Lancaster County Annual Report | 23-24 FY

LANCASTER COUNTY

ANNUAL REPORT

2024 BOARD CHAIR LETTER FROM LANCASTER COUNTY

The mission of Lancaster County is to provide innovative, sustainable governmental services for a healthy, safe, diverse, and vibrant community. During my tenure as Chair of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, I have witnessed numerous achievements that have strengthened the foundation of our community and laid the groundwork for a brighter future for our residents.

In our annual report, you will encounter stories of success, progress, community partnership, and exceptional service.

One monumental accomplishment to highlight is the completion of the Lancaster County Broadband Project. Through the installation of approximately 164 miles of conduit throughout the County, this future-proofing infrastructure not only enhances the quality of life for our rural residents but also fosters economic growth and enhances educational opportunities within our community. Thanks to public-private partnerships between Lancaster County and private sector broadband providers, this project will generate income and opportunities for Lancaster County for many years.

Another notable accomplishment related to our infrastructure is the completion of several large-scale bridge and paving projects across the County. These projects not only update, modernize, and sustain the County’s infrastructure but also improve commutes for our rural residents and propel our economy forward by providing avenues for growth and expansion. Our generational investments in rural infrastructure play a key role in making our community healthier, stronger, and safer for decades to come.

In addition to strengthening our County’s physical foundation, Lancaster County’s leadership at the Nebraska Legislature during the 2024 session was instrumental in securing our residents vital resources and essential services. We were successful in broadening the statutory eligibility requirements for County Veterans Aid to include all active duty service members, including those veterans who served in the National Guard, regardless of the time periods they served, and harmonizing residency requirements for County Veterans Aid with the residency requirements for State Veterans Aid. Additionally, legislation prioritized by Lancaster County created a property tax exemption for skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities based upon the number of occupied Medicaid beds, which in turn will generate a valuable incentive for the creation of more Medicaid beds for our most vulnerable residents in need of long-term care.

Another way we have supported and improved the lives of those who call Lancaster County home is through our overall strategic plan to deploy American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The continued expenditure of ARPA dollars allowed the County to purchase a building for a future family crisis response center (SquareOne) and provided financial support to several nonprofit community providers including the Malone Center, Cultural Centers of Lincoln, Indian Center, St. Monica’s, Lincoln Literacy, Community Action Partnership, and BraveBe Child Advocacy Center to make transformational investments in their facilities and programs. These success stories could not happen without strong partnerships established over the years and a steadfast commitment to provide vital human services to ensure residents can thrive in our community.

In closing, on behalf of the Lancaster County Board, I want to thank all our Agency Heads and employees for their hard work and passion to serve. You all are a huge part of the successes we are sharing today and help make Lancaster County an even better place to live, work, and play.

Sean Flowerday Board of Commissioners Chair

MEET THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Sean Flowerday - District 1

Representing Southwest Lincoln, Rokeby, and surrounding rural areas.

402-540-9756

sflowerday@lancaster.ne.gov

Christa Yoakum - District 2

Representing Northwest Lincoln, Raymond, Malcolm, Agnew, and surrounding rural areas.

531-207-4187

cyoakum@lancaster.ne.gov

Matt Schulte - District 3

Representing South Lincoln, Hickman, Denton, Firth, Hallam, Panama, Roca, Sprague, and surrounding rural areas.

402-318-9118

mschulte@lancaster.ne.gov

Roma Amundson - District 4

Representing East Lincoln, Bennet, Prairie Home, Walton, and surrounding rural areas. Commissioner Amundson retired in 2024 and Chelsea Johnson was elected to represent District 4.

402-441-7447

Rick Vest - District 5

Representing Northeast Lincoln, Waverly, Davey, and surrounding rural areas.

402-540-9595

rvest@lancaster.ne.gov

LANCASTER COUNTY BOARD DISTRICTS MAP

LANCASTER COUNTY SNAPSHOT

MISSION

Provide innovative, sustainable governmental services for a healthy, safe, diverse, and vibrant community.

VISION

Lancaster County is a leading center of culture, education, agriculture, and commerce that thrives through dynamic growth, thoughtful leadership, and the diversity of its people in both rural and urban communities.

