Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for December 21, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. The Omaha City Council met recently, discussing various issues affecting our daily lives, including zoning changes and new development projects. One notable proposal is the rezoning of a property near 72nd and Dodge Streets, which we'll keep an eye on and bring you updates as they become available.
Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Omaha's job market is showing resilience and adaptability, with a diverse economy that includes finance, agriculture, and technology. The finance sector, a stronghold in Omaha, has maintained its stability and even shown growth, thanks to the city's reputation as a hub for financial services and insurance. Emerging sectors like renewable energy and biotechnology are also creating new job opportunities. The tech sector, fueled by a vibrant startup scene, 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.
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. New development projects are underway, including construction updates in West Omaha.
From city hall, the Omaha 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.
Now, let's talk about the weather. A winter weather system impacted our area last night and this morning, with potential snowfall and freezing temperatures. Today, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of 38 degrees. Make sure to check the latest forecast before heading out today.
In new business activity, we don't have any specific openings or closings to report, but we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
For upcoming community events, this weekend is packed with holiday activities. Tonight, head over to Lauritzen Gardens for Beautiful Bright Nights, featuring festive lights, model trains, and thousands of poinsettias. Santa will also be making an appearance, so it's a great time to get those last-minute photos. Tomorrow night, the Omaha Symphony will perform at the Holland Performing Arts Center, featuring Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas concert, led by Omaha's own Chip Davis.
In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll be back with more news on local schools and sports soon.
For a feel-good community story, we want to highlight the community's efforts in making this holiday season special for everyone. From festive light displays to charitable events, Omaha is truly coming together to spread holiday cheer.
In today's crime report, we don't have any significant incidents or arrests to report from the past 24 hours. However, we always remind our listeners to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.