Grand Island voters overwhelming vote for Good Life District Economic Development Program
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Grand Island voters are emphatically supporting the city’s efforts to build a first-of-its-kind multipurpose district.
According to unofficial election results, 5,044 people voted for the Good Life District Economic Development Program compared to 2,415 who voted against it. The county election office says 7,488 people turned in valid ballots, which represents a 28.65% voter turnout.
The vote comes after the legislature approved a section of the north part of town to be classified as a Good Life District. Thanks to the classification, which is one of only three in the state, sales made within the district will only be subject to half the typical amount of state sales tax. The city presented the option to voters to replace the reduced state tax with a city tax. The funds raised by the replacement tax will be used to pay for public infrastructure upgrades within the district. The added money, increases the odds that a developer builds a proposed $550 million development in the district.
“Tonight’s special election results are indicative of our community’s desire to grow,” Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said in a statement. “It also makes our community the first in the state to usher in this new program catered toward vast development and expansion.”
Once the election results are certified by Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet, the city council will consider the creation of an economic development program as authorized by the voters.