MEET OUR AGENCY HEADS

Behind each Lancaster County agency is a leader dedicated to serving our community with expertise and care. Connect with them to learn more about their work or to seek assistance.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Assessor/Register of Deeds dnolte@lancaster.ne.gov

Dingman

pcondon@lancaster.ne.gov

Public Defender County Engineer County Sheriff County Treasurer kegger@lancaster.ne.gov pdingman@lancaster.ne.gov twagner@lancaster.ne.gov rgarver@lancaster.ne.gov

ddmeyer@lancaster.ne.gov

setherton@lancaster.ne.gov

shoyle@lancaster.ne.gov

bmeyer@lancaster.ne.gov

dderbin@lancaster.ne.gov

twiltgen@lancaster.ne.gov

jkilpatrick@lancaster.ne.gov

kpeterson@lancaster.ne.gov arhodes@lancaster.ne.gov

balexander@lancaster.ne.gov

seckley@lancaster.ne.gov

bjohnson@lancaster.ne.gov

mlakamp@lancaster.ne.gov

THE FOUNDATION TO GROW

Lancaster County is investing in the land we call home, ensuring it remains a place where communities can thrive. From infrastructure upgrades that improve roads and bridges, to weed control efforts that protect native ecosystems, we strive to strengthen the foundation beneath us and lay the groundwork for growth.

PAVING THE WAY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

Our Engineering Department keeps Lancaster County moving by designing, building, inspecting, and maintaining roads and bridges, including those in unincorporated areas. The engineering team also oversees land surveys, subdivision reviews, and access permit requests while managing plat maps and records. Beyond infrastructure, they maintain and repair all County vehicles and heavy equipment, and provide fuel for County fleet vehicles. Every project is an investment in the land we call home, paving the way for a brighter future.

N. 98th Street (Holdrege to Adams) is now paved with fresh asphalt, a significant improvement given the road’s heavy traffic. With 600–700 cars daily, maintaining the former gravel surface was challenging, especially with drought and rain impacts.

The project included culvert installation, grading, shouldering, pavement marking, and erosion control.

County Bridge X-129, located on Panama Road, east of S 54th Street, was reopened following the completion of a new bridge.

The previous bridge was constructed in 1963, and was closed in 2019 after the bomb cyclone.

The old bridge has now been replaced with a modern 120’, 3-span, continuous concrete slab bridge – a significant upgrade.

24.3 miles of new pavement laid

51 bridges, bridge length box culverts, and small box culverts replaced

35 channel repair projects completed

1.2k pieces of signage placed or updated

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

After a 2.5 year journey, the Lancaster County Broadband Infrastructure Project is complete. Funded by $10 million from Lancaster County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, this transformative initiative resulted in the installation of approximately 175 miles of conduit, linking our County’s 12 incorporated cities and villages with its 10 unincorporated communities. With the conduit in place, telecommunications companies will install fiber, enabling high-speed internet and other services for residents and businesses. This is an exciting milestone, driving innovation and supporting economic growth throughout the County.

INVASIVE WEEDS – STOPPING THE SPREAD

Lancaster County’s Weed Control Authority works hard to protect our County against noxious weeds that could potentially cause damage to the environment, harm our health, and negatively impact our local economy. With 12 species of invasive plants threatening the continued economic and environmental value of land in Lancaster County, weed management is vital. Our Weed Control Authority team works to stop the spread of noxious plants through education, public outreach, ongoing inspections, and administration of the local weed abatement program – all of which encourage landowners to independently control noxious weeds.

10.3k total weed inspections performed

Residential Commercial Agricultural

104,416 11,333 7,245

PARCEL RECORDS MAINTAINED BY ASSESSOR/ REGISTER OF DEEDS

HEART OF SERVICE

Lancaster County demonstrates its commitment to residents by delivering essential services with professionalism and care. From facilitating important transactions to connecting individuals with resources, our work enriches and empowers the community.

THE COUNTY-CITY BUILDING’S FRIENDLIEST FACE

If you’ve done business in the County-City Building, you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Raven.

Raven has worked for Lancaster County for over three years, providing exceptional service to the public and employees alike. She greets those who enter the County-City Building with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine sense of hospitality that makes a lasting impression. Raven goes above and beyond in providing helpful directions, making the public’s experience not only seamless but also enjoyable.

Raven’s efforts exemplify the high standard of customer service that make a visit to the County-City Building a positive and memorable experience. Her patience and professionalism make her a true asset to the Lancaster County team!

