View source for Omaha, Nebraska

{{Short description|Largest city in Nebraska, US}}
{{Redirect|Omaha}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Omaha
| settlement_type    = [[City (Nebraska)|City]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2
| total_width              = 280
| caption_align            = center
| image1                   = City of Omaha, Nebraska Skyline on the Missouri River (30899969517).jpg
| caption1                 = [[Downtown Omaha]]
| image2                   = Old Market Neighborhood, Omaha.jpg
| caption2                 = [[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]]
| image3                   = Durham Museum Omaha 2021.tif
| caption3                 = [[Durham Museum, Omaha, Nebraska|Durham Museum]]
| image4                   = Joslyn Art Museum.jpg
| caption4                 = [[Joslyn Art Museum]]
| image5                   = Desert Dome Omaha Zoo.jpg
| caption5                 = [[Henry Doorly Zoo]]
| image6                   = Inside TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.jpg
| caption6                 = [[Charles Schwab Field]]
| image7                   = Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 2025d.jpg
| caption7                 = [[Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Omaha, Nebraska.svg
| image_seal         = Seal of Omaha, Nebraska.png
| nicknames           = Gate-city of the West,<ref name="Mullens, P.A. 1901 p. 24">Mullens, P.A. (1901) ''Biographical Sketches of Edward Creighton and John A. Creighton''. Creighton University. p. 24.</ref> The Big O
| motto = {{force singular}} {{lang|la|Fortiter in Re}}{{spaces|2}}<small>([[Latin]])<br />({{Langx|en|"Courageously in every enterprise"}})</small>
| pushpin_map        = Nebraska#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Nebraska##Location within the United States
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| pushpin_label      = Omaha
| image_map          = {{maplink
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| map_caption        = Interactive map of Omaha
| coordinates        = {{coord|41|15|31|N|95|56|15|W|region:US-NE|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|United States|size=23px}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Nebraska|County]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Nebraska}}
| subdivision_name2  = [[Douglas County, Nebraska|Douglas]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = {{Start date and age|1854}}
| established_title1 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date1  = {{Start date and age|1857}}
| named_for          = [[Omaha people]]
| government_type    = Strong [[mayor–council]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor of Omaha|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[John Ewing Jr.]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])<!--Do not change until inauguration-->
| leader_title1      = [[City Clerk]]
| leader_name1       = Elizabeth Butler
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 18, 2022|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119173812/https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 378.85
| area_total_sq_mi   = 146.28
| area_land_km2      = 369.51
| area_land_sq_mi    = 142.67
| area_water_km2     = 9.35
| area_water_sq_mi   = 3.61
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 1060
| population_total   = 486051
| pop_est_footnotes  = <ref name="QF2023"/>
| pop_est_as_of      = 2023
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="QF2023"/>
| population_rank    = {{nowrap|[[List of United States cities by population|41st]] in the United States<br>[[List of cities in Nebraska|1st]] in Nebraska}}
| population_density_sq_mi = 3658.41
| population_density_km2 = 1315.40
| population_urban   = 819508 ([[List of United States urban areas|US: 55th]])
| population_density_urban_km2 = 1168.4
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 3026.1
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="2024Pop">{{cite web |title=Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals: 2020-2024|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-metro-and-micro-statistical-areas.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=March 13, 2025 |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313144117/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-metro-and-micro-statistical-areas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_metro   = 1001010 ([[List of metropolitan statistical areas|US: 55th]])
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Total Gross Domestic Product for Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA (MSA)|url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/NGMP32820|website=Federal Reserve Economic Data}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Metro
| demographics2_info1 = $92.357 billion (2023)
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 68101-68114, 68116-68119, 68122, 68124, 68127, 68130-68132, 68134-68139, 68142, 68144-68145, 68147, 68152, 68154, 68157, 68164, 68172, 68175-68176, 68178-68180, 68182-68183, 68197-68198
| area_code          = [[Area codes 402 and 531|402 and 531]]
| area_code_type     = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
| website            = {{URL|www.cityofomaha.org|cityofomaha.org}}
| footnotes          = 
| leader_title2      = [[Omaha City Council|City Council]]
| leader_name2       = {{Collapsible list
 |title = Members list
 |frame_style = border:none; padding: 0;
 |title_style = 
 |list_style = text-align:left;
 |1= Pete Festersen ([[Democratic Party (U.S.)|D]])
 |2= LaVonya Goodwin ([[Democratic Party (U.S.)|D]])
 |3= Danny Begley ([[Democratic Party (U.S.)|D]])
 |4= Ron Hug ([[Democratic Party (U.S.)|D]]) 
 |5= Don Rowe ([[Republican Party (U.S.)|R]])
 |6= Brinker Harding ([[Republican (U.S.)|R]])
 |7= Aimee Melton ([[Republican (U.S.)|R]])
 }}
| timezone           = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|CST]]
| utc_offset         = −06:00
| timezone_DST       = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −05:00
| blank_name         = [[FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 31-37000
| blank1_name        = [[GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0835483<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|835483}}</ref>
| blank2_name        = Public Transit
| blank2_info        = 
| population_demonym = Omahan
}}

