2 weeks Ago
Lincoln voters have spoken: With 67% casting a ballot in favor, the Lincoln on the Move quarter-cent sales tax for street improvements received overwhelming support. Thank you for reaffirming our shared commitment to safe streets that grow our local economy and a high quality of life for everyone in our community. The outcome of this election represents a powerful endorsement of the progress we’ve made together.
Since voters first approved Lincoln on the Move in 2019, the city has delivered $102 million in street improvements, completing 65 projects in neighborhoods throughout all quadrants of our community. From smoother drives and safer intersections to improved emergency response times and better access to local businesses and new housing developments, the benefits have been real and widespread. At a time when national politics often feels chaotic and divisive, this vote is a reminder of what’s possible at the local level.
Here in Lincoln, we continue our steady focus on our shared goal of a strong and connected community — listening to our residents, responding to their needs and delivering on their priorities. By coming together to support street improvements, our community showed once again that local government can be a force for meaningful progress and shared success. People are also reading.
.. Neighborhoods across Lincoln have experienced how our investments in streets enhance daily life.
Street improvements create smoother commutes, increase public safety and support the high quality of life for neighborhood families and residents. Emergency responders like police, firefighters and ambulance paramedics rely on well-maintained roads to reach people faster, and better streets reduce vehicle wear and tear. Your investment through Lincoln on the Move also strengthens Lincoln’s local economy.
Quality infrastructure supports small businesses by making it easier for customers, employees and suppliers to access storefronts and job sites. New street construction also enables new development that attracts investment, creates jobs and grows our tax base. By improving the streets that connect our commercial corridors and industrial areas, we are laying the groundwork for continued economic opportunity across our city.
With this vote, Lincoln residents sent a clear message: Investing in our street infrastructure is a top priority. By choosing to continue this quarter-cent sales tax, voters have ensured that we can build on the momentum of the last six years without raising taxes. Thanks to your vote, we estimate we will generate $144 million over the next eight years — 30% paid by visitors to our city — to repair and build the streets that keep our city connected and growing.
This success reflects the trust our community places in the city to steward these funds wisely. As before, a citizen-led advisory committee will oversee Lincoln on the Move investments, and we will continue to issue annual reports that provide updates on our progress. We also will maintain our focus on prioritizing projects that serve neighborhoods in every quadrant of the city, improve school zones and support our local economy.
I’m deeply grateful to the coalition of business and community leaders who championed this effort and helped elevate the conversation about how strategic infrastructure investments drive economic growth and enhance quality of life. Their advocacy, grounded in facts and shared values, made a difference. Most of all, I’m grateful to you, the voters.
Your vote of confidence in Lincoln on the Move allows us to keep delivering results that residents can see and feel in their daily lives — smooth commutes, swift emergency response times and the pride that comes from knowing that, together, we’re growing the great life for all. While the national landscape can feel uncertain and divided, Lincoln continues to chart a different course — focused, collaborative and grounded in shared priorities. We are building a strong community that works for everyone, one street improvement, one neighborhood investment and one local action at a time.
Together, we are showing what progress looks like when government listens, leads and delivers. Thank you for keeping Lincoln on the move. Gaylor Baird Leirion Gaylor Baird is the mayor of Lincoln.
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