Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:    

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495   

Gov. Pillen Hosts 2026 Governor’s Summit in Kearney

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen welcomed more than 1,050 participants to Kearney for the 2026 Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska and the second annual Governor’s Youth Summit.

The annual Governor’s Summit, co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, convenes the state’s economic development community to discuss shared strategies to grow Nebraska. This year’s event featured breakout tracks on (1) creating opportunities for Nebraska’s growing workforce, (2) fueling and feeding Nebraska’s agricultural and manufacturing future, and (3) investing in the next generation of Nebraskans.

The Youth Summit facilitated one-on-one interactions between high school students and business, college, and military leaders. Throughout the day, employers and educators presented student attendees with internship, scholarship, and job offers in Nebraska.

“There’s no better place to farm, ranch, or build a business than here in the Good Life,” said Gov. Pillen. “Today’s Summit brought together industry leaders from across Nebraska to talk about how to open doors for our kids and grandkids to achieve their dreams. During the event, we had the incredible opportunity help 500 students make direct connections with rewarding careers opportunities right here in Nebraska.”

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen kicked off Tuesday’s morning session with keynote remarks. He shared the ambitious actions that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is taking to invest in its student-athletes and facilities to compete at the highest level of college sports.

The Summit’s lunch session featured a presentation from Dr. Josie Schafer, director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She shared data showing positive trends in Nebraska’s population growth and domestic migration. Dr. Schafer also moderated a panel of young professionals who shared their reasons for choosing to start their careers in Nebraska after graduating from in-state colleges.

The Governor’s Summit concluded with an afternoon plenary session headlined by Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the UNL men’s basketball team. He highlighted Nebraska’s second-to-none support of college athletics. He also shared insights on building a winning culture through a relentless focus on empowering each member on the team.

During the Youth Summit, participating businesses offered more than $20,000 in scholarships to student attendees. In its second year, the event doubled its attendance, drawing more than 600 youth, chaperones, and sponsors to Kearney.

Gov. Pillen delivers opening remarks at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen speaks to attendees at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

Gov. Pillen greets students participating in the Governor’s Youth Summit

Husker Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg speaks to attendees at Governor’s Summit in Kearney

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Coordinated Statewide Economic Strategy

KEARNEY, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed Executive Order 26-22 during the Governor’s Summit at the Younes Conference Center, establishing a unified statewide strategy for business recruitment, site selection, and economic expansion.

“We are taking a major step forward to ensure Nebraska competes – and wins – on the national and global stage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Since taking office, my vision has been clear: run state government like a business, cut taxes, eliminate red tape, and partner directly with our job creators. To win corporate expansions, attract major capital investment and keep our best talent here, we must fire on all cylinders as one team across all 93 counties and all six regions of Nebraska.”

At the news conference, Gov. Pillen highlighted how the state is the premier place to do business, raise a family, and build a high-quality life. Nebraska ranks as the fifth best state overall by U.S. News & World Report and the #1 state in infrastructure. Additionally, Nebraska stands as the nation’s third most affordable energy state for business, fueled by 100% public power, and its top-tier AAA credit ratings reflect long-term fiscal stability.

The executive order officially establishes the Governor’s Economic Growth Working Group, chaired by the Director of the Department of Economic Development (DED). Instead of state officials, local chambers, and regional developers working independently or competing against each other, it will bring these key leaders together to align strategy for economic development.

Chaired by DED Director Maureen Larsen, the Working Group will also include members from the Governor’s Policy Research Office, DED, the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA), the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Omaha and Lincoln chambers, and regional economic development leaders from all six regions.

“Today is about one thing: Nebraska working together to compete and grow. NEDA is proud to have helped shape this framework alongside the Governor’s office, DED, our chambers, and economic development partners across the state,” said NEDA President  Luke Peltz. “When we share resources, align our efforts, and work as one economic development community, we can create more opportunities for businesses and communities in all 93 counties. We’re ready to get to work and make it happen.”

One of the key aspects of the Working Group is to create more collaboration with local leaders, making sure their needs are met. The Working Group will co-design a multi-year economic plan and DED will lead the charge to host recurring business roundtables in every region, maintaining a continuous feedback loop with employers.

“This year, through the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Go Big Future initiative, and nearly two dozen community visits, we’ve heard from business and community leaders across the state,” said Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry President & CEO Joseph Young. “They are optimistic about Nebraska’s potential. We have no shortage of opportunities. Our task is to get ambitious and organized. Faced with countless chances to grow, Nebraska needs to speak with one voice and move as one team.”

The Working Group will also establish an annual, prioritized statewide site selection and corporate recruitment plan by evaluating national site-selector conferences, trade missions, corporate headquarters visits, and industry expos, ensuring Nebraska is represented and pitching one cohesive message. Further, the initiative will build a synchronized statewide inventory of available industrial sites, commercial properties, and infrastructure assets to maximize speed-to-market for expanding businesses.