'''Omaha'''{{efn|Pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|oʊ|m|ə|h|ɔː}} {{respell|OH|mə|haw}}<ref>{{cite dictionary|date=2022 |title=Omaha |url=https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Omaha |dictionary=[[The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language]] |edition=5 |publisher=[[HarperCollins Publishers]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006195611/https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Omaha |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=12 August 2025}}</ref>}} is the [[List of cities in Nebraska|most populous city]] in the U.S. state of [[Nebraska]]. It is located in the [[Midwestern United States]] along the [[Missouri River]], about {{cvt|10|mi|km|round=5}} north of the mouth of the [[Platte River]]. Omaha had a population of 486,051 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], making it the [[List of United States cities by population|41st-most populous U.S. city]].<ref name="QuickFacts">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Omaha city, Nebraska |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/omahacitynebraska/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708051356/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/omahacitynebraska/POP010220 |url-status=live }}</ref> The eight-county [[Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area]] extending into [[Iowa]] has approximately 1 million residents, the [[Metropolitan statistical area#United States|55th-largest metropolitan area]] in the U.S.<ref name="2024Pop" /> Omaha is the [[county seat]] of [[Douglas County, Nebraska|Douglas County]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Omaha's pioneer period began in 1854, when the city was founded along the [[Missouri River]] by speculators from neighboring [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]]. It originally comprised a crossing called [[Lone Tree Ferry]] earning the city its nickname, the "Gateway to the West". Omaha introduced this new West to the world in 1898, when it played host to the World's Fair, dubbed the [[Trans-Mississippi Exposition]]. During the 19th century, Omaha's central location in the United States spurred the city to become an important national [[Transportation in Omaha|transportation hub]]. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, the transportation and [[Wholesale|jobbing]] sectors were important in the city, along with its [[Railroads in Omaha|railroads]] and [[breweries]]. In the 20th century, the [[Omaha Stockyards]], once the world's largest, and its [[meatpacking]] plants gained international prominence.

Omaha is the home to the headquarters of four [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]] companies: [[Berkshire Hathaway]], [[Kiewit Corporation]], [[Mutual of Omaha]], and [[Union Pacific Corporation]].<ref>Boettcher, Ross. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100419190413/http://www.omaha.com/article/20100416/MONEY/704169914 "Mutual returns to Fortune 500"]. ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]''. April 16, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2010.</ref> Other companies headquartered in the city include [[First National Bank of Omaha]], [[Gallup, Inc.]], [[Green Plains]], [[Intrado]], [[Valmont Industries]], [[Werner Enterprises]], [[WoodmenLife]], and three of the nation's ten largest architecture and engineering firms ([[DLR Group]], [[HDR, Inc.]], and [[Leo A Daly]]).<ref name="BDC 2010" /> Notable cultural institutions include the [[Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium]], [[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]], [[Durham Museum, Omaha, Nebraska|Durham Museum]], [[Lauritzen Gardens]], and annual [[College World Series]]. Modern Omaha inventions include the [[Reuben sandwich]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://omaha.com/article/20120127/LIVING/701279856 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714095441/http://omaha.com/article/20120127/LIVING/701279856 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=The Reuben sandwich Reuben himself would love |publisher=Omaha.com |date=January 27, 2012 |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref> cake mix, developed by [[Duncan Hines]]; [[center-pivot irrigation]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/water_04.html |title=Robert Daugherty and Valmont Center Pivot Irrigation |publisher=Livinghistoryfarm.org |access-date=June 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426235811/http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe50s/water_04.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Raisin Bran]]; the first [[ski lift]] in the U.S.;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Union_Pacific_Invented_Ski_Lift_For_Worker_Transportation_110999364.html?ref=364 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209182007/http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Union_Pacific_Invented_Ski_Lift_For_Worker_Transportation_110999364.html?ref=364 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |title=Union Pacific Invented First Ski Lift In Omaha |publisher=Wowt.com |date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref> the [[Top 40]] radio format as first used in the U.S. at Omaha's [[KCRO#History|KOWH Radio]]; and the [[TV dinner]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omahahistory.org/education_innovators_swanson.htm |title=Omaha Innovators Swanson |publisher=Omahahistory.org |access-date=June 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226074103/http://www.omahahistory.org/Education_Innovators_Swanson.htm |archive-date=February 26, 2012 }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Omaha, Nebraska}}
{{See also|History of North Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:Logan fontenelle.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Logan Fontenelle]], an interpreter for the [[Omaha Tribe]] when it ceded the land that became the city of Omaha to the U.S. government]]
Various [[Native American tribes in Nebraska|Native American tribes]] had lived in the land that became Omaha since the 17th century, including the [[Omaha people|Omaha]] and [[Ponca]], [[Dhegihan languages|Dhegihan-Siouan language]] people who had originated in the lower [[Ohio River]] valley and migrated west by the early 17th century; [[Pawnee people|Pawnee]], [[Otoe]], [[Missouria]], and [[Iowa people|Iowa]]. The word ''Omaha'' ({{langx|oma|Umoⁿhoⁿ}} or {{lang|oma|Umaⁿhaⁿ}}) in the Omaha language means 'Upstream People' or 'Against the Current'.

