OMAHA- Not everyone is completely happy with the way $235 million in state development funds are to be doled out in North and South Omaha, Willie Barney of the African-American Empowerment Network told a group of about 100. But the Empowerment Network plans to use some of its grant funding to help fill gaps and multiply the financial impact in North Omaha, he said. It aims to do that in part by hiring a consultant who will guide groups and entities that were awarded grants as well as others that are seeking a financial boost.
Barney and heads of other key organizations called the community meeting Monday to discuss “next steps” since the State of Nebraska announced recipients of the $235 million in state funds on Jan. 26. Award-winners in the room said they were still awaiting the actual funds. “This is really about trying to move forward. To make this community stronger than it’s ever been", said Barney.
The meeting was just announced on Friday, but on Monday almost every seat in the auditorium was filled. Those who came ran the gamut from businesses that didn’t apply for the North-South grants but are seeking funding for their operation to those that were awarded funding but were in search of advice on compliance and other issues.
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