Erin Brungardt

This 3-year strategic plan outlines a roadmap for the City of Omaha, focusing on key priorities to guide the administration. The plan identifies six main strategic pillars: enhancing public safety and the perception of safety, optimizing the delivery of city services, maximizing the development of disadvantaged areas, enhancing and expanding job and business growth, building trust through managed communication, and influencing change in state policy. The overarching goals include improving public safety, managing the city budget, supporting economic growth and job creation, and providing excellent customer service.

The Charter Study Review Convention meeting focused on discussing suggested Charter Revisions originating from both the Mayor's Office and the City Council. Key topics included provisions for mayoral incapacitation (Section 2.07(a)), defining the line of succession (Section 2.08), reconstituting government in case of disaster (Section 8.13), and quorum rules for the City Council, potentially involving technology use (Section 2.10). Discussions also covered residency requirements for City Council candidacy and the Mayor (Sections 2.02 and 3.02), vacancy voting procedures (Section 2.06), and the enforceability of the franchise rule (Section 2.15). During public comment, recommendations were made regarding rank choice voting, campaign finance reporting, aligning city elections with federal cycles, departmental representation, and updating the master plan.

The meeting focused on reviewing and discussing suggested amendments to the City Charter proposed by the Mayor's Office. Key discussion points included modernizing provisions related to the Mayor being absent from the city, suggesting updates to the antiquated system for determining mayoral disability (by referencing federal standards like the 25th Amendment), and establishing a more comprehensive line of succession beyond the current Mayor, Council President, and Council Vice-President. There was significant committee discussion on defining parameters for mayoral absence (e.g., distance vs. time, digital capabilities versus physical incapacitation), and how to handle ties in seniority when determining the line of succession among Council members. The committee ultimately decided to forward input to the law department for drafting formal language and potentially allow subcommittees to further refine the proposed changes.

The meeting extensively covered proposed amendments to the City Charter, particularly focusing on provisions related to the absence and disability of the Mayor. Discussions included limiting City employees' participation in certain political campaigns, expanding restrictions beyond the Mayor or City Council to any public office, and specific prohibitions for high-ranking classified service officials (City Attorney, Fire Chief, Police Chief) regarding using their uniform or title in endorsements, while debating First Amendment implications regarding the term "position." A separate major topic involved amending Section 2.07 regarding mayoral absence, proposing a five-business-day period before the Council President acts as mayor, recognizing modern technology. Additionally, proposals were discussed to mirror the 25th Amendment process for declaring a Mayor disabled and to establish an acting mayor, selected by the Mayor from a designated list (including the City Council Chief of Staff or Cabinet members), for absences of 15 days or less, reserving the Council President role for longer incapacities or emergencies. One proposal concerning vacancy filling procedures was tabled for a future meeting.

The Charter Study Review Convention addressed several proposed Charter Amendments, including Section 2.02, where discussion centered on tying the requirements to state law, resulting in an approval to add "or state law prescribes." Section 2.05 was approved without significant debate. For Section 2.06, concerning replacements, the convention voted to layover the amendment to allow for preparation of language ensuring better public input processes, following discussion about past appointment procedures. Amendments to Section 2.10 were approved after reinserting specific language regarding meeting scheduling. Section 2.15, pertaining to a specific topic likely controlled by the state, was recommended for deletion. Section 3.02 amendments were approved to align with Section 2.02 regarding state law consistency, despite concerns about potential age challenges related to minimum age requirements. Amendments to Section 3.12 were approved to ensure public works oversight of resources like drinking water. Charter Amendments for Sections 8.01 and 8.15 regarding tenure and oaths for officials were also approved. The next meeting was scheduled for June 30, 2022.