In 1804 the [[Lewis and Clark Expedition]] passed the riverbanks where the city of Omaha would be built. Between July 30 and August 3, 1804, members of the expedition, including [[Meriwether Lewis]] and [[William Clark]], met with Oto and Missouria tribal leaders at the [[Council Bluff, Nebraska|Council Bluff]] at a point about {{cvt|20|mi|0|abbr=off|sp=us}} north of present-day Omaha.<ref>(1987) "Fort Atkinson Chronology", ''NEBRASKAland Magazine.'' p. 34–35.</ref> Immediately south of that area, Americans built several fur trading outposts in succeeding years, including [[Fort Lisa (Nebraska)|Fort Lisa]] in 1812;<ref>[[Julius Sterling Morton|Morton, J. S.]], Watkins, A. and [[George L. Miller|Miller, G.L.]] (1911) "Fur trade", ''Illustrated History of Nebraska: A History of Nebraska from the Earliest Explorations of the Trans-Mississippi Region, with Steel Engravings, Photogravures, Copper Plates, Maps and Tables.'' Western Publishing and Engraving Company. p. 53.</ref> [[Fort Atkinson (Nebraska)|Fort Atkinson]] in 1819;<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20050827090515/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/archeo/atkinson.htm "Fort Atkinson"]}}, [[Nebraska State Historical Society]]. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref> [[Cabanné's Trading Post]], built in 1822, and [[Fontenelle's Post]] in 1823, in what became [[Bellevue, Nebraska|Bellevue]].<ref>[[Alfred T. Andreas|Andreas, A.T.]] (1882) [http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/washington/washington-p1.html "Washington County"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204103409/http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/washington/washington-p1.html |date=February 4, 2015 }}, ''History of the State of Nebraska''. Chicago: Western Historical Company. Retrieved 4/28/08.</ref> There was fierce competition among fur traders until [[John Jacob Astor]] created the monopoly of the [[American Fur Company]]. The [[Mormons]] built a town called [[Cutler's Park]] in the area in 1846.<ref>[http://www.historicflorence.org/HistoricMarkers/CutlersParkMarker.htm "Cutler's Park Marker"] {{Webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120805000514/http://www.historicflorence.org/HistoricMarkers/CutlersParkMarker.htm |date=August 5, 2012 }}, Florence Historical Society. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref> While it was temporary, the settlement provided the basis for further development.<ref>Larsen, L. H. and Cotrell, B. J. (1997) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=fDs0uh12Ft4C The Gate City: A history of Omaha] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114225530/https://books.google.com/books?id=fDs0uh12Ft4C&dq |date=January 14, 2016 }}.'' [[University of Nebraska Press]]. p. 6.</ref>

Through 26 separate treaties with the United States federal government, [[Native American tribes in Nebraska]] gradually ceded the lands that now make up the state. The treaty and cession involving the Omaha area occurred in 1854 when the [[Omaha Tribe]] ceded most of east-central Nebraska.<ref>Royce, C.C. (1899) "Indian Land Cessions in the United States", in Powell, J.W. ''18th Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1896–97, Part 2'', Washington, D.C.: [[Government Printing Office]].</ref> [[Logan Fontenelle]], an interpreter for the Omaha and signatory to the 1854 treaty, played an essential role in those proceedings.

===Pioneer Omaha===
Before it was legal to claim land in [[Indian Country]], [[William D. Brown]] operated the [[Lone Tree Ferry]] that brought settlers from Council Bluffs, Iowa to the area that became Omaha. Brown is generally credited as having the first vision for a city where Omaha now sits.<ref name="Administration1">[[Federal Writers' Project]] of the [[Works Progress Administration]]. (1970) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=tCrgpwHv7wEC&q=Nebraska:+A+guide+to+the+Cornhusker+state Nebraska: A Guide to the Cornhusker State] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115122309/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=tCrgpwHv7wEC&dq=Nebraska:+A+guide+to+the+Cornhusker+state&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=gQFfBTgVBL&sig=oM1_gif7soVUdpfc7aC3wYp_Nvo&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' [[Nebraska State Historical Society]]. p. 241.</ref> The passage of the [[Kansas–Nebraska Act]] in 1854 was presaged by the staking out of claims around the area to become Omaha by residents from neighboring Council Bluffs. On July 4, 1854, the city was informally established at a picnic on Capital Hill, current site of [[Omaha Central High School]].<ref>Hickey, D. R., Wunder, S. A. and Wunder, J. R. (2007) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=5dtgP41CyK4C&q=Nebraska+Moments:+New+Edition&pg=PP14 Nebraska Moments: New Edition] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116004929/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=5dtgP41CyK4C&dq=Nebraska+Moments:+New+Edition&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=-7TleeDtTm&sig=Pv0Dls418O5zkn7E1chblz6J0KE&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPP14,M1 |date=January 16, 2016 }}.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 147.</ref> Soon after, the [[Omaha Claim Club]] was formed to provide [[vigilante]] justice for [[land claim|claim jumpers]] and others who infringed on the land of many of [[Founding figures of Omaha, Nebraska|the city's founding fathers]].<ref>Sheldon, A.E. (1904) "Chapter VII: Nebraska Territory", ''[http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/topic/resources/OLLibrary/SCHofNE/ Semi-Centennial History of Nebraska] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016024506/http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/topic/resources/OLLibrary/SCHofNE/ |date=October 16, 2011 }}''. Lincoln, Nebraska: Lemon Publishing. p. 58.</ref> Some of this land, which now wraps around Downtown Omaha, was later used to entice [[Nebraska Territorial Legislature|Nebraska Territorial legislators]] to an area called [[Scriptown]].<ref>Andreas, A.T. (1882) "Douglas County", ''History of the State of Nebraska''. Chicago: Western Historical Company. p. 841.</ref> The Territorial capitol was in Omaha, but when Nebraska became a state in 1867, the capital was relocated to [[Lincoln, Nebraska|Lincoln]], {{cvt|53|mi|km}} southwest of Omaha.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090111043220/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/stathood.htm "More about Nebraska statehood, the location of the capital and the story of the commissioner's homes,"]}} [[Nebraska State Historical Society]]. Retrieved 12/14/08.</ref> The [[U.S. Supreme Court]] later ruled against numerous landowners whose violent actions were condemned in ''[[Baker v. Morton]]''.<ref>Baumann, L. Martin, C., Simpson, S. (1990) ''Omaha's Historic Prospect Hill Cemetery: A History of Prospect Hill Cemetery with Biographical Notes on Over 1400 People Interred Therein.'' Prospect Hill Cemetery Historical Development Foundation.</ref>

