Staying Connected to Your Neighborhood Through Your City Council Member

Your City Council Member is your direct link to local government and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of your neighborhood. Staying informed and engaged with your council representative ensures that your voice is heard and that your community's needs are addressed.

What Does a City Council Member Do?

The City Council exercises the legislative powers of the city government. Their responsibilities include: *Adopting the Annual City Budget – Deciding how city funds are spent to improve roads, parks, public safety, and services.

*Passing Ordinances and Resolutions – Establishing laws and policies that impact daily life in your community.

*Setting Tax Levies and Service Rates – Determining property taxes, sewer and water rates, and other fees. *Overriding Mayoral Vetoes – Ensuring a system of checks and balances in city government.

*Approving Public Improvements and Contracts – Investing in community infrastructure and development.

Why Your City Council Member Matters

The City Council sets the vision for the city, shaping policies that impact residents, businesses, and the community as a whole. They work to:

🔹 Advocate for neighborhood projects and resources.

🔹 Address local concerns, from public safety to infrastructure.

🔹 Foster economic growth and investment in the community.

🔹 Ensure tax dollars are allocated fairly and responsibly.

City Council vs. Mayor – What’s the Difference?

While both the Mayor and City Council serve the city, they have different roles:

*The Mayor is the city's chief executive, responsible for managing departments, proposing the city budget, and implementing policies.

*The City Council is the legislative body, responsible for passing laws, setting budgets, and overseeing city policies.

How to Stay Connected with Your City Council Member

Attend City Council Meetings – Stay informed about policies and projects affecting your neighborhood.

Engage in Community Events – Many council members hold town halls, forums, and coffee meetings for residents to voice their concerns.

Follow on Social Media & Newsletters – Keep up with updates, upcoming votes, and local initiatives.

Reach Out Directly – Your council member works for you—contact them with concerns, ideas, or feedback.

Your engagement makes a difference! By staying involved, you help shape the decisions that impact your community and ensure your neighborhood thrives.

City of Omaha City Council Contact

Omaha, Nebraska Follow a link below to email a specific person/group or call us at (402) 444-5520. If you need accommodation through text telephone (TTY), dial 402-444-5031.

District 1: Pete Festersen Phone: 402-444-5527 Email: pete.festersen@cityofomaha.org

District 2: Juanita Johnson Phone: 402-444-5524 Email: juanita.johnson@cityofomaha.org

District 3: Danny Begley Phone: 402-444-5525 Email: danny.begley@cityofomaha.org

District 4: Ron Hug Phone: 402-444-5522 Email: ron.hug@cityofomaha.org

District 5: Don Rowe Phone: 402-444-5528 Email: don.rowe@cityofomaha.org

District 6: Brinker Harding Phone: 402-444-5523 Email: brinker.harding@cityofomaha.org

District 7: Aimee Melton Phone: 402-444-5526 Email: aimee.melton@cityofomaha.org

City Council Personnel

Jim Dowding - Chief of Staff

Liz Birkel-Leddy - Council Staff Assistant

Margaret Gibson - Council Staff Assistant

Steve Scarpello - Council Staff Assistant

Sarah Lara-Toney - Secretary to the City Council

Lisa Barrett - Receptionist