Economic Development Week: Western Nebraska is Stronger When It Works Together as a Region
May 9, 2025
Economic Development Week runs from May 11-17, 2025, and the team at Twin Cities Development (TCD) wants to use this time to highlight the value of working together as a region. One community lobbying for resources or investment will not be as effective as all of Western Nebraska using a singular voice.
“One of our main goals is to bring together communities from across the Nebraska panhandle,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director at TCD. “When one town or city has a new program or opportunity, the surrounding areas benefit.”
Economic growth rarely stays within city limits, which means all of Western Nebraska stands to benefit from working together. Here are a few reasons why TCD takes a regional approach.
Western Nebraska Can Have a Louder Lobbying Voice
Lincoln is a six-hour drive from Scottsbluff, which means traveling to the capital is a multi-day journey. Not all communities have the resources to send economic development representatives to the legislative session or to meet with elected officials in person.
“When Western Nebraska communities work together, we can pool resources and ensure our voice is heard,” says Diedrich. “We can act as a unit and lobby for our aligned goals.”
The panhandle is a valuable part of Nebraska, but it’s sometimes forgotten because of the more populated areas of the state. Working as a group can keep the region at the forefront of people's minds.
Most Residents Travel to Other Communities During the Week
It’s rare for people to stay within a single community, especially in rural areas like Western Nebraska. A commuter might live in Minatare and drive to work in Gering. Residents of Mitchell might travel to Scottsbluff for their hobbies or a good meal. This means when something good happens in one community, residents across the region benefit.
For example, a new employer in one town can hire workers from several communities. A delicious restaurant opening will pull couples on date night from across Western Nebraska.
“Our goal with economic development is to make people think about Western Nebraska first,” says Diedrich. “As long as investors, employers, and site selectors care about our region, it doesn’t matter where they choose to land.”
Growth Sends Ripple Effects Through Communities
Why should a diner owner in Morrill care about a new business hiring employees in Terrytown? Growth also has ripple effects. New employment opportunities in one area will increase residents' spending money, which supports people across different industries. Businesses that sell products and services directly to customers can notice an uptick in sales because of new jobs in the region or opportunities for residents.
“Economic growth should never operate in a silo,” says Diedrich. “When one industry or neighborhood benefits, others should, too.”
This applies to quality of life improvements, too. When towns invest in murals, create events, or take steps to provide community support, they make their region more desirable to live in. This will attract new residents to fill employment gaps and entrepreneurs ready to start businesses and hire new teams.
Get Involved in the Future of Western Nebraska
You have a say in the region's future, whether you are a business owner or an active community member. Everyone can work together to share ideas, voice opinions, and make plans for Western Nebraska’s success. Contact us to learn how you can get involved and participate in local economic development activities. You can also become a member and financially support us today.
You don’t need to be an economic development expert to care about Western Nebraska. All we need are passionate citizens who love where they live and who want to see their communities thrive.
