Good Life District Q&A Open House

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — An open house is planned by Grow Grand Island on Wednesday, July 31, from 4:30pm-6:30pm, at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation’s community room (located at 1503 West 2 nd Street) to field questions about the special election ballot for a proposed economic development program related to the city’s newly approved Good Life District.

“This is an opportunity for voters to learn more about the ballot question, as well as Grand Island’s Good Life District,” said Tonja Brown, chairperson for Grow Grand Island. “There are many ways to find answers, but sometimes in person is best.”

The open house format will allow the public to come and go. Several individuals will be on hand to answer a variety of questions. Visuals and handouts will also be available. Good Life Districts were authorized by the Legislature in 2023 as a tool to enhance the retail, entertainment, and tourism industries and attract more out-of-state visitors. The state will cut half of the Nebraska sales tax within a Good Life District and allow cities to redirect it locally for district development. But local tax initiatives must first be approved by local voters.

The Grand Island City Council recently approved the Aug. 13 special election in which voters will be asked to vote for or against the creation of an economic development program via a mail-in ballot. See the ballot language and this list of answers to frequently asked questions. Ballots can be mailed in or dropped off at the Hall County Election Commissioner’s office, located at 121 South Pine Street, but they must be received by 5:00pm on August 13.