“Nebraska is strongest when we can present a clear, coordinated approach and demonstrate that our state and global partners are working together for the same goals,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “That is why the Greater Omaha Chamber welcomes this effort to strengthen coordination across the state of Nebraska. A shared strategy can help us improve site readiness, align business recruitment efforts, better coordinate our engagement efforts with existing companies and site collectors and ensure we are making the most of our assets and opportunities that exist in every region across the state. Greater Omaha success is closely connected to the success across communities in Nebraska.”

The Working Group is expected to submit an initial strategic framework to the Governor by December 31, 2026, with a full multi-year strategic plan scheduled for publication by June 30, 2027.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Report Highlights Above Average Savings of Nebraskans, Points to Economic Resilience and Growth

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is highlighting findings from a recent report demonstrating the resilience and growth of Nebraska’s economy. Analysis published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City indicates that Nebraskans’ savings is approximately double the national average.

Nebraska has consistently ranked among states with the highest savings rates in the nation. Strong income growth has contributed to higher savings and greater stability for Nebraska families.

““When we say Nebraska is open for business, this is another indicator of what we have to offer,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s economic strength continues to make it the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.” 

As noted in the report, nationally, households have faced the impact of increased costs and reduced savings over the past several years. Despite inflationary pressures, “strong income growth has positioned Nebraska households to weather the pressures better than many other places.”

In Nebraska, income growth has exceeded the rate of consumption – a trend that has persisted for a number of years, including during the pandemic. Additionally, the report indicates that, “Nebraska's higher savings rates have made down payments more attainable than in the rest of the country, especially for first-time [home] buyers.”

View the complete report

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Highlights Major ONE RED Infrastructure Investment in Norfolk

NORFOLK, NE -- On Friday, Governor Jim Pillen highlighted Nebraska’s ONE RED initiative in Norfolk and how it is poised to help the city fund a critical wastewater infrastructure project. He was joined by Senator Robert Dover, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Director Jesse Bradley, and Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen.

Norfolk and DWEE are partnering on a $38 million grant through the ONE RED Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program. This program aims to help communities build or expand digesters, gas collection systems, and energy infrastructure at wastewater facilities.

“Today, we’re celebrating an opportunity for $38 million in funding that would help Norfolk invest in its future and the health and safety of its residents,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska has always been a state that finds practical ways to make the most of what we have. We have the agricultural resources. We have communities with wastewater infrastructure, and we have the technology to put those resources together.”

The ONE RED initiative, overseen by DWEE, received a $307 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Those funds are being used to implement multiple programs aimed at strengthening Nebraska’s economy by:

• Improving energy efficiency
• Reducing energy costs
• Providing incentives for agriculture practices that improve soil health, water conservation, and nutrient management
• Improving agricultural waste management
• Increasing the beneficial use of biogas

“DWEE is excited to start rolling out these funds so Nebraskans can start to see the positive environmental and economic impacts of these programs,” said Director Bradley. “This project is about turning organic waste into opportunity, producing valuable biogas, supporting Nebraska agriculture, improving environmental outcomes, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come.”

Norfolk’s digester project is intended to accept agricultural wastewater and capture the biogas created by the digester process to convert it into renewable natural gas. Not only will this generate energy, but it will also help Norfolk’s wastewater facility handle high-strength waste.

“Today’s announcement reflects a significant investment in Norfolk and the future of our community,” said Mayor Clausen. “This funding will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support Norfolk’s continued growth. We appreciate everyone who has worked with the city to find a path forward.”

There is additional funding for Nebraska communities available through the Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program.

This ONE RED grant opportunity represents an important investment in Nebraska’s wastewater infrastructure and helps the city expand its role from treating wastewater into viewing it as a valuable resource.

“State investment can help communities move projects from an idea to construction and ultimately to operation,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through ONE RED, Nebraska is showing its commitment to its residents by finding new avenues that help communities find innovative ways to grow while protecting resources.”

Governor Jim Pillen held a press conference in Norfolk to highlight a wastewater infrastructure project that plans to use ONE RED funding. Pictured are, from left: Norfolk City Administrator Scott Cordes, Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen, Senator Robert Dover, Governor Jim Pillen, and Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Director Jesse Bradley.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Kevin Hynes, NENG – (402) 309-8390

Czech President Pavel Meets NE Guard Leadership, Takes Part in Evening Reception

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen hosted an evening reception honoring Petr Pavel, president of the Czech Republic. The event in the State Capitol Rotunda last night capped a day of full activity for the Czech leader.  

The visiting delegation arrived Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Nebraska Adjutant General (Maj. Gen.) Craig Strong and other senior Nebraska National Guard leaders, soldiers and airmen welcomed President Pavel to the Joint Force Headquarters to celebrate and discuss the Guard’s 33-year relationship with the Czech Armed Forces. It is believed to be the first time in the history of the Nebraska National Guard that the organization has hosted a head of state.

