When Collaboration Sparks Magic: Housing Relocation and Strategic Growth in York County, Nebraska

When you mix collaborations, connections, partnerships, and strategic goals, sometimes the results are magical.

That’s exactly what happened when Jim Ulrich, CEO of York General and a member of the YCDC Executive Committee, aligned the healthcare facility’s expansion needs with YCDC’s long-term housing strategy of preserving existing stock. Add in communities willing to embrace opportunity, then a forward-thinking developer—Brandon Skelton—who specializes in restoring and relocating homes. With a site that checked all the logistical boxes, the result was something truly special.

This week, that “magic” played out in real time as seven homes were relocated from York to Bradshaw—a town of about 300 residents—in a remarkable display of vision and synergy. The convoy of homes drew attention from onlookers and news outlets alike. It wasn’t just an impressive logistical feat—it was a showcase of what rural collaboration can accomplish.

But this project is about more than just moving houses. It represents the kind of innovative problem-solving that happens when stakeholders share goals and work together.

Strategic Thinking in Action
YCDC’s housing strategy doesn’t stop at encouraging the building of new homes—it includes preserving valuable existing stock. These seven houses were in excellent condition but located on land that York General needed for future development. Rather than let them go to waste, our team worked behind the scenes with Brandon Skelton and multiple community partners to find a solution. That meant finding a location that:

• Had room for seven homes;
• Didn’t require crossing the rail line or the interstate;
• Had utilities available to reduce infrastructure costs;
• Had land ready to sell and develop;
• Was within a community that welcomed growth.

Bradshaw fit the bill perfectly—and welcomed the project with open arms.

Community-Led Growth
This project reflects what can happen when rural communities are open to creative solutions. As reported by Just Melanie and the York News-Times, Bradshaw’s leaders, including Village Board Chair Jill Romary and Clerk Stephanie Metzger, saw the opportunity for what it was: a chance to add quality housing quickly, support population growth, and energize their community. In a single day, Bradshaw increased its housing stock by 15%—an incredible achievement in rural development. 

Housing remains one of York County’s biggest economic development challenges and opportunities. We can’t attract and retain talent without having places for people to live, and we can’t grow our businesses—like York General, Klute, Collins Aerospace or any others—without planning for their future needs. This project allowed us to meet multiple goals: preserve homes, grow a rural town, and make way for our largest employer’s expansion.

A Model of Rural Innovation
What makes this story so exciting is that it shows what’s possible when we think differently. Too often, older homes are demolished because the land they sit on is needed for something else. By having our major employer at the table, they understood the housing need, which led to their decision to sell the houses for relocation versus demolition. By asking the right questions and understanding what the developer needed, we were able to find the right site for the homes.

This project is also a strong example of the role YCDC plays in connecting the dots. From utility logistics and zoning conversations to site planning and community engagement, our team was there every step of the way—because success in economic development rarely comes from a single effort. It comes from partnerships, persistence, and a clear vision of what’s possible.

What’s Next
You’ll be hearing more about this project as the homes are renovated and families move in. But already, this initiative stands as a testament to what can happen when we come together around shared goals—and stay open to creative, strategic solutions.

To everyone involved—Jim Ulrich and York General, Brandon Skelton, the contractor and moving crews, Stephanie with the Village of Bradshaw, and our many behind-the-scenes partners—thank you for saying “yes” to innovation and rural progress.

At YCDC, we’re proud to help turn bold ideas into real outcomes. This week, we didn’t just move houses—we moved our county forward.