Please note that board meetings are on the last Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm at RDG Planning & Design (13th & Howard). Attandance is require.

Election Information

Voting will begin on October 31, 2024. Eligible District residents, business tenants, and property owners will receive a letter from the City with a unique voter verification code for use on the secure Election Buddy platform. This code will direct them to their online ballot. Each voting key is personalized, can only be used once, and ensures confidentiality. Voters who prefer a paper ballot can request one from the Omaha City Clerk’s Office by calling 402-444-5550.

All ballots, whether submitted online or by mail, must be received by the Omaha City Clerk’s Office no later than 10 AM on January 31, 2025. The election process will be overseen by Omaha City Clerk Elizabeth Butler, with the results expected to be announced by February 14, 2025.

For further information about the ODIDA election, please visit OmahaDowntown.org or contact Elizabeth Butler, City Clerk, at 402-444-5550.