Nebraska lawmakers are poised to make significant adjustments to the state’s Good Life Transformational Projects Act, addressing concerns raised by the stalled development of a mega sports destination in Gretna. This comes as new bills offer a path to revamp the act or introduce fresh legislation to support ambitious projects like the one proposed by developer Rod Yates.
Nebraska’s “Good Life” law, which was designed to incentivize the creation of tourist destinations in the state, could undergo substantial changes this year. These changes are tied to the difficulties faced by the developer behind the Nebraska Crossing shopping center in Gretna, Rod Yates, who had previously sought state approval for a large-scale, sports-themed mega-destination district.
The saga took a turn earlier this month when Yates moved to terminate his application for the district, a project initially approved in 2024. His decision came after a breakdown in negotiations with the city of Gretna, which was unwilling to back the project due to concerns over taxpayer risks. Now, Nebraska lawmakers are stepping in with a range of legislative options that could either adjust the current law, replace it, or even eliminate it entirely.
What’s on the Table?
Several bills have been introduced in response to the evolving situation, offering various approaches to the “Good Life” law. One of the most notable is State Sen. Beau Ballard’s Legislative Bill 637, also known as the Destination Nebraska Act. This bill looks strikingly similar to the original Good Life Act but offers some changes that could reignite Yates’ vision for a sports and entertainment hub in Gretna.
Ballard’s bill would allow approved applicants to issue bonds and essentially create a new kind of district that would have powers similar to that of an independent village. It’s designed to encourage the development of massive, self-contained projects—think Walt Disney World-style economic development zones. However, there are some restrictions: under LB 637, no more than two such districts could be formed, and each project would need to carry a price tag of at least $3 billion. Additionally, the projects would need to create significant employment opportunities and draw at least 10 million visitors annually.
Key Features of LB 637:
- Up to two destination districts could be created.
- Each district would need a minimum $3 billion investment.
- The districts would span up to 5,000 acres and be expected to bring in 10 million visitors per year.
- Bond-issuing powers would be granted to approved applicants.
Still in Flux: Other Proposals at Play
But LB 637 isn’t the only bill on the table. State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Omaha introduced Legislative Bill 707, described as a “shell bill.” This bill, which will evolve over the course of the legislative session, gives lawmakers flexibility to amend it with new proposals. Von Gillern, who chairs the Revenue Committee, noted that there are still multiple aspects of the original Good Life Act that need to be addressed.
While the specifics of LB 707 are yet to be finalized, von Gillern stressed that the bill would focus on fixing issues from previous versions of the law, particularly surrounding the Nebraska Crossing project. This is a critical point as the Gretna district has run into significant hurdles, including concerns over taxpayer burden and legal complications.
Legislators Focus on Protecting Local Interests
In addition to Ballard’s and von Gillern’s bills, State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue has introduced his own proposal, Legislative Bill 510, which aims to address the concerns of Gretna’s local residents. Holdcroft’s bill would introduce language prohibiting the use of eminent domain within a Good Life district for the purpose of transferring land to private individuals or corporations.
This move reflects Holdcroft’s efforts to ensure that the financial risks associated with large projects like Yates’ mega-destination do not fall too heavily on local taxpayers. He noted that, in light of recent developments in Gretna, the language in LB 510 is likely to change significantly as more details come to light.
A Bigger Picture: What Happens Next?
As lawmakers continue to debate and tweak these proposals, the future of Nebraska’s Good Life law remains uncertain. Will the state continue to push for the creation of high-profile tourist destinations, or will lawmakers focus on scaling back the law to address local concerns? The next few months could see significant changes as the legislative process unfolds.
For Yates, the possibility of a revised version of the Good Life law offers a glimmer of hope that his vision for a sports-themed district might still come to fruition—if he can secure the necessary support from state lawmakers and the local community.
Comments