02/21/2026
The Nebraska Economic Developers Association respectfully disagrees with the Auditor’s assessment of our state’s business incentive programs. As a statewide association representing economic development professionals working in urban and rural communities alike, we witness every day the impact these performance-based tools have in attracting investment, supporting existing employers, and creating quality jobs for Nebraskans.
Businesses receiving cornerstone incentive programs, including the Nebraska Advantage and the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, must achieve clearly defined job creation, wage, and capital investment benchmarks before earning benefits. Under ImagiNE Nebraska, companies have a defined, multi-year period to meet those standards, and tax credits are awarded only after meaningful economic activity has occurred. These programs also contain statutory safeguards and clawback provisions to ensure accountability. If commitments are not met, benefits can be reduced or recaptured. That structure reflects a deliberate policy design focused on protecting taxpayers while encouraging growth.
Our state competes in a highly dynamic national and global marketplace where performance-based incentives are standard practice. To remain competitive from an incentive standpoint, Nebraska must maintain effective, modern economic development tools that align with current site selection expectations.
Weakening these programs would risk limiting opportunities for communities seeking to attract new employers or support expansion by existing businesses. NEDA supports ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement of Nebraska’s economic development strategies. At the same time, any review should fully consider the measurable returns these programs have generated — including private capital investment, payroll growth, and expansion of the state and local tax base.
The Nebraska Economic Developers Association remains committed to advancing policies that foster job creation, strengthen communities, and position Nebraska for long-term economic success.
