Economic Development Investment Makes Nebraska Stronger

Why does economic development matter to York County? Because it touches every part of life here, from whether our kids see a future worth staying for, to our ability to work and learn from home, to the jobs that keep our communities thriving. Government budget fluctuations have had a direct influence on our county’s growth. For example, we have greatly benefited from the Rural Workforce Housing Funds, and one can see many housing projects around the county. Cuts to broadband expansion, workforce programs, or business incentives also directly affect York County’s ability to attract expansion, new employers, support our existing businesses and entrepreneurs, and keep our communities vibrant.

Nebraska is growing faster than the national average thanks to investment in economic development. According to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the state ranks 14th in the nation for growth thanks to key metrics like income per capita and entrepreneurship. Nebraska also had a higher GDP increase than national levels, with growth of 3.1% compared to 2.4%. This growth reflects new jobs, expanded businesses, and stronger communities.

However, growth doesn’t happen automatically. Recent federal and state cuts threaten programs that help communities expand infrastructure needed to attract and retain both residents and businesses. Economic developers across the state continue to call on elected officials to keep Nebraska competitive.

“Increasingly, we are seeing companies, including those with existing footprints in Nebraska, choose to grow in other states that offer more competitive incentives and greater speed to market,” writes Heath Mello, Jason Ball, James Caraway II, presidents of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and Nebraska Economic Developers Association respectively.

Nebraska’s growth hasn’t happened by chance, it’s the result of years of intentional investment and commitment to economic development. But now, the very resources that fuel this progress are being scaled back, creating uncertainty for the future of our businesses and residents.

For rural communities like York County, these cuts could mean fewer opportunities to attract businesses, support entrepreneurs, and prepare for the future. YCDC has already heard from York County businesses – from manufacturing to human services – how these changes are slowing their growth, and for some, putting them at risk to continue services. Investing in rural communities, and sustaining their economic development efforts, is more important than ever. 

Companies and Site Selectors Have Infrastructure Expectations

When companies consider expanding, they come with a checklist: a strong workforce, reliable infrastructure, and increasingly, access to high-speed broadband. When the federal programs that support these essentials are cut, like broadband expansion, the effects are immediate for Nebraska residents and long-term for our economy. These cuts don’t just slow business growth, they limit job creation and make our communities less competitive for future opportunities.

For example, there are 1,724 locations in neighboring Seward County eligible for broadband grants. After recent cuts, that number dropped to 629. The cuts also instructed recipients to prioritize budget-friendly internet access rather than bringing reliable, easily upgraded fiber optic service to these communities.

“High-speed internet isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s as essential as electricity for businesses, remote workers, healthcare, and education,” said Lisa Hurley, YCDC’s Executive Director. “As funding for broadband is reduced, we need to step up with creative solutions and partnerships to make sure York County and all of Nebraska stay competitive.”

There are still residents in York County who do not have broadband at their farm or residence. This impacts our rural businesses, some of which manage more livestock or crops than people and rely on fast, reliable connections for day‑to‑day operations. 

Reliable internet isn’t just about convenience, it’s about keeping and attracting people. Communities without it struggle to draw new residents and retain the workforce they need to grow. But infrastructure alone can’t secure our future. To truly compete, Nebraska must also invest in people, entrepreneurs, workers and dreamers who power our economy. 

Economic Development Supports Entrepreneurship

Nebraska welcomes businesses of all sizes, and in York County, fostering entrepreneurship has become a cornerstone of YCDC work. We know that strong communities grow when people are given the tools to turn ideas into action. That’s why we invest in programs like the 17-County Leadership development program, SizeUp York County (a free small business insights tool), SPARK Small Business Pitch Contest and local talent initiatives. These aren’t just programs on paper, they provide real opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to gain skills, test ideas, and build thriving enterprises. By meeting workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners where they are, YCDC creates opportunities for growth that strengthen our entire community.

“In York County, we’re intentional about fostering entrepreneurship and workforce development,” says Hurley. “When people gain the skills to succeed in their careers and feel supported in chasing new ideas, it doesn’t just strengthen our workforce, it builds a community where starting a business feels possible and exciting.”

Workforce development is a national issue. According to the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA), 50% of rural jobs require middle-skill levels, but only 43% of workers are trained at that level. The same report found that rural counties with broadband internet access experience four times higher growth rates than those without.

Today’s startups are tomorrow’s legacy companies — whether they grow into major employers or become multi-generational family businesses. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional investment in economic development, from federal grants and state programs to local funding, to give entrepreneurs and communities the resources they need to thrive.

We Can’t Do It Alone

York County has strong local partners and dedicated investors, but sustaining growth takes more than local effort. To remain competitive, Nebraska must continue investing in programs that help communities like ours retain and grow businesses. Workforce programs like the NE Intern Program, housing funds that address critical needs, and business incentives that encourage expansion are vital for keeping our employers strong and creating new opportunities.

Marketing programs at the state level are also critical for telling Nebraska’s story, showcasing our communities, and drawing the talent and businesses we need to thrive. Without these resources, rural counties like York are at a disadvantage in competing for jobs, investment, and residents.

Economic development is a team effort. When local commitment is paired with strong state programs, we can do more than just sustain our businesses; we can help them grow, innovate, and lead Nebraska into the future.

Economic Growth Doesn’t Stop at the County Line

Employees don’t always work where they live, and that’s good for our economy. 16.5% of York County’s workforce commutes in, while some residents drive to Lincoln or other areas, bringing their earnings back home.

That’s why economic development can’t stop at county lines. When Seward County expands broadband access, or invests in childcare, the benefits don’t stay in Seward, they ripple across the entire region, helping counties like York attract more companies, entrepreneurs, and residents.

Simply put, investment in economic development is essential at both the state and local levels. Any time a new business opens in Nebraska, multiple counties benefit. 

See the Effects of Economic Development by Following YCDC    

York County’s growth is no accident; it’s the result of the hard work of YCDC’s staff, its board of directors, and partners across the community and state. But this progress depends on sustained investment. Local, state, and federal resources make it possible for YCDC to connect businesses with the tools they need, strengthen our workforce, and make York County a place where people want to live and companies want to grow. YCDC’s programs from workforce development and entrepreneurship support to business retention and expansion, are possible thanks to the dedication of our public and private stakeholder investors.

We are deeply grateful to our local YCDC investors, both private and public, whose support makes this work possible. These efforts, from workforce development, entrepreneurship support, and business retention and expansion efforts, are made possible by the dedication of our public and private investors.

“We say the Good Life is Calling when we talk about Nebraska, and we need to make sure that statement rings true to talent and businesses,” says Hurley. “Watching programs and expanding funding will help existing businesses grow and attract new residents and industries across the state.”

We’re not asking for handouts; we’re calling for strategic investments that will strengthen York County and Nebraska for generations to come. Now is the time for policymakers, businesses, and residents to work together to ensure the investments that will keep York County and Nebraska competitive for generations to come. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.