SIDNEY -- The June issue of the Municipal League Review recently focused on efforts in the Sidney community to grow.

The June 2023 edition of the publication focuses on how businesses took advantage of alternative funding in Nebraska to move from concept to concrete.

The Municipal League identified Sidney with a population of 6,409 as one of 40 communities to earn Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) certification. Department of Economic Development Business Development Consultant Brittany Hardin recognized local leaders during the April 25 Sidney City Council meeting. The article says "successful EDCC's consistently promote available sites and buildings, create local development incentives and implement strategic planning."

The City of Sidney earned EDCC certification in 2008. The City was re-certified in 2012 and 2018.

In the past five years, Sidney business and community leaders have assisted in the creation of 15 new Sidney businesses. Funding was gained through various forms of financial assistance, including the city’s LB 840 program.

Sidney businesses have options including the LB840 fund, and rent assistance and facade enhancement programs. Businesses can also take advantage of a facade removal option if the business has no immediate plans to Nebraska’s Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB 840), adopted in 1991, allows communities—upon voter approval—to utilize a portion of local tax dollars for community development. Sidney’s LB 840 program has generated 377 jobs since 2018.

The article says Sidney is one of eight Nebraska communities to qualify for Safe Streets and Roads for All design grant funding. Sidney is one of just eight Nebraska communities to qualify for design grant funding through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was passed in 2021 and allows funding for redesigned roads and updated sidewalks and crosswalks. The program designated $300,000 for improvements in Sidney.