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| ABOUT NENEDD
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is a multi-county economic development organization that was authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration in 1977 and serves its member counties, cities and villages through Interlocal Agreements. The NENEDD has a tremendous record in helping the 16-county region with community and economic development projects. In fact, since 1992, NENEDD staff has assisted nearly 500 entities, including towns, counties, organizations and businesses, by tapping into federal, state, and private financing programs. This assistance not only included preparing grant or loan applications, but more importantly, facilitating the planning and citizen involvement process that led to the setting of goals and priorities and the development of written plans of action.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Every five years NENEDD must complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), detailing the economic conditions of the region and a five-year strategy for development of Northeast Nebraska. The CEDS committee will meet four to five times in six months with approximately 45 committee members to look at the needs, problems and the resources of the region.
In the last 10 years, these planning efforts have resulted in over $86 million dollars of grants and loans being awarded to members for various community and economic development projects throughout the region (see chart below). These grants and loans leveraged over three times that amount in local and private funds.
Housing Rehabilitation and Development Efforts
During the past 14 years, NENEDD has implemented and administered 72 community housing rehabilitation programs totaling nearly $22 million in Federal and State funds, encompassing 57 communities and over 570 housing units in Northeast Nebraska. NENEDD has leveraged other Federal and private funds to increase the amount of funding available for housing rehabilitation. In addition, NENEDD has implemented its own regional housing rehabilitation program program using Nebraska Affordable Housing Program funds and HUD funds, resulting in the rehabilitation of 61 housing units.
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Develpment District (NENEDD) and Northeast Economic Development, Inc.(NED, Inc) Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) were created to help fund economic development projects within a 22 county region of northeast and north central Nebraska.
The RLF loans provide for subordinate or gap financing for micro-enterprise, in conjunction with local financial institutions; allowing the business owner the ability to expand a current business, transfer of ownership or purchase an existing business.
These loans are perfect for financing fixed assets such as land, building, equipment and working capital. Loans typically range from $5,000 to a $100,000 maximum.
Business Expansion and Retention Efforts
NENEDD has assisted in the creation of 3,495 new full-time equivalent jobs in this same time period through business retention and expansion efforts. NENEDD works with cities, counties and local economic development groups and partner resource agencies such as Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Public Power District to assist communities in their recruitment efforts and industrial site development activities.
NENEDD has received many awards during the past several years, reflecting success in achieving community and economic development goals. Among the national awards include: Three NADO Innovation Awards and a Vision 2000 State Model of Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition, NENEDD has received several state-wide awards, including: the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources 1997 Team Effort Award for EDGE (Enhancing, Developing & Growing Entrepreneurs); and 6 awards for projects that qualify as the top 100 Rural Initiatives from the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. NENEDD was selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to be a "Peer Reviewer" for other economic development organizations in the Midwest. NENEDD has also successfully completed a PEER 500 Review from the Northland Institute.
NENEDD is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors comprised of private citizens and elected officials who represent various economic interests. Each NENEDD member community and county have representation on the Board of Directors. The Board meets monthly. Each NENEDD member community and county has representation on the Council of Officials, which is the policy-making body of the organization. The Council meets semi-annually, in June and December. The Board of Directors is elected from the Council of Officials. Three new members are elected to the Board each year in June.
NENEDD is supported by a combination of funds. A planning grant from the EDA provides $51,000 each year which is matched by local membership dues. NENEDD derives most of its funding from local membership dues and special contracts.
What commitment does a Community/County make when it joins NENEDD?
As a member of NENEDD, you are expected to support the goals and mission of the organization and be a part of the decision-making process by appointing a representative to the Council of Officials.
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