Nebraska Main Street Network

On Jan. 21, Senator Murman introduced LB1244 on behalf of Gov. Pillen, proposing to end new applications for the Nebraska Historic Tax Credit (NHTC) after June 30, 2026. This would effectively eliminate a program that has invested over $86 million since 2015 to rehabilitate historic buildings across Nebraska.

The NHTC helps preserve history, making it more accessible for owners to rehabilitate their historic properties by offsetting the costs. Without it, many historic buildings risk abandonment or demolition.

LB1244 will be heard by the Revenue Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM (Room 1524). Please contact your senator and urge them to remove the amendment to Statute 77-2912 from LB1244.

A sample letter of support can be found on our website: https://nebraskamainstreet.org/file_download/4e65756f-f31d-4f09-a5c6-c488a9f482b6

The Results Are In...

During 2025, we conducted a series of property surveys through the Historic Preservation Educational Programming Statewide Grant from the Nebraska State Historical Society. We produced comprehensive reports full of information that not only promotes historic preservation but also aligns with our Four-Point Approach.

The results speak for themselves and are a testament to what Main Streets can accomplish. Around 33% of participants filled out our survey. These participants alone proposed 29 new housing units, 12 new businesses that would create 19 new jobs, and applied for $171,000 in grant funds.

Trivia Answer: Fremont is named after John C. Fremont who led expeditions through the Platte Valley in 1842. Today, the community honors its heritage each July with John C. Frémont Days, a three-day festival featuring a variety of events for the community.

Main Street Trivia: Which Main Street community was named after a U.S. Army topographical engineer, expedition leader, and 1856 presidential nominee?

Place your guesses in the comments!

Merry Christmas from the Nebraska Main Street Network!

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

Monday Main Street Updates:

Don't forget to renew your Partnership today, either online or via check!

Register for the 2026 Main Street Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. https://mainstreet.org/resources/main-street-now-2026

Did You Know?

In 1939 Nebraska’s first producing oil well was drilled just a few miles west of Falls City. It averaged 170 barrels daily in the first 60 days. The discovery sparked a significant oil boom in the region, leading to more wells and refineries being built in the area.

Main Street Motivation Weekly Updates:

December Partnerships will be expiring soon. NMS will be reaching out to current communities regarding renewal.

Main Street America has released their Transportation Toolkit.

T-Mobile Grantees for the most recent cycle have been announced. Applications are rolling, so stay vigilant for the next deadline!

What are your holiday business promotions? What has been successful for your business? Share your ideas to help other communities and businesses!

Friday's Trivia Answer: Papillion is the French word for “butterfly”. The community has embraced this, featuring butterflies all throughout their downtown corridor. https://www.papillion.org/

Main Street Trivia: What Main Street Community's name is French for "Butterfly"?

Main Street Motivation Weekly Updates:

Lexington is matching your brick purchase to complete their Veterans Memorial Wall. Reach out to Dennis Burnside ([email protected]) to learn more.

The Nebraska Infrastructure Hub offers free grant writing services and can help pair your community with applicable grants.

Levitt Foundation 2026 Festival Grants are now open. 501(c)(3) nonprofits can get up to $5,000 for an outdoor festival.

Feature your communities history in our Main Street Trivia sessions! Reach out through our website or social media.

Friday's Trivia Answer: Minden, Ne is known for their holiday lighting that strings around their downtown square from the iconic courthouse dome!