The Nebraska Municipal Inland Port Authority Act authorized the state’s Department of Economic Development to certify five communities to form inland port authorities. South Sioux City was recently designated as the fifth and final inland port authority under the act, which seeks to incentivize development projects and attract companies to the state.

Nebraska’s cottage food law allows individuals to produce and sell homemade foods directly to consumers. Recent updates to the law expand the types of food that can be prepared outside of a commercial kitchen. Now small-scale food producers have more pathways available when pursuing their new ideas.

Global commercial real estate company CBRE released its Scoring Tech Talent 2024 report last September highlighting 25 emerging tech talent hubs in North America, based on occupational and demographic data. The top 10 ranked cities, including Omaha, were featured in Site Selection Magazine’s 2025 Workforce Guide to examine their appeal to employers and employees.

Nebraska’s population is climbing, yet domestic outmigration persists, with college-educated individuals and higher earners among those most likely to leave. According to the 2024 Data and Research Series for Community Impact, the state’s core metros drive much of the modest growth, while rural and micropolitan areas still struggle with declines.

A newly released 2024 Business Innovation Act (BIA) Impact Analysis reveals that Nebraska’s startup ecosystem is fueling more than $1.17 billion in annual economic gains. Within that growth, the prototype grant program has emerged as a standout tool for turning early-stage ideas into market-ready ventures.

Nebraska ranks near the bottom in startup survival, and Omaha’s innovation ecosystem remains fragmented, according to a recent report. The Silicon Prairie Rising report lays out a roadmap for change, calling for a central organization to coordinate efforts and foster a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

A Nebraska congressman says he’s proud of Luke Farritor. His uncle says Farritor will make the right decisions. A Nebraska tech mentor says Farritor’s involvement is “a dagger to the heart.”

The Center for Rural Affairs pointed to 12 bills going through the Nebraska Unicameral that will affect rural communities. Four measures address major rural economic development issues, including rural workforce housing and the grocer reinvestment option act.

The Greater Omaha Chamber’s new “A Greater Omaha” plan outlines a three-year strategy to boost job creation, attract top talent and enhance quality of life.