THE DMV EXPERIENCE, REDEFINED

Visiting the DMV is often synonymous with long waits, but that’s not the case at the Lancaster County Treasurer’s Office Motor Vehicle Division, who’s made customer service its top priority. To enhance the experience of visitors, improvements such as a redesigned layout, comfortable seating, and a more efficient queuing system were introduced. Additionally, visitors can choose to make an appointment, avoiding the line altogether.

I just wanted you and your staff to know I appreciated the speed and efficiency as well as the positive attitudes they all displayed during my visit. You, and they, are to be commended for the excellent work you folks do every day.

- Email from DMV customer

324k

vehicle registration transactions completed by Treasurer’s Office

105k

vehicle/boat title transactions completed by Treasurer’s Office

15k+

horticulture questions answered by UNL Extension Office

$88k 2,727

veterans connected to benefits through Veterans Service Office

3,900

marriage licenses issued by County Clerk

128

public records requests processed by County Clerk

distributed to veterans via state and county Veterans Aid

63

tobacco, liquor, amusement, and special event licenses issued or renewed by County Clerk

10

years of consecutive CARF accreditation at Mental Health Crisis Center

9.6k

guests greeted and assisted upon entering the County-City Building

LENDING A HELPING PAW

Barney celebrated two years as Lancaster County’s trained facility therapy dog, serving agencies like Human Services, the County Attorney’s Office, the Lincoln Police Department Victim Assistance Unit, and the County Board. Certified in Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Advanced CGC, Barney provides comfort to trauma-affected children and uplifts employees with an abundance of tail wiggles.

To honor his contributions to community and workforce wellness, the County Board proclaimed August 15, 2023, as Barney Day, celebrating his calming presence, joy, and faithful service.

6.4k

content interactions on Lancaster County’s social media pages

418 responses to online inquiry submissions

“During an intake meeting, a young man referred to Project RESTORE was clearly agitated. As he answered our survey questions, his frustration grew, and he became more vocal. Barney, who had been resting under the table, sensed the tension, got up, and gently laid his head in the young man’s lap. As he petted Barney, his voice quickly softened and he relaxed, calmly finishing the remainder of the survey. Moving forward, the young man opted to meet with his case worker at her office instead of at his school so he could visit Barney.”

- Human Services Staff Member

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

Lancaster County is dedicated to inclusion, support, and opportunity for all. From educational resources to vital human services, our agencies work to ensure residents with all lived experience can thrive in our community.

CRISIS RESPONSE - THE NEXT CHAPTER

SquareOne – a centralized point of contact for crisis behavioral health screenings, stabilization, support, integrated case management, and more – began providing behavioral health crisis services at the CenterPointe Campus for Health and WellBeing while the County develops a dedicated location at 17th and N St in Lincoln. This milestone has been over a decade in the making and marks the next chapter of expanded crisis response programs for youth and families.

TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP VANGUARD

Lancaster County Human Services staff joined the Transformative Leadership Vanguard (TLV) at the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute to enhance our case management system. With guidance from the TLV, the Human Services team developed a Diversion Guide that tailors support to the unique needs of each youth and family while ensuring they have a voice in shaping their case plan.

A WARM WELCOME

We’re proud to support the Lincoln & Lancaster County Welcoming Plan as part of our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. The Welcoming Plan – created by Lancaster County, the City of Lincoln, and the New Americans Task Force, with assistance from the Gateways for Growth Steering Committee – focuses on policies and programs to better support our immigrant and refugee community members.

NOURISHING NEW BEGINNINGS

The Lancaster County Extension Office’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) equips limited-resource families to live healthier lives through classes and PSE (policy, system and environmental) initiatives. In 2024, NEP in Lancaster County taught nearly 5,500 adults in nutrition education classes and nutrition security engagements; over 400 were New Americans navigating a new food system in the U.S. NEP also fostered 51 PSE changes that increased health accessibility and affordability.

Programs like Nutrition for Hypertension at the Good Neighbor Community Center, taught in Arabic for new Americans, blend cultural traditions with practical skills to help participants navigate food and health systems, improve well-being, and reduce chronic disease.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

The Lancaster County Records Management (RM) Department serves as a vital bridge between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and County offices in need of specialized services. Managed by the Community Supports Network (CSN), this vocational work site integrates workers into the community through file digitization projects for various County departments.

Many employees have been with RM since high school, a testament to the program’s lasting impact. One recent retiree spent her entire career with RM, finding fulfillment in digitizing court records and contributing to the team’s success. Another team member credits RM with shaping his personal and professional growth, aspiring to future office roles. The bonds formed within RM create a strong sense of belonging, fostering both growth and collaboration.

