Bonds & Your Ballot
Understand the numbers — and your ballot.
A general obligation bond allows the City to borrow money for long-term public projects and repay that debt over time. On November 3, Omaha voters will decide whether to authorize two new amounts of City borrowing.
Public Facilities
The ordinance allows the City to issue up to $155 million in general obligation bonds through December 31, 2034 for eligible public facilities. That legal authorization is broader than the Police and Fire headquarters alone — it includes police facilities, fire stations, branch libraries, park maintenance facilities, arena and convention center facilities, public works storage facilities, citywide building renovations and replacements, and other City public facilities.
City officials have identified the proposed joint Police and Fire headquarters as the principal project associated with the authorization.
Parks & Recreation
The second ordinance allows the City to issue up to $30 million in general obligation bonds through December 31, 2034 for park and recreation improvement projects.
City officials have publicly identified completion of the Tranquility Park redevelopment as the principal intended use of the authorization.
The tax question
What happens to the City property-tax levy?
City officials say neither bond would require a levy increase. Omaha voters approved additional City levy capacity in 2020. City officials say that capacity has not been fully used and can support the proposed borrowing without increasing the City of Omaha property-tax levy.
No tax increase
A question people ask
Why is the headquarters $181 million if voters are being asked for $155 million?
The current estimated cost of the proposed Police and Fire headquarters is approximately $181 million. The November question would provide up to $155 million in new borrowing authority. City officials have said previously authorized bonding capacity is expected to provide the remainder.
Your ballot
Omaha votes November 3
The 2026 Nebraska General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Fact control
Exact ballot wording and ballot position will be posted here once the official Notice of Election and sample ballot are available. The Omaha City Council approved Ordinances 44779 and 44780 on August 18, 2026, sending both bond authorizations to voters.
Election information
Key dates
| DATE | MILESTONE |
|---|---|
| Sept. 28 | Deadline for early-voting ballots to be ready for delivery by mail. |
| Oct. 5 | In-person early voting begins. |
| Oct. 16 | Mail and online voter-registration deadline. |
| Oct. 23, 6 p.m. | Final in-person registration deadline; deadline to request an early-voting ballot by mail. |
| Nov. 2 | Final day to vote early in person. |
| Nov. 3 | Election Day. Polls close at 8 p.m. Central. |
