Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for December 22, 2024. We're starting off with some exciting news for this holiday weekend. If you're looking for fun activities to enjoy around Omaha, we've got you covered. Miss Jasmine Goodwin from Visit Omaha joins us to share some fantastic events. First up, Beautiful Bright Nights is back at Lauritzen Gardens with a Polar Express theme, featuring model trains, thousands of poinsettias, and of course, Santa Claus. Tonight, they're hosting Lights and Libations, a special event for adults. Tomorrow night, the Omaha Symphony will perform at the Holland Performing Arts Center, led by Omaha's own Chip Davis with the Mannheim Steamroller. And don't forget the stunning light displays at Werner Park, a mile-long drive-through experience that's perfect for the whole family[1].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Omaha continues to show resilience and adaptability. The finance sector remains stable, thanks to major corporations like Berkshire Hathaway. Emerging sectors like renewable energy and biotechnology are creating new job opportunities, and the tech sector is a hotbed of job creation, with roles ranging from software development to AI and machine learning specialists. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, there were over 59,000 job openings advertised on NEworks in May 2024, indicating a strong demand for labor[5].

In real estate news, we're seeing notable commercial and residential property sales, as well as new development projects and construction updates. The median home price in Omaha has been steadily increasing, with inventory levels remaining relatively low. The Omaha City Council recently discussed zoning changes and new development projects, including a proposal to rezone a property near 72nd and Dodge Streets[2][5].

From city hall, the city council has been working on addressing economic disparities, including unequal access to job opportunities and career advancement. Programs supporting workforce development and job training are being implemented, such as apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries and collaborations between local businesses and educational institutions[2][5].

Now, let's talk about the weather. We're expecting a chilly day today, with partly cloudy skies and a high of 38 degrees. If you're planning to travel, be aware that winter weather impacts are expected for the year-end holiday period, so make sure to check the latest forecast and plan your activities accordingly[4].

In new business activity, we don't have specific details on recent openings and closings, but we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available. If you're traveling this holiday season, you're part of the 9.1 million travelers expected in the West North Central Region, which includes Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota. AAA advises travelers to finalize their plans now and give themselves extra time to reach their destinations[4].

For upcoming community events, don't miss the holiday festivities at Lauritzen Gardens and the Holland Performing Arts Center. And if you're looking for a feel-good community story, remember that Omaha's strong job market and community initiatives are making a positive impact on our daily lives.

In today's crime report, we don't have any significant incidents to report from the past 24 hours. We'll continue to keep you updated on any public safety alerts.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.