The Omaha Municipal Land Bank (OMLB) and its partners will be doing some construction work in 2026 at sites around North Omaha to prepare vacant properties for future affordable housing.  This work will reduce costs of future home-building. Future use of these properties is limited to affordable housing only.

The type of work needed to transform these properties could include clearing and grubbing, tree removal, site grading, retaining wall construction, and the installation of erosion control measures (silt fence, seeding, other).

The first phases of this project have already transformed 20 vacant properties into clean and clear sites ready for new affordable housing development.

About 15-20 additional sites in the neighborhoods around North High, Central Park Elementary, Paxton Blvd, Grand Avenue, and the Fairfax Neighborhood are scheduled for site-prep work this year. 

Feb. -April: Surveying and site design

Surveyors and geo-technical professionals may be visiting properties to understand the current conditions of the sites.

April-Sept.: Construction Site-prep

Contractors will be on site performing construction work at some point during this time frame. The type of work will be different for each property but may include tree-removal, earth moving, retaining wall construction, or erosion control measures (silt fence, seeding, other). 

“Shovel Ready” properties for sale can be viewed on OMLB’s property sales platform by clicking the button below. Click “Browse properties” by the Shovel Ready heading. Once you select a property, you will have the option to fill out an application online. 

For additional questions about site-preparation work, contact Daniel Bennett at [email protected]. For sales inquiries, contact Simone Mason at [email protected]. 

1. What kind of work is needing to be done?

The work being requested will be site preparation on properties which are vacant and without structures. The work requested may include the following:

• Site Prep Construction Services
• Tree  and Brush Removal
• Debris removal
• Excavation and Grading
• Erosion Control Services
• Paving
• Silt Fencing
• Seeding

2. Which properties will the work be done on? 

About 30 properties have been identified for site-preparation work. Sites which have already had the engineering and site-design work completed will be sent for bids to prequalified contractors. Properties will be bid out in groups as the engineering and site design are completed.

3. What do you plan to do with the lots that are improved?

The OMLB will sell these properties for the development of affordable housing opportunities. Current lots available for sale under our “Shovel Ready” program can be found on our Inventory Page by clicking “Browse Properties” under the Shovel Ready Program heading.

4. When will the properties be completed?

Site preparation work will be performed and completed on a rolling basis until the end of the project timeline September 30, 2026.

5. What does “affordable housing” mean for this program? 

Affordable housing in this case is defined by Purchase Price and Rent Limits based on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) estimates of area median income (AMI) in Douglas County. Homes for purchase or units for rent must be at or under these limits for what is considered “affordable” for a household making no more than 120% of median income for Douglas County. 

These numbers are updated annually, so check with OMLB staff for the latest updates.