LIBA 2026 Legislative and Public Policy priorities

The Public Policy committee discussed 2026 Legislative and Public Policy priorities at the October meeting. Here is a recap: 
 

1. Sanitary Improvement Districts (SIDs): The group started by discussing the concept of sanitary improvement districts and how they could stimulate development outside Lincoln’s city limits. They covered the independent legal structure of SIDs, city permitting requirements, and financing mechanisms through special assessments and general obligation bonds. Participants emphasized that once the SID is annexed, the city takes on all responsibilities and debt. They also touched on overlapping or uncertain school district boundaries whenever an SID is formed outside city limits. They contemplated whether LIBA should push for broad acceptance of SIDs in Lancaster County, or if another group should. Motion by Wanda to make SID’s a Public Policy Committee priority, seconded by Richard.  Motion carried unanimously.

2. East Beltway Development: The committee next addressed the East Beltway, reaffirming it as an ongoing growth priority. Participants discussed how the city and state might coordinate land purchases for the beltway corridor near roughly 112th or 120th Streets. It was mentioned that Senator Ballard might put forward a bill for funding environmental studies on the corridor, but securing such funding could be difficult. They emphasized continuing to push the city to buy land in the corridor so that the Department of Transportation might be more willing to prioritize the highway.  Motion by Richard, seconded by Earl. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Casino Revenues for Infrastructure: The group reviewed the prior stance of ensuring any local casino revenues are devoted to legitimate infrastructure or property tax relief rather than diverted into discretionary spending. They voiced concern about local governments offsetting these funds by reducing other allocations. Participants agreed that these revenues should be mandated for incremental infrastructure investments (such as roads or other critical projects) and not simply absorbed into general budgets. Motion by Wanda, seconded by Richard. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Truth in Taxation and ‘Pink Postcard’ Notifications: Members discussed Nebraska’s property tax “pink postcard” system. They sought reforms including removing the 2% exemption threshold and requiring notifications on the first dollar of tax increase. They also want the postcards to be sent earlier in the budgeting process, and for the presence of key decision-makers at the associated public hearings. The committee voted to continue pursuing changes aimed at strengthening citizens’ ability to weigh in on local tax increases before final budgets are set. Motion by Wanda, seconded by Dave. Motion passed unanimously.

5. Limiting Property Tax Growth: The committee explored capping annual property tax collections to last year’s property tax asking plus a maximum of 3%. This idea mirrors aspects of prior legislation in other states and aims to notch allowable growth to a moderate level, with any excess requiring special bond measures or other mechanisms. Motion by Wanda, seconded by Dave, passed unanimously.

6. Reducing or Eliminating Unfunded Mandates: Members briefly examined how state-level unfunded mandates increase county costs and thereby drive-up local property taxes. They agreed to keep the objective of reducing unfunded mandates in their legislative priorities to protect local budgets. Motion by Wanda, seconded by Debby, passed unanimously.