PREPARE, PROTECT, EMPOWER

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

With a dedicated team of 84 sworn deputies, 25 professional staff members, and 8 security guards at the Hall of Justice, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (LSO) stands ready to serve and protect. One way the LSO team displays its unwavering commitment to excellence is through extensive training and continuous education.

10,263

hours of training completed by LSO deputies, an average of

122

hours of training per deputy

This year, the Sheriff’s Office designated two deputies as Tactical Flight Officers (shown above) to partner with the Nebraska State Patrol Airwing. This collaboration ensures faster, safer responses to incidents, reducing high-speed pursuits and aiding in the safe apprehension of suspects.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPAREDNESS

In 2023-2024, Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management (LLCEMA) achieved significant growth, enhanced community readiness, and managed high-profile events and natural disasters. By upgrading critical infrastructure and fostering collaboration, the agency continues to play a vital role in safeguarding Lancaster County residents.

18 exercises, seminars, and drills attended

3 additional outdoor warning sirens installed 26 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activations

LLCEMA participated in a Weather Alert Radio Distribution Project across southeast Nebraska, equipping vulnerable residents with life-saving technology. Through partnerships with local school districts and human services providers, we delivered 138 radios to Lancaster County residents and families in need.

Even in today’s high-tech world, a reliable weather alert radio with a battery backup remains essential for warning of life-threatening severe weather.

- LLCEMA Staff Member

Lancaster County is committed to ensuring safety, justice, and resilience for all its residents. From protecting the community, to fostering restorative support and accountability, to planning for the unexpected, our agencies work to build a stronger, safer county.

PROBLEM-SOLVING PROGRAMS

Lancaster County’s Problem-Solving Programs help individuals break the cycle of incarceration by addressing substance use, mental health, and other challenges through structured support and accountability.

These programs succeed through collaboration between several County agencies. The County Attorney’s Office plays a central role in establishing and supporting Problem-Solving Courts, Community Corrections connects participants to resources and supervision, and the Public Defender’s Office advocates for participants. With a teambased approach, including judges, attorneys, probation officers, and treatment providers, these programs help individuals regain stability, reconnect with their families, and contribute to the community.

Program graduations reflect the powerful impact of a justice system focused on rehabilitation, as participants celebrate transformation and growth.

COURT ACTIVITY

7k cases defended by the Public Defender’s Office

4.5k civil cases processed by the Clerk of the District Court’s Office

REINTEGRATION & RENEWED HOPE

The Lancaster County Department of Corrections offers nearly 40 meaningful and data-driven programs at the Lancaster County Jail to provide incarcerated individuals with the necessary skills, education, and support to successfully reintegrate into society upon release, focusing on areas like job training, substance abuse treatment, literacy programs, and mental health counseling.

The Women’s Inception to Substance Recovery (WISR) and Men’s Inception to Substance Treatment Recovery (MISTR) programs, developed by a Countyemployed Mental Health Clinician, focus on educating individuals about substance use and emotional/mental health in order to encourage personal growth and positive choices, and reduce repeat offenses.

82% program graduation/ successful completion rate

11.2k cases referred to the County Attorney’s Office

70 individuals graduated from MISTR program

28 individuals graduated from WISR program

LEARNING TODAY, LEADING TOMORROW

Lancaster County is committed to empowering the next generation through education, engagement, and support. From hands-on internships , to outreach initiatives and youth support programs, we’re proud to provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and shape their futures. By investing in our youth today, we’re building a stronger community for tomorrow.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY

Each year in Nebraska, over 5,000 students in more than 60 counties spend County Government Day visiting and learning more about the duties and responsibilities of county officials. This year, we celebrated County Government Day with students from Norris and Malcolm High Schools! Students were assigned an elected official title, then met with their respective offices to learn more.

County Government Day plays a crucial role in the American Legion programming, acting as a bridge between in-class learning and real-world experience with local government.

KICKSTARTING CAREERS

Lancaster County partnered with the American Job Center for the second year to offer the Lancaster County Youth Employment Program (LCYEP). LCYEP connects young professionals with employers to gain hands-on experience and workplace skills while exploring government careers. This partnership also advances the County Board’s strategic goal of fostering a resilient economy and improving opportunities for residents.