Many of Omaha's founding figures stayed at the [[Douglas House (Omaha)|Douglas House]] or the [[Cozzens House Hotel]].<ref>Federal Writers' Project. (1939) ''Nebraska.'' Nebraska State Historical Society. p. 239.</ref> [[Dodge Street]] was important early in the city's early commercial history; [[North 24th Street]] and [[South Omaha Main Street Historic District|South 24th Street]] also developed independently as business districts. Early pioneers were buried in [[Prospect Hill Cemetery (North Omaha, Nebraska)|Prospect Hill Cemetery]] and Cedar Hill Cemetery.<ref>[[Nebraska Territory]] Legislative Assembly. (1858) ''House Journal of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Nebraska''. Volume 5. p. 113.</ref> Cedar Hill closed in the 1860s and its graves were moved to Prospect Hill, where pioneers were later joined by soldiers from [[Fort Omaha]], [[African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska|African Americans]] and early [[Ethnic groups in Omaha, Nebraska|European immigrants]].<ref>[http://www.nde.state.ne.us/SS/markers/287.html Historic Prospect Hill – Omaha's Pioneer Cemetery] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001120032800/http://www.nde.state.ne.us/SS/markers/287.html |date=November 20, 2000 }}. [[Nebraska Department of Education]]. Retrieved 7/7/07.</ref> There are several other [[Cemeteries in Omaha, Nebraska|historical cemeteries in Omaha]], historical [[Jews and Judaism in Omaha, Nebraska|Jewish synagogues]] and historical [[Christianity in Omaha, Nebraska|Christian churches]] dating from the pioneer era, as well. Two sculpture parks, Pioneer Courage and Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and [[Transcontinental Railroad|The Transcontinental Railroad]], celebrate the city's pioneering history.<ref>[https://www.firstnational.com/site/about-us/in-the-community/sculpture-parks.fhtml Sculpture Parks] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622111028/https://www.firstnational.com/site/about-us/in-the-community/sculpture-parks.fhtml |date=June 22, 2015 }}. Retrieved 6/22/15.</ref>

===19th century===
[[File:hotelfontenelle.jpg|thumbnail|upright|[[Hotel Fontenelle]], formerly in downtown Omaha]]

The [[economy of Omaha]] boomed and busted through its early years. In 1858, the ''Omaha Daily Republican'' was founded by the ''Omaha Printing Company (rebranded Aradius Group, 2016)'', it was Nebraska's first regional newspaper–founded before Nebraska claimed statehood. Omaha was a stopping point for settlers and prospectors heading west, either overland or by the Missouri River. The steamboat ''[[Bertrand (steamboat)|Bertrand]]'' sank north of Omaha on its way to the goldfields in 1865. Its massive collection of artifacts is on display at the nearby [[Desoto National Wildlife Refuge]]. The [[Jobber's Canyon|jobbing and wholesaling district]] brought new jobs, followed by the [[Railroads in Omaha|railroads]] and the stockyards.<ref>Federal Writers' Project. (1939) ''Nebraska: A guide to the Cornhusker state.'' Nebraska State Historical Society. p. 219–232.</ref> Groundbreaking for the [[First transcontinental railroad]] in 1863, provided an essential developmental boom for the city.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 64.</ref> In 1862, the [[U.S. Congress]] allowed the [[Union Pacific Railroad]] to begin building westward railways;<ref name="Union Pacific RR 1867" /><ref>Wishart, D.J. (2004) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=y4AetkIcOlQC Encyclopedia of the Great Plains] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115041726/https://books.google.com/books?id=y4AetkIcOlQC&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 209.</ref> in January 1866 it commenced construction out of Omaha.<ref name=Dunbar>''[https://books.google.com/books?id=IEcKAAAAIAAJ A History of Travel in America], {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116032354/https://books.google.com/books?id=IEcKAAAAIAAJ&dq |date=January 16, 2016 }}'' by Seymour Dunbar, [[Bobbs-Merrill Company]] (1915), pg. 1350; {{OCLC|1281933}} (Retrieved 9/25/08)</ref>

