Nebraska Forms Task Force to Streamline Business Recruitment

September 29, 2026 - 21:04

Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order Tuesday establishing a statewide working group to coordinate business recruitment efforts across Nebraska. The new body aims to eliminate duplication between state agencies, regional development groups, and local economic organizations that often compete for the same prospects.

The group will include representatives from the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture, and several regional chambers of commerce. According to the order, members will meet monthly to share leads, align incentive packages, and track which companies are considering expansion or relocation within the state.

Pillen said the current approach wastes time and resources when multiple entities pitch different offers to the same employer. He pointed to recent cases where a business received conflicting information about tax credits and workforce training funds. The working group is expected to produce a single point of contact for major projects by early next year.

Critics questioned whether another layer of bureaucracy will slow decisions rather than speed them up. A state senator from Omaha said the governor should instead push for legislative changes to the existing incentive programs. The order does not require legislative approval and takes effect immediately.