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Government of Omaha facts for kids

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The city of Omaha, Nebraska has its own special way of running things! It's called the government of the City of Omaha. This government helps make sure the city works well for everyone. It includes the Mayor of Omaha, the Omaha City Council, and many different city departments. Omaha was started in 1854 and officially became a city in 1857.

City Offices Omaha NE
Omaha's City Offices Building in Downtown Omaha.

How Omaha's Government Works

City of Omaha NE Seal
Seal of the City of Omaha

Omaha uses a "strong mayor" system. This means the mayor is the main leader of the city. The mayor doesn't serve on the city council. Both the mayor and the seven city council members are chosen by voters for four-year terms. The mayor also picks people to lead the different city departments. Besides the mayor, Omaha also elects a city clerk and a city treasurer.

The Omaha City Council is the group that makes laws for the city. It has seven members, each elected from a different part of Omaha. The council creates local laws, called ordinances. They also approve the city's budget, which is a plan for how the city will spend its money each year. The council makes official decisions by passing these ordinances and resolutions.

Who Leads Omaha Now

The current Mayor of Omaha is Jean Stothert. She is a member of the Republican Party. The City Clerk is Buster Brown.

Here are the members of the City Council:

  • Pete Festerson from District 1
  • Ben Gray from District 2
  • Chris Jerram from District 3
  • Garry Gernandt, who is the Council President, from District 4
  • Rich Pahls from District 5
  • Franklin Thompson, who is the Council Vice-President, from District 6
  • Aimee Melton from District 7

City Departments: What They Do

The City of Omaha has many departments that help the city run smoothly. Here are some of them:

  • Omaha City Clerk: Handles official city records.
  • Omaha City Council: The group that makes laws.
  • Omaha Finance Department: Manages the city's money.
  • Omaha Fire Department: Helps keep people safe from fires and other emergencies.
  • Omaha Human Resources Department: Helps with city employees.
  • Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department: Works to make sure everyone is treated fairly.
  • Omaha Law Department: Provides legal advice to the city.
  • Omaha Public Library: Manages the city's libraries.
  • Mayor's Office: Helps the mayor lead the city.
  • Parks and Recreation: Takes care of city parks and fun activities.
  • Omaha Planning Department: Helps plan how the city will grow and develop.
  • Omaha Police Department: Helps keep the city safe.
  • Omaha Public Works Department: Manages city roads, bridges, and other public projects.
  • Omaha Purchasing Department: Buys supplies and services for the city.

Other Important City Groups

Besides the main city departments, there are other important groups that help Omaha:

  • Metropolitan Utilities District: Provides water and natural gas.
  • Omaha Housing Authority: Helps with housing in the city.
  • Omaha Public Power District: Provides electricity.
  • Omaha Public Schools: Manages the public schools in Omaha.
  • Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission: Helps protect historic buildings and places.

Images for kids

  • Seal of Omaha, Nebraska

    Seal of the City of Omaha

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