The [[Union Stockyards (Omaha)|Union Stockyards]], another important part of the city's development, were founded in South Omaha in 1883.<ref>Larsen, L. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 73</ref> Within 20 years, Omaha had four of the five major [[meatpacking]] companies in the United States. By the 1950s, half the city's workforce was employed in meatpacking and processing. Meatpacking, jobbing and railroads were responsible for most of the growth in the city from the late 19th century through the early decades of the 20th century.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 142.</ref>

[[Ethnic groups in Omaha, Nebraska|Immigrants]] soon created [[ethnic enclave]]s throughout the city, including Irish in [[Sheelytown]] in South Omaha; Germans in the [[Near North Side (Omaha, Nebraska)|Near North Side]], joined by the European Jews and black migrants from [[Southern United States|the South]]; and [[Little Italy (Omaha, Nebraska)|Little Italy]] and [[Little Bohemia (Omaha, Nebraska)|Little Bohemia]] in South Omaha.<ref>Taylor, Q. (1999) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=9Nj1lVZQAcYC In Search of the Racial Frontier: African Americans in the American West] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115112218/https://books.google.com/books?id=9Nj1lVZQAcYC&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' W. W. Norton & Company. p. 204.</ref> Beginning in the late 19th century, Omaha's upper class lived in posh enclaves throughout the city, including the south and [[Gold Coast Historic District (Omaha, Nebraska)|north]] Gold Coast neighborhoods, [[Bemis Park]], [[Kountze Place]], [[Field Club]] and throughout [[Midtown Omaha]]. They traveled the city's sprawling [[Parks in Omaha, Nebraska|park system]] on [[Boulevards in Omaha|boulevards]] designed by renowned [[landscape architect]] [[Horace Cleveland]].<ref>Morton, J.S. and Watkins, A. (1918) "Chapter XXXV: Greater Omaha", ''History of Nebraska: From the Earliest Explorations of the Trans-Mississippi Region''. Lincoln, Nebraska: Western Publishing and Engraving Company. p. 831.</ref> The [[Omaha Horse Railway]] first carried passengers throughout the city, as did the later [[Omaha Cable Tramway Company]] and several similar companies. In 1888, the [[Omaha and Council Bluffs Railway and Bridge Company]] built the [[Douglas Street Bridge]], the first pedestrian and wagon bridge between Omaha and Council Bluffs.<ref>United States Army Corps of Engineers. (1888) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=S5oAAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Omaha+and+Council+Bluffs+Railway+and+Bridge+Company%22 Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers to the Secretary of War for the Year] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116055909/https://books.google.com/books?id=S5oAAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22Omaha+and+Council+Bluffs+Railway+and+Bridge+Company%22&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0 |date=January 16, 2016 }}''. GPO. p. 309. Retrieved 4/11/08.</ref>

Gambling, drinking and prostitution were widespread in the 19th century, first rampant in the city's [[Burnt District, Omaha|Burnt District]] and later in the [[Sporting District (Omaha, Nebraska)|Sporting District]].<ref>Larsen, L. H. and Cottrell, B. J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 94–95.</ref> Controlled by Omaha's [[political boss]] [[Tom Dennison (Political boss)|Tom Dennison]] by 1890, [[Crime in Omaha|criminal elements]] enjoyed support from Omaha's "perpetual" mayor, [[James Dahlman|"Cowboy Jim"]] Dahlman, nicknamed for his eight terms as mayor.<ref>Folsom, B.W. (1999) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=TfUOh3TEtX0C&q=No+More+Free+Markets+Or+Free+Beer:+The+Progressive+Era+in+Nebraska, No More Free Markets Or Free Beer: The Progressive Era in Nebraska, 1900–1924] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115201638/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=TfUOh3TEtX0C&dq=No+More+Free+Markets+Or+Free+Beer:+The+Progressive+Era+in+Nebraska,&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=NeEZqDXt_p&sig=IvgBUjNyhLW3fteEaLM5mHGwRog&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' Lexington Books. p. 59.</ref><ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 183–184.</ref>

Calamities such as the [[Great Flood of 1881]] did not slow down the city's violence.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 183.</ref> In 1882, the [[Camp Dump Strike]] pitted state militia against unionized strikers, drawing national attention to Omaha's labor troubles. The [[Governor of Nebraska]] had to call in [[U.S. Army]] troops from nearby Fort Omaha to protect [[strikebreakers]] for the [[Burlington Railroad]], bringing along [[Gatling gun]]s and a [[cannon]] for defense. When the event ended, one man was dead and several were wounded.<ref>"The strike at Omaha", ''The New York Times.'' March 12, 1882.</ref> In 1891, a mob hanged [[Joe Coe]], an African-American porter after he was accused of raping a white girl.<ref name="Bristow 2000" /> There were also several other [[List of riots and civil unrest in Omaha, Nebraska|riots and civil unrest events in Omaha]] during this period.

