Mayor's State of the City Address March 9, 2026

The City of Hastings, Nebraska, held its Mayor's State of the City Address on March 9, 2026. The mayor emphasized a shift in focus from housing to economic development, highlighting efforts to recruit industry, expand jobs, and support both new and existing businesses. Specific projects mentioned include the redevelopment of the old Hastings Middle School into apartments and the Hastings Southeast infrastructure improvement project involving roundabouts to enhance traffic flow and safety. The mayor also stressed the importance of reducing regulatory barriers, promoting consistent development policies, and fostering cooperation among economic development organizations such as the Hastings Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) to streamline growth efforts. These initiatives aim to increase the tax base, support city services, and strengthen the local economy through business expansion and community investment.