The Nebraska Innovation Zone Commission (NIZC) was established August 2005 per LB 546. The 19 appointed Commissioners, representing three NRDs, the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Community Colleges, Class I and Class II cities, as well as Omaha, Lincoln and six Nebraska counties: Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders, Washington and Lancaster. The Commission held its first meeting October 5, 2005 at Mahoney State Park, near Ashland Nebraska.

 

The creation of the Nebraska Innovation Zone Commission is built upon the declaration that the area adjacent to the Interstate 80 corridor, running through the entire length of Nebraska, affords an excellent opportunity for business expansion, economic development, job creation, and education-business partnerships.

 

This opportunity for growth is best realized through regional cooperation among the communities, businesses, and educational entities within the corridor work together to pursue common goals along this opportunity zone.

 

The NIZC shall advocate and recommend programs that encourage regional cooperation and foster community sustainability and economic development initiatives. Other areas of focus for the Commission are to encourage and support continuity, coordination and cooperation among national, state, multi community, and local economic development initiatives and service providers.

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