Second Special Election Open House Scheduled for Tuesday UPDATE

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A second open house is planned by Grow Grand Island on Tuesday, August 6, from 4:00pm-6:00pm, at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation’s community room (located at 1503 West 2 nd Street) to field questions about the special election ballot for a proposed economic development program related to the city’s newly approved Good Life District.

Mayor Roger Steele spoke on the issue on KRGI.

“An open house has proven to be a good way for voters to get their specific questions answered,” said Tonja Brown, chairperson for Grow Grand Island. “If someone missed the first open house held July 31, this is another opportunity.”

The open house format will allow the public to come and go, but there will be a short presentation available around 5pm. Several individuals will be on hand to answer a variety of questions. Visuals and handouts will also be available.

Good Life Districts were authorized by the Legislature in 2023 as a tool to enhance the retail, entertainment, and tourism industries and attract more out-of-state visitors. The state will cut half of the Nebraska sales tax within a Good Life District and allow cities to redirect it locally for district development. But local tax initiatives must first be approved by local voters.

The Grand Island City Council recently approved the Aug. 13 special election in which voters will be asked to vote for or against the creation of an economic development program via a mail-in ballot. See the ballot language and this list of answers to frequently asked questions. Ballots can be mailed in or dropped off at the Hall County Election Commissioner’s office, located at 121 South Pine Street, but they must be received by
5:00pm on August 13.