In 1898, Omaha's leaders, under the guidance of [[Gurdon Wattles]], held the [[Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition]], touted as a celebration of agricultural and industrial growth throughout the [[Midwest]].<ref>[http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/transmiss/about/about.html "About the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210233342/http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/transmiss/about/about.html |date=December 10, 2008 }}. [[Omaha Public Library]]. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref> The [[Indian Congress]], which drew more than 500 [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indians]] from across the country, was held simultaneously. More than 2 million visitors attended these events at [[Kountze Park]] and the [[Omaha Driving Park]] in the [[Kountze Place]] neighborhood.<ref>Larsen, L. and Cottrell, B. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 43.</ref>

===20th century===
[[File:Illustrated history of the Union Stockyards; sketch-book of familiar faces and places at the yards (1901) (14765342124).jpg|thumb|Men working at Omaha's Union Stockyards]]
With dramatically increasing population in the 20th century, competition and fierce labor struggles led to major civil unrest.<ref>Larsen and Cotrell. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 135.</ref> In 1900, Omaha was the center of a national uproar over the [[kidnap]]ping of [[Edward Cudahy, Jr.]], the son of a local [[meatpacking]] magnate.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080210042043/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/timeline/cudahy_kidnapping.htm "Cudahy Kidnapping"]}}. Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 9/25/07.</ref>

The city's labor and management clashed in bitter strikes, [[Racial tension in Omaha, Nebraska|racial tension]] escalated as blacks were hired as strikebreakers, and ethnic strife broke out.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 172.</ref> A [[Greek Town riot|major riot by earlier immigrants]] in South Omaha destroyed the city's [[Greek Town]] in 1909, completely driving out the Greek population.<ref>[https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/02/22/101816600.pdf "South Omaha mob wars on Greeks"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104212328/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/02/22/101816600.pdf |date=November 4, 2020 }}, ''[[The New York Times]].'' February 22, 1909. Retrieved 5/25/08.</ref>

The [[Civil Rights Movement in Omaha, Nebraska|civil rights movement in Omaha]] has roots that extend back to 1912, when the first chapter of the [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]] west of the [[Mississippi River]] was founded in the city.<ref>Nebraska Writers' Project. (1940) ''[http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Ethnic/Negro/ The Negroes of Nebraska] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720065701/http://www.memoriallibrary.com/NE/Ethnic/Negro/ |date=July 20, 2008 }}.'' Works Progress Administration. Woodruff Printing Company. p. 45.</ref>

The [[Omaha Easter Sunday Tornado (1913)|Omaha Easter Sunday Tornado of 1913]] destroyed much of the city's [[African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska|African-American]] community, in addition to much of Midtown Omaha.<ref>[http://www.crh.noaa.gov/oax/archive/1913_Omaha_Tor/omahatornado.php "Easter came early in 1913"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013102651/http://www.crh.noaa.gov/oax/archive/1913_Omaha_Tor/omahatornado.php |date=October 13, 2008 }}, [[NOAA]] National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office. Retrieved 9/6/08.</ref>

It was during that same year that future [[United States President]] [[Gerald R. Ford]] was born in Omaha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerald R. Ford Biography - Gerald R. Ford Foundation |url=https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/gerald-r-ford-biography/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128203436/https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/gerald-r-ford-biography/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Today, there is a [[Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens|museum]] dedicated to his birthplace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens |url=https://www.visitomaha.com/listings/gerald-r-ford-birthsite-and-gardens/56919/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.visitomaha.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

Six years later, in 1919, the city was caught up in the [[Red Summer]] riots when thousands of whites marched from South Omaha to the courthouse to lynch a black worker, Willy Brown, a suspect in an alleged rape of a white woman. The mob burned the [[Douglas County Courthouse (Nebraska)|Douglas County Courthouse]] to get the prisoner, causing more than $1 million damage. They hanged and shot Will Brown, then burned his body.<ref>(1994) ''Street of Dreams.'' (VHS) Nebraska Public Television.</ref> Troops were called in from Fort Omaha to quell the riot, prevent more crowds gathering in South Omaha, and to protect the black community in North Omaha.<ref>Leighton, G.R. (1939) ''Five Cities: The Story of Their Youth and Old Age.'' Ayer Publishing. p. 212.</ref>

The [[Culture in North Omaha, Nebraska|culture of North Omaha]] thrived throughout the 1920s through 1950s, with several creative figures, including [[Tillie Olsen]], [[Wallace Thurman]], [[Lloyd Hunter]], and [[Anna Mae Winburn]] emerging from the vibrant Near North Side.<ref>Salzman, J., Smith, D.J. and West, C. (1996) ''Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History.'' Macmillan Library Reference. p. 1974.</ref>

Musicians created their own world in Omaha, and also joined national bands and groups that toured and appeared in the city.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509172034/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas.htm "Nebraska National Register Sites in Douglas County]}}." [[Nebraska State Historical Society]]. Retrieved 4/30/07.</ref>

