Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for December 20, 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.

In 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.

Moving on to the real estate pulse, we haven't seen any notable commercial or residential property sales in the past few days. However, new development projects are underway, including construction updates in West Omaha. The weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain stable, with no significant changes reported. The median home price in Omaha has been steadily increasing, with inventory levels remaining relatively low.

From city hall, the Omaha City Council's recent meeting discussed zoning changes and new development projects. 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.

Now, let's talk about the weather. A winter weather system is expected to impact our area today and tomorrow, with potential snowfall and freezing temperatures. Make sure to check the latest forecast before heading out today. We're expecting partly cloudy skies with a high of 38 degrees.

In new business activity, we have a few openings and closings to report, but unfortunately, we don't have specific details on these changes yet. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

In community news, an Omaha nonprofit aims to give 1,000 foster children Christmas gifts, a heartwarming initiative that showcases the city's spirit of giving. Additionally, Council Bluffs neighbors are seeing progress with Union Pacific in addressing railroad crossing frustrations.

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll be sure to highlight any notable achievements in the coming days.

In crime news, a Benson woman recently fought off an attacker inside her home, a disturbing incident that highlights the importance of public safety. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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