The official welcome at the base included three balconies packed with soldiers, airmen and civilian public servants.

“This was truly a monumental event for the Nebraska National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska adjutant general. “After 33 years of partnering with the Czech Armed Forces and working together to address the many common challenges we face in the world, to have the actual Czech head of state visit us here in Nebraska was such an honor.”

“We are so pleased to have the President with us today,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. “I think if we were to go around and have everyone in this entire building tell us what their family heritage is, I suspect that one out of every three, if not more, would be of strong Czech heritage.”

“The bonds have been very strong here recently with the Nebraska National Guard,” continued Lt. Gov. Kelly. “We are lucky to have you here for a few days. And we hope you enjoy it.”

Historically, Czech roots do run deep in Nebraska, which has the highest percentage of citizens, per-capita, who claim Czech as their heritage. That heritage is among the reasons Nebraska was selected to form a partnership with the Czech Armed Forces in 1993, through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. Texas is also part of that alliance. Today, the ongoing relationship remains the only tri-lateral State Partnership effort in Europe.

President Pavel said he was excited to have the opportunity to visit the Nebraska National Guard, adding that the welcome he received in Lincoln rivaled a similar farewell he received when he left NATO after having served for three years as the chairman of the Military Committee.

“But this is much better because it is a welcome. And it is a welcome in a country that is special to us -- we feel here like it is our home,” said President Pavel. “So, thank you for this welcome and we look forward to hearing about our special relationship and seeing what you do.”

During the two-hour visit, President Pavel received briefings on the Nebraska National Guard’s most recent engagements with the Czech Armed Forces along with information on planned future collaborations. He also learned more about how members of the Czech Armed Forces and the Nebraska National Guard are working together in such areas as cyber defense and aerial refueling.

Following the briefings, President Pavel and members of the delegation toured a Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the Lincoln-based 155th Air Refueling Wing, as well as two Nebraska Army National Guard helicopters assigned to the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 in Lincoln.

Strong said the visit helped highlight the importance of the work that members of the Nebraska Army and Air National Guard are continuing to do with the Czech Armed Forces.

“This was an extremely important event because it gave us an opportunity to celebrate the successes that we have had over the decades of our relationship with the Czechs while also reaffirming our commitment to the future,” said Strong. “We all know that we are facing an increasingly challenging and volatile world. As we work with the Czech Armed Forces and continue to learn from each other, we are helping each other build the capabilities that we need to best serve the citizens of our nations. We are clearly stronger together.”

Following a visit to Wilber, the Czech Capital of Nebraska, President Pavel joined Gov. Pillen at the Capitol for an official reception featuring ceremonial toasts and exchange of state gifts, including a personalized Nebraska license plate and a statue of Chief Standing Bear, symbolizing Nebraska’s history, heritage, and commitment to civil rights and freedom.

Prior to the start of the reception, Gov. Pillen and President Pavel held a joint news conference from the Governor’s Hearing Room. In his remarks, the Governor talked about his trade mission to Prague in the fall of 2024, the mutual focus on agricultural expansion, as well as America’s 250 celebrations. He emphasized the Czech Republic’s profound appreciation for liberty following the Fall of Communism in 1989.

“It’s really important that we need to speak into existence, how important, how blessed we are, and that freedom is not free, and how extraordinary our democracy is,” said Gov. Pillen. “After a few generations, we can become a little bit complacent, but it’s important that leadership talks about it, to make sure that we keep inspiring each other.”

President Pavel spoke warm words on the shared history linking Nebraska and the Czech Republic, pointing to military collaboration, economic cooperation, and academic partnerships. Notably, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln holds the longest continuously running Czech language and heritage program at any American university, dating back to 1907, which is now approaching its 120th anniversary.

Earlier in the day, President Pavel met with leaders at UNL to discuss expanding joint ventures across higher education, business, and research.

Referring to his visit in Wilber, President Pavel spoke about his appreciation for the generations of families who have preserved their ancestral roots.

“I was very pleased to meet people in Wilber because it was a very emotional meeting, so many people that associate themselves with Czech ancestry, and even though many of them don’t speak Czech, their enthusiasm for Czech culture and history and traditions is simply remarkable,” said President Pavel. “I was really moved how devoted they are to promote this heritage for next generations.”

“I hope that this relationship that we have today will grow stronger, because wherever there is goodwill, there will be, sooner or later, an action and I believe we are both inclined to act rather than talk,” added President Pavel. “So, we will move it further very quickly.”

Lt. Gov. Kelly delivers remarks at National Guard reception for President Pavel

Gen. Strong, Lt. Gov Kelly, President Pavel and military leadership at Joint Force Headquarters

President Pavel gets inside look inside the KC-135R

Gov. Pillen and President Pavel at news conference prior to Capitol reception

Gov. Pillen holds up personalized Nebraska license plate for President Pavel