In summer 2024, interns worked with six of our county agencies. Lincoln-Lancaster County Human Services hosted Ava Wiechmann, who spent her summer assisting with grants and administrative/client services. Ava’s internship led her to her current position as a Clerk Typist with the Separate Juvenile Court!

EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS

The Lancaster County Extension Office empowers youth with hands-on learning experiences that build skills for a healthier, brighter future. Through nutrition education, clubs, in-school programs, and after-school activities, young people gain knowledge in health, leadership, and STEM. From making healthy choices to exploring artificial intelligence, these programs meet youth where they are and equip them for success.

7.7k

youth reached through the Nutrition Education Program

34k youth engaged in 4-H programming

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

With leadership from el Centro El Centro de las Américas and the Malone Center, a Youth Advisory Council was formed. There are over 20 active youth who participate in monthly meetings at the County-City Building. The Council is providing ongoing input regarding the development of SquareOne. Additionally, its first policy focuses on the density of vape shops in marginalized zip codes.

144 after-school programs delivered

50 youth clubs facilitated

STOPPING THE SPREAD

A key focus of Lancaster County’s Weed Control Authority is education, with an emphasis on engaging young residents. Outreach efforts include Weed Awareness articles in the UNL Extension NEBLINE publication, student research collaborations, and hands-on experiences to show the impact of noxious weeds locally.

A SECOND CHANCE TO SUCCEED

The Pathfinder Education Program, facilitated by Lincoln Public Schools, helps youth housed at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center succeed by providing individualized education and transition support for students in grades 7-12. This ensures they receive the resources needed to stay on track academically and successfully reintegrate into the community, while also building skills and confidence.

95

students earned high school credits during spring and fall semesters

$273.6 M 2023/2024 TOTAL ADOPTED BUDGET

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDING RECIPIENTS

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) distributed federal funding directly to local governments to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting public health and essential services, addressing the pandemic’s negative economic impacts and enhancing critical infrastructure.

BraveBe Child Advocacy Center Community Action Partnership

Expanded and updated their facility to better serve the quickly growing needs of our community, becoming a crucial allencompassing resource.

Opened the Bansal Family Home for Head Start, a space uniquely tailored for our community’s youngest learners.

Sandhills Global Youth Complex Family Service Lincoln

Constructing a baseball/ softball facility with allturf fields designed for youth of all backgrounds and abilities.

Constructing FiftyOne Commons, a mixed-use development with affordable housing units, a STEAM Activity Center, and a community garden.

VISITORS IMPROVEMENT FUND GRANT PROJECTS

The Lancaster County Improvement Fund is funded entirely by a 2% occupation tax on hotel stays within the County. Over the years, grants from the Improvement Fund have provided critical financial support to projects driving our local tourism economy.

The Visitors Improvement Fund fueled the construction of a dual-domed observatory at the Branched Oak Observatory. The new facility will house two state-of-the-art telescopes, amplifying the observatory’s mission to educate and inspire the public by sharing the wonders of the night sky with all.

This exciting development will establish Branched Oak Observatory as Nebraska’s premier destination for astronomy.

Lincoln Children’s Museum used their funding to unveil an exciting new addition – the Luckey Climber, a towering, plantlike structure that invites children to climb, explore, and play like never before.

The museum’s team describes the feature as, “...more than just a play structure; it’s a reflection of our mission to foster health, wellness, and a sense of adventure in every child.”

This grant helped Lincoln Children’s Zoo bring an exciting new feature to Zoo Lights. The fountain light show, inspired by iconic displays in Las Vegas, uses dazzling lights to create the illusion of dancing water. The show is 300% larger than similar attractions anywhere in the United States.

Zoo Lights brings significant economic benefits to our community, with 27% of attendees traveling from outside Lincoln, supporting local businesses.

IT’S THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE PLACE

COMMISSIONERS’ AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS

The Commissioners’ Award of Excellence recognizes employees who consistently provide outstanding service and work that demonstrates exemplary personal commitment to Lancaster County.

2023 Annual Award - Jorge Garcia

During routine check-ins, Jorge discovered a youth in medical distress. He immediately called for assistance and requested emergency responders. Jorge realized the individual wasn’t breathing and had a weak pulse and without hesitation, he administered life-saving measures until first responders arrived.

Thanks to his swift and decisive actions, the youth was transported to the hospital, received necessary care, and has since returned to the Youth Services Center. Jorge made all the difference in this young person’s life.