After the tumultuous [[Great Depression]] of the 1930s, Omaha rebounded with the development of [[Offutt Air Force Base]] just south of the city. The [[Glenn L. Martin Company]] operated a factory there in the 1940s that produced 521 [[B-29]] ''Superfortresses'', including the ''[[Enola Gay]]'' and ''[[Bockscar]]'' used in [[Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|the atomic bombing of Japan]] in World War II.<ref>(2006) ''[http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080502-021.pdf Economic Impact Analysis: Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529170806/http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080502-021.pdf |date=May 29, 2008 }}.'' [[United States Air Force]]. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref>

The construction of [[Interstates]] [[Interstate 80|80]], [[Interstate 480 (Iowa–Nebraska)|480]] and [[Interstate 680 (Iowa–Nebraska)|680]], along with the [[North Omaha Freeway]], spurred development. There was also controversy, particularly in North Omaha, where new routes bisected several neighborhoods.<ref>(2001) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070222202550/http://pio.neded.org/press/2001/01rel21.htm "State's top community development projects honored"], [[Nebraska Department of Economic Development]]. Retrieved 4/7/07.</ref> [[Creighton University]] hosted the [[DePorres Club]], an early civil rights group whose use of sit-in strategies for integration of public facilities predated the national movement.<ref>(2004) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070814023014/http://press.creighton.edu/030504/cu125.html "125 years of memorable moments,"] ''The Creightonian Online. 83''(19). Retrieved 7/23/07.</ref>

Following the development of the Glenn L. Martin Company bomber manufacturing plant in [[Bellevue, Nebraska|Bellevue]] at the beginning of World War II, the relocation of the [[Strategic Air Command]] to the Omaha suburb in 1948 provided a major economic boost to the area.<ref>Wishart, D.J. (2004) ''Encyclopedia of the Great Plains.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 72.</ref>

From the 1950s through the 1960s, more than 40 insurance companies were headquartered in Omaha, including [[Woodmen of the World]] and [[Mutual of Omaha]]. By the late 1960s, the city rivaled, but never surpassed, the United States insurance centers of [[Hartford, Connecticut]], New York City and [[Boston]].<ref>Bednarek, R.D. (1992) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=-XcTWNLWmfoC The Changing Image of the City: Planning for Downtown Omaha, 1945–1973] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116011819/https://books.google.com/books?id=-XcTWNLWmfoC&dq |date=January 16, 2016 }}''. University of Nebraska Press, 1992 p. 57.</ref>

After surpassing Chicago in [[meat processing]] by the late 1950s, Omaha suffered the loss of 10,000 jobs as both the railroad and meatpacking industries restructured. The city struggled for decades to shift its economy as workers suffered. Poverty became more entrenched among families who remained in North Omaha.

In the 1960s, three major race riots along [[North 24th Street]] destroyed the Near North Side's economic base, with recovery slow for decades.<ref>Luebtke, F.C. (2005) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=fpYH47KCwOoC&q=Nebraska:+An+Illustrated+History. Nebraska: An Illustrated History] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617090117/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=fpYH47KCwOoC&dq=Nebraska:+An+Illustrated+History.&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=2tuwu7N9eR&sig=mUitMrqNXcMR-V2OLiIXjGfWdNE&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result |date=June 17, 2016 }}.'' [[University of Nebraska Press]]. p. 372.</ref> In 1969, [[Woodmen Tower]] was completed and became Omaha's tallest building and first major skyscraper at {{cvt|478|ft|m}}, a sign of renewal.

Since the 1970s, Omaha has continued expanding and growing, mostly to available land to the west. [[West Omaha]] has become home to the majority of the city's population. North and South Omaha's populations continue to be centers of new immigrants, with economic and racial diversity. In 1975 a [[1975 Omaha tornado outbreak|major tornado]], along with a [[Great Storm of 1975|major blizzard]], caused more than [[$]]100 million in damages in 1975 dollars.<ref>Alexander, D. (1993) ''Natural Disasters.'' CRC Press. p. 183.</ref>

Downtown Omaha has since been rejuvenated in numerous ways, starting with the development of [[Gene Leahy Mall]]<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 296.</ref> and [[W. Dale Clark Library]]<ref>[http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/aboutus/locations/ml.html "W. Dale Clark Library"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001073052/http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/aboutus/locations/ml.html |date=October 1, 2008 }}, [[Omaha Public Library]]. Retrieved 8/25/08.</ref> in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, Omaha's fruit warehouses were converted into a shopping area called the [[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]].

The demolition of [[Jobber's Canyon]] in 1989 led to the creation of the [[ConAgra Foods]] campus.<ref>Gratz, R.B. (1996) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=fmdd4dptfz4C&q=Living+City:+How+America%27s+Cities+Are+Being+Revitalized+by+Thinking+Small+in+a+Big+Way, The Living City: How America's Cities Are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115091224/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=fmdd4dptfz4C&dq=Living+City:+How+America%27s+Cities+Are+Being+Revitalized+by+Thinking+Small+in+a+Big+Way,&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=wdIUHLBKeU&sig=MoYx3B5pMwluSHonZROQn10wJoE&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' John Wiley and Sons. p. v.</ref> Several nearby buildings, including the [[Nash Block]], have been converted into condominiums. The stockyards were taken down; the only surviving building is the [[Livestock Exchange Building (Omaha, Nebraska)|Livestock Exchange Building]], which was converted to multi-use and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>[http://www.hud.gov/local/ne/library/archivedstories/fs2005-08-29.cfm "Renovation of the Historic Livestock Exchange Building in Omaha"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155249/http://www.hud.gov/local/ne/library/archivedstories/fs2005-08-29.cfm |date=September 30, 2007 }}, [[US Department of Housing and Urban Development]]. Retrieved 6/22/07.</ref>

