June 01, 2009
Thank You and Welcome
When Omaha by Design was founded as Lively Omaha in 2001, Mayor Mike Fahey was just beginning his first term in office. A recent Omaha World-Herald article noted his staunch support of neighborhoods and the role they can play in improving our city. During the past eight years, his park renovation program, neighborhood grant program and support of Omaha by Design’s Place Game workshops have resulted in significant contributions to improving Omaha’s public spaces and green environment.
When leaders from Omaha’s public and private sectors agreed upon the need for a comprehensive urban design plan, Mayor Fahey’s support of this initiative, the Urban Design Element, was critical to its development and subsequent adoption as part of the city’s master plan. He was also instrumental in supporting the passage of a groundbreaking package of revisions and additions to the city’s zoning and subdivision codes that reflect the Urban Design Element’s 73 recommendations.
Last fall, Mayor Fahey’s support was front and center once again when Omaha by Design and the city launched Environment Omaha, a multi-year initiative that will result in the creation of an Environmental Element for Omaha’s master plan. Upon announcing the initiative, he said: “It is incumbent upon Omahans to present future generations a community in better condition than when we inherited it. By institutionalizing an environmental aspect into our city’s future growth and development, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”
Thanks to Mayor Fahey’s efforts, Omaha is becoming a better city, a place that respects its natural environment, fosters civic pride and celebrates the diversity of its neighborhoods.
This week marks a new chapter in the city’s leadership. Omaha by Design congratulates Mayor Jim Suttle and looks forward to continuing its urban design and environmental work with the support of his administration. The organization applauds his commitment to citizen involvement and looks forward to his efforts in meeting the city’s current challenges while working toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Connie Spellman, director
Omaha by Design