A new downtown convention center is on the horizon for the city of Lincoln.
Approved this morning by the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, the creation of the Assemble Lincoln Standing Committee that will serve as the governance entity for the development of the Downtown Lincoln Convention Center project.
The Committee will be comprised of up to 9 members, including local, state, and federal policymakers, business leaders and members of the Lancaster County community, and will provide recommendations to the County Board regarding the development and operation of the Convention Center, including site selection, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance. The Committee also will assist the County Board in soliciting, selecting, and managing contractors for purposes of developing and operating the Convention Center.
Lincoln State Senator Elliot Bostar will Chair the committee, and spoke before the County Board on Tuesday, “This really is a fiscal win for the county. Once this project is up and running, this will bring in more revenues than it costs to operate. We’re looking at the ability to use those revenues to put downward pressure on property taxes, to fund other projects that meet the needs of the citizens of the entire county.”
The County Board said in a statement, “[We are] extremely proud to partner in the effort to develop the Convention Center and extends its appreciation to Assemble Lincoln and to the local, state, and federal officials who are making this project possible. Developing a Convention Center in Nebraska’s capital city represents a significant economic development opportunity for the local, regional, and statewide economy, boosting tourism and creating additional revenues that will support other vital projects across our state.”