City of Ogallala Celebrates Business Growth, $17 Million in New Housing Investments, and Expanded Private Investments

The City of Ogallala (pop. 4,878) has earned recognition from the State of Nebraska as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC), highlighting its commitment to business growth, more than $17 million in housing development projects, and expanded private investments. The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Western Region Consultant Brittany Hardin recognized local leaders during the Ogallala City Council meeting and Keith County Area Development’s (KCAD) annual report presentation on Tuesday, November 10th. DED certified the city as an EDCC in 2007 and supported its program recertifications in 2010, 2015, 2021, and 2026. EDCC members may earn recertification in the program every five years.

Ogallala is one of 36 Nebraska communities to qualify for the EDCC program, which was established in 2005 by the Nebraska Diplomats and DED. The program recognizes communities for preparedness to attract new industries, expand existing businesses, and innovatively create safe and affordable housing and community development opportunities. Qualifying communities must build local development programs that engage business leaders and support an ideal environment for economic growth. This includes documenting available sites and buildings, developing online marketing efforts, and implementing strategic planning.

Over the past five years, Ogallala and Keith County have experienced significant business activity, including success in new business recruitment activities, expansion of existing companies, redevelopment of commercial properties, and continued private investment. One of the region's most significant developments is the Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack, representing more than $50 million in private investment. The project opened its first phase in August 2025 and continues to advance plans for future development. Beyond the initial investment, the casino and racetrack are creating employment opportunities, attracting visitors, and generating additional revenue for both the City of Ogallala and Keith County.

Over the past five years, KCAD and the Keith County Housing Development Corporation (KCHDC) have prioritized housing growth through new construction and the rehabilitation of existing community spaces. In 2021 and 2024, KCHDC received $400,000 and $502,685 respectively from Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF). The program supported the construction of 14 single-family homes, including approximately $1.6 million in revolving resources to support future housing development.

A 2022 partnership with Ogallala’s Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) supported the development of 10 shovel-ready lots in Flansburg Subdivision. Six new homes have since been constructed, including four supported by the RWHF program, with three lots still available for development.

KCHDC is currently leading development of the Schoolhouse Apartments project at the site of the former Ogallala Middle School. The $16 million project is being funded by local investments and a $9 million Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award through the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Once completed, the complex will include 32 affordable housing units and eight market-rate units.

A separate, 74-unit multifamily housing development is also under construction, further expanding the community's housing options.

"Housing is one of the most important pieces of our community's economic future," said KCHDC Chairman Charlie Wortman. "When businesses are looking to grow and families are considering making Keith County their home, they need housing options that meet their needs. Projects like the Schoolhouse Apartments and our continued investment in workforce housing take years of work. They take planning, persistence and strong partnerships. We're proud of the progress being made, but we also recognize there is more work ahead."

Local development leaders are expanding their efforts beyond traditional business recruitment activities to attract and retain residents and employees to build future investment opportunities.

Through KCAD's First Impressions initiative and the Western Trails Creative District, community partners have supported downtown improvements, public art, and new landscaping to strengthen Ogallala's appearance, community pride, and overall appeal. Recent accomplishments include Ogallala's designation as a Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska community, the creation of public murals, and improvements to downtown gathering spaces.

Workforce development remains another important priority. KCAD's annual EXCEL (Exploring Careers and Education Locally) Tours, developed in partnership with Mid-Plains Community College, area schools and local employers, introduce students to career opportunities available in their own communities. The program recently completed its 12th annual tour, involving nearly 80 freshmen from Ogallala and Paxton.

Development activity continues to evolve throughout Ogallala’s North Business Park. Since 2021, KCAD has sold five lots, supporting investments that include Black Hills Energy's new facility, the Nebraska Association of County Officials' (NACO) Western Nebraska Headquarters and Training Center, Willow & Oak Events, and a commercial condo development which supports several small businesses.

Ogallala has experienced significant small business growth across a diverse range of industries, including construction, professional services, retail, hospitality, and food and beverage services. New and expanding businesses and the redevelopment of existing commercial properties continue to strengthen the local economy. One example is Second Chapter Brewing, which transformed the former Ogallala Public Library into a locally owned brewery, bringing new life to a familiar community landmark while contributing to downtown revitalization.

KCAD continues to support local entrepreneurs and existing businesses through business retention and expansion visits, technical assistance, and facilitating access to financing through state and regional resources. Since 2023, KCAD has assisted more than 50 small business owners with applications for the GROW Nebraska Grant Program, resulting in 25 local businesses receiving more than $435,000 in total funding. KCAD's Revolving Loan Fund has also disbursed or committed $205,000 in gap financing to support four Ogallala businesses since 2021.

Additional efforts to strengthen the local workforce and quality of life include expanded early childhood education opportunities, continued infrastructure investment, and collaboration among public and private partners.

"Economic development is about much more than bringing a new business to town. It's about creating the conditions that allow businesses to succeed, families to put down roots and communities to continue moving forward," said KCAD Executive Director Mary Wilson. "The accomplishments recognized through this recertification represent years of work by many different organizations, businesses, elected officials and community members. Each investment, partnership and completed project helps position Ogallala and Keith County for opportunities ahead."

In 2026, the State of Nebraska selected a portion of Ogallala for one of 28 Nebraska census tracts nominated for federal Opportunity Zone designation. Located within Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District, the designated area provides an additional opportunity to attract private investment into qualifying business development, housing, and redevelopment projects. For Ogallala, this designation creates another potential tool to market available development sites, encourage reinvestment in underutilized properties, and support future business and housing development.

KCAD, the City of Ogallala, Keith County and their many community partners continue to work together to support business growth and identify development opportunities. Their ongoing collaborations are supporting efforts to strengthen infrastructure readiness and connect prospective investors to available sites and resources.

"This designation recognizes the value of being prepared and working together toward the long-term success of our community," said Ogallala City Manager Tell Jensen. "The city plays an important role in supporting economic development through infrastructure, planning, and local investment tools, but lasting progress requires strong partnerships with our businesses, developers, and community organizations. Ogallala's continued certification reflects that shared commitment and our readiness to pursue future opportunities."

For additional information on the Economic Development Certified Community program, contact Ashley Rice-Gerlach at 308-665-0919 or ashley.gerlach@nebraska.gov, or visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/edcc/.

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