City of Kearney Recognized as Community of the Year

Kearney has been selected by the Nebraska Diplomats as the 2025 Community of the Year!

This award recognizes significant achievements and economic momentum within communities. 

In recent years, Kearney has undertaken several major initiatives to grow its economy, attract tourism, and enhance local quality of life, including:

• Cultural and recreational attractions, such as the renovation and expansion of the Museum of Nebraska Art, the construction of Kearney SportsPlex, and the creation of Yanney Park Pavilion and Gardens.
• Community development achievements such as construction of the new Kearney Partnership Building and Welcome Center, creation of University Village at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and expansion of the Kearney Regional Airport.
• Healthcare and education projects, including the Doug Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, Kearney Catholic Activities Complex, and the Kearney High School-Central Community College Mechatronics Program.
• Housing initiatives, such as Millennial Estates, the Meadows, Taylor Villas, Kearney Community Sustainable Housing, and Element 30.
• Business development and assistance projects such as the Younes Landing Development, the Hilltop Mall, and the revitalization of Downtown Kearney.

The total investment of these projects alone in the last five years equals nearly $380 million.

The Development Council for Buffalo County and the City of Kearney have also collaborated to procure nearly $8 million in Site and Building Development Funds, Prototype Grants, Community Development Block Grant loans, and U.S. Dept. of Commerce grants to support economic development. Kearney has also made significant investments in broadband infrastructure, fostered youth leadership and workforce readiness, and aggressively marketed the city. 

These many activities and achievements have distinguished Kearney as a standout in the field of economic development. 

City Manager Brenda Jensen stated, “It is a true honor to lead a city with such a rich legacy of collaboration and forward-thinking growth. This recognition from the Nebraska Diplomats is a testament to the dedication and vision of countless community leaders who have consistently prioritized what’s best for Kearney’s future. The momentum we’re experiencing today is built on years of hard work by many groups, and I’m confident that even greater achievements lie ahead. This acknowledgment shines a spotlight on the incredible efforts that continue to shape our community.”