Omaha by Design

08/31/2026

Announcing the 2026 LAURELS AWARDS Nominees!

Access & Mobility Award recognizes an individual, organization, or project that has worked to enhance the way we move around the city and how its neighborhoods connect to one another.
- Girard Trail Connection
- Heartland Bike Share Free Rides Program
- North Saddle Creek Streetscape Improvements
- Omaha Public Works Colored Pavement Policy

Environment & Open Space Award recognizes an individual, organization, or project that has worked to preserve or enhance the metro’s natural setting, park system, or open spaces.
- Boyd Park
- Heartwood Park
- Papillion City Park
- Polina Gardens

Neighborhood Revitalization Award recognizes an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve or enhance a neighborhood within our region.
- MLK Square
- North Omaha Visitors Center
- OurStory Small Houses
- Sonny’s
- South Omaha Mural Project

Urbanist Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to making our metro an even better place to live, work, and play.
- Keenya Barnes-Heyward
- Kelli Bello
- Nicole Ebat
- Mark McLaughlin
- Matt Schafer

The Laurels Award, Omaha by Design’s highest honor, recognizes an individual, organization, or project for significant contributions in furthering people-centered urban design and policy.

Recipients will be announced live at the LAURELS AWARDS on Thursday, September 24th. Tickets may be reserved at omahabydesign.org/laurels

08/28/2026

Celebrate people-centered urban design at the LAURELS AWARDS!
Join us on September 24th for Omaha by Design's signature awards show and annual fundraiser. Reserve your tickets at omahabydesign.org/laurels

The LAURELS AWARDS stand to recognize the people and projects shaping our built environment in inspiring ways.

08/21/2026

Join Omaha by Design in celebrating our 25th Anniversary at this year's LAURELS AWARDS!

The LAURELS AWARDS is our annual fundraiser and award show, honoring the people and projects shaping the built environment in inspiring ways. For 2026, we're taking the celebration into the street and transforming our block for a one-night only event!

Thursday, September 24th
6:00-9:00pm
11th & Jones St

Get your tickets today!

The LAURELS AWARDS celebrate the people and projects shaping our metro in inspiring ways. Omaha by Design’s signature awards show brings together civic leaders, city builders, and community visionaries annually.

08/21/2026

We're still thinking about how fun Open Omaha was this year! Thank you to everyone who came out to explore their city and discover something new.

If you attended Open Omaha and would like to share a fun story from the day or have feedback to make next year's event even better, fill out our attendee survey: https://bit.ly/4quPMs8

Special thanks to our sponsors and volunteers, without whom this event wouldn't be possible!

08/20/2026

Council Bluffs is also thinking about the future of their city and downtown. Anyone can participate in the public meetings or fill out the surveys!

Do you live here? Work here? Shop, eat, or hang out here? If so, we want to hear from you at the Elevate CB 2050 Downtown Workshop!

Join us on Tuesday, August 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Council Bluffs Public Library, Meeting Room B.

For more information, or to take our Downtown Survey, visit https://bit.ly/3QcgWqi

08/20/2026

Omaha by Design is excited to welcome Kene Okigbo, PLA, ASLA as our new Executive Director!

Kene is a licensed landscape architect and comes to Omaha by Design from RDG Planning & Design, where he was a partner and landscape architect, with experience working across the Omaha community. His work has focused on urban design, parks and public spaces, higher education, healthcare and athletics, bringing him alongside public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community partners and residents to help shape projects and places across the city.
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Beyond his professional practice, Kene has held leadership roles with various community organizations, including Omaha by Design’s Advisory Council, where he has supported our organization for 4 years. He brings a multidisciplinary perspective grounded in design, relationship-building and a deep commitment to Omaha’s future.

Read more on our website: https://www.omahabydesign.org/people

08/04/2026

With more than 80 Heartland Bike Share stations and an all ebike fleet, biking between Open Omaha venues is a breeze.

Visit heartlandbikeshare.org for locations, app and pass details.

Download the BCycle app and use the promo code OPENOMA26 to purchase a Guest Pass for $1 (unlimited 60-min rides for 24 hours, overage fees apply for rides over 60-min). Redeem promo code by 8/8/2026.

Or, are you an Omaha Metro resident interested in riding Heartland Bike Share all year? Apply for the Free Rides Pass!

08/04/2026

Have you heard the news?! We’re a featured venue in Open Omaha! Come visit Benson Theatre this Saturday, August 8th from 10am-4pm for free! Open Omaha is a showcase of our city’s most fascinating spaces. Hosted by , the event invites you to explore the places, projects, and stories that shape our city.

Download the Open Omaha app to explore what else you might discover this weekend.

07/28/2026

Open Omaha remains a thriving event, free for all thanks to our sponsors.

Open Omaha 2026 is presented by NuStyle Development Corporation.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters:
The Sherwood Foundation
Omaha Public Power District
Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund Grant Award
Millwork Commons
Child Saving Institute
Cordia
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
BVH Architecture
Olsson
Hardy Coffee Co
Heartland Bike Share
Travers Row Restoration

07/20/2026

We are seeking volunteers for Open Omaha on Saturday, August 8th! Volunteers serve as greeters for the participating venues and help attendees navigate the event. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.
✍ Sign up at https://www.omahabydesign.org/openomaha