'Weather the storm of construction': New funding for businesses impacted by streetcar

July 15, 2026 - 01:09

Omaha city officials have announced a new financial assistance program aimed at supporting local businesses struggling through the ongoing streetcar construction. Dubbed the Streetcar Business Impact Fund, the initiative is designed to provide direct monetary relief to companies that can demonstrate a significant drop in revenue due to the project.

The fund targets businesses located directly along the streetcar route that have been hit hard by prolonged road closures, reduced foot traffic, and limited customer access. To qualify, business owners must submit financial records proving a measurable decrease in earnings compared to the same period before construction began. The city has not yet set a specific cap on individual awards, but officials say the money is intended to cover operating costs, payroll, and rent.

Mayor Jean Stothert acknowledged the frustration many business owners feel, stating that the city recognizes the short-term pain caused by long-term infrastructure improvements. "We want to help you weather the storm of construction," she said during a press conference. The program is funded through a combination of city reserves and federal grants tied to the transit project.

Applications will be accepted starting next month, with a review committee made up of city staff and local economic development experts. Business owners are encouraged to gather their tax returns and profit-and-loss statements ahead of time. The city plans to process claims on a rolling basis until the fund is exhausted.