Kearney Tomorrow 2050 Visioning Sessions Highlight Community Assests, Opportunities

On March 4-5, a collaborative public engagement group hosted a series of visioning sessions asking area residents, "What will Kearney look like in 2050?"

Their goal? To transform visionary ideas and leads into strategic action, ensuring a stronger, more vibrant future for the Kearney area.

Throughout Kearney Tomorrow 2050 sessions, several common themes emerged that highlighted both Kearney’s strengths and areas for growth. 

Kearney’s Strengths: What Makes Our Community Great?

At all three sessions, attendees highlighted several core strengths that set Kearney apart:

• Strong Community Collaboration – A culture of partnerships across businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government.
• Safe & Family-Oriented – Kearney is known for being a safe, welcoming, and supportive place to live.
• Philanthropy & Giving Spirit – Residents are generous and invest in community projects and initiatives.
• Strong Education & Healthcare – UNK, Central Community College, local schools, and multiple hospitals/clinics make Kearney a regional hub for education and healthcare.
• Recreation & Parks – The hike & bike trail system, splash pads, and outdoor amenities contribute to a high quality of life.
• Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene – The Kearney Community Theatre, arts districts, and music festivals are valued.
• Economic Stability – A diverse business base, both large and small employers, supports economic sustainability.
• Strategic Location – Being centrally located in Nebraska makes Kearney an ideal place for businesses, travelers, and tourism.
• Support for Local Businesses – Residents and leaders value small businesses and want to see more entrepreneurial opportunities.

Key Challenges & Areas for Improvement

While Kearney has many strengths, several challenges were mentioned as areas needing focus:

Housing & Affordability

• Need for more affordable entry-level housing for young professionals, families, and healthcare workers.
• Senior housing & planned developments for aging populations.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and innovative housing solutions to maximize available space

Childcare Challenges

• Limited availability and high costs make it difficult for families.
• Staffing shortages in childcare centers.
• Potential solutions include business-sponsored childcare programs and employer incentives for daycare services.

Transportation & Walkability

• Public transportation is limited – needs improvement for nights, weekends, and accessibility for all residents.
• More pedestrian-friendly development – safer crosswalks, bike lanes, and trails connecting key areas (downtown, UNK, Sportsplex).
• Shuttle services to/from surrounding towns to help commuters.
• More rideshare options (Uber/Lyft/taxis), especially for nightlife and weekend transportation.

Economic Development & Workforce Growth

• Retaining Young Professionals – Need better-paying jobs, more career opportunities, and incentives to stay in Kearney after graduation.
• Entrepreneurial Support – Consider an Innovation Hub or business incubator to encourage startups.
• Attracting New Businesses – Focus on bringing high-tech, medical, and manufacturing industries to town.
• Service Expansion – More 24-hour businesses, retail, and entertainment options.

Tourism & Entertainment Expansion

• Viaero Center Revitalization – Bring in bigger events, concerts, and sports to draw visitors.
• More destination attractions – Large waterpark, Fort Kearny expansion, boutique hotels, or adventure parks.
• Festivals & Events – Need more large-scale events like a music festival, film festival, or city-wide night market.
• Platte River Development – More recreational use such as floating trails, fishing areas, and waterfront restaurants.
• Downtown Growth – Make downtown more of a destination with rooftop restaurants, live music, and public green spaces

Healthcare & Social Services

• More specialized medical services – Reduce the need to travel to Omaha/Lincoln for major procedures.
• Better support for mental health & substance abuse treatment.
• Hospice care & eldercare resources – More long-term care facilities needed.
• A one-stop Advocacy Center to assist with resources (housing, food stamps, transportation, etc.).

Big Ideas & Innovative Concepts

If there was a magic wand, what would participants bring to Kearney? Some creative ideas shared during the sessions included:

• Build a Large Outdoor Waterpark – A major destination attraction.
• Adventure Park & Ropes Course – Outdoor recreation for all ages.
• Treehouse Village & Tiny Home Community – Unique housing and tourism opportunities.
• High-Speed Rail or Bullet Train to Omaha & Denver – Long-term transportation vision.
• Revamp the Archway Museum – Add interactive experiences, a period-themed restaurant, and nighttime lighting.
• Expand Green Spaces & More Trees! – Make Kearney even more beautiful.
• Attract “The Big 3” (Costco, Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden) – Common requests from the community.
• Dedicated Arts & Cultural Center – A space for education, performances, and creative expression.

What’s Next? Moving Ideas into Action

The discussions from Kearney Tomorrow 2050 revealed that our community is forward-thinking, passionate, and ready to grow. The next steps include:

• Prioritizing projects – Identifying what can be achieved in the short term vs. long-term investments.
• Engaging community members – Encouraging more residents to share their ideas (email kearneytomorrow@kearneygov.org).
• Seeking funding & partnerships – Collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and government to bring these ideas to life.
• Creating action plans – Turning vision into real, tangible projects that will shape Kearney’s future.

Final Thoughts: Kearney’s Future is Bright

The conversations from these sessions show that Kearney is a city with strong roots and a bold vision for the future. With a focus on innovation, smart growth, and community engagement, we can continue building a thriving, vibrant, and welcoming city for 2050 and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who participated! If you have more ideas or want to get involved, please fill out this short form, or email kearneytomorrow@kearneygov.org.