A [[historic preservation]] movement in Omaha has led to a number of historic structures and districts being designated [[Omaha Landmark]]s or listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. Much of the push toward preservation came after Omaha gained the notorious designation of having, in 1989, demolished the largest-ever [[National Register of Historic Places|National Register]] historic district in the United States, a record that still stands as of 2013. The [[Jobbers Canyon Historic District]], along the Missouri River, was felled for a new headquarters campus for ConAgra Foods, a company which threatened to relocate if Omaha did not allow them to raze the city's historic district. The Jobber's Canyon warehouses had before then been allowed to deteriorate and were the scene of several fires set by the homeless population that had come to live in the abandoned buildings. At the time, there were no plans in place for revitalizing the buildings.<ref>Gratz, R.B. (1996) ''Living City: How America's Cities Are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way.'' John Wiley and Sons. p. V.</ref><ref>National Trust for Historic Preservation and Zagars, J. (1997) ''Preservation Yellow Pages: The Complete Information Source for Homeowners, Communities, and Professionals.'' John Wiley and Sons. p. 80.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/13/us/historic-district-at-issue-in-omaha.html |work=The New York Times |title=Historic District at Issue in Omaha |date=December 13, 1987 |access-date=February 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625053807/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/13/us/historic-district-at-issue-in-omaha.html |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 1980s and 1990s, Omaha also saw major company headquarters leave the city, including [[Enron]], founded in the city in 1930 and taken to Houston in 1987 by the now-notorious [[Kenneth Lay]]. [[First Data]] Corporation, a large credit-card processor, also was founded in Omaha in 1969; as of 2009, its headquarters are in Atlanta.

[[Inacom]], founded in Omaha in 1991, was a technology company that customized computer systems for large businesses, and was on the Fortune 500 list from 1997 until 2000, when it filed for bankruptcy. [[Northwestern Bell]], the [[Bell System]] affiliate for Northwestern states, had its headquarters in Omaha from its founding in 1896 until it moved to Denver in 1991 as [[US West]]. [[Level 3 Communications]], a large [[Tier 1 network]] provider, was founded in Omaha in 1985 as Kiewit Diversified Group, a division of [[Kiewit Corporation]], a Fortune 500 construction and mining company still headquartered in Omaha; Level 3 moved to Denver in 1998. [[World Com]] was founded by a merger with Omaha's MFS Communications, started as [[Metropolitan Fiber Systems]] in 1993. MFS, backed by [[Kiewit Corporation]] CEO [[Walter Scott Jr.]] and [[Warren Buffett]], purchased [[UUNET]], one of the largest Internet backbones in the world, for $2 billion in 1996. The now-infamous [[Bernie Ebbers]] purchased the much larger MFS for $14.3 billion in 1997 under his [[World Com]]. He moved headquarters of the merged company from Omaha to Mississippi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Level-3-Communications-Inc-company-History.html |title=History of Level 3 Communications, Inc. – FundingUniverse |publisher=Fundinguniverse.com |access-date=June 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417224523/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Level-3-Communications-Inc-Company-History.html |archive-date=April 17, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===21st century===
[[File:First National Tower.jpg|thumb|upright|[[First National Bank Tower]], the tallest building in Omaha]]
[[File:Omaha-Night-10th-Capitol-Spencer-Hession.jpg|thumb|Omaha at night, in 2021, as seen from the intersection of 10th and Capitol streets]]
[[File:Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (2010).jpg|thumb|[[Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge]]]]

Around the start of the 21st century, several downtown skyscrapers and cultural institutions were built.<ref>Bednarek, J.R.D. (1992) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=-XcTWNLWmfoC The Changing Image of the City: Planning for Downtown Omaha, 1945–1973] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528190530/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=-XcTWNLWmfoC&dq |date=May 28, 2016 }}.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 56.</ref>

The [[First National Bank Tower]] on Dodge Street was completed in 2002 and is the [[List of tallest buildings in Omaha, Nebraska|tallest building in Omaha]] and [[List of tallest buildings in Nebraska|the state]], surpassing the [[Woodmen Tower]] as the tallest in both at {{cvt|634|ft|m}}. The creation of the city's new [[NoDo|North Downtown]] included the construction of the [[CenturyLink Center Omaha|CenturyLink Center]] and the [[Slowdown (venue)|Slowdown]]/[[Film Streams]] development at North 14th and Webster Streets.<ref>Stempel, J. (2008) [https://www.reuters.com/article/ousivMolt/idUSN0433449720080504?sp=true "Omaha bets on NoDo to extend downtown revival"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328175849/http://www.reuters.com/article/ousivMolt/idUSN0433449720080504?sp=true |date=March 28, 2009 }}, [[Reuters]]. May 6, 2008. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref> Construction of the new [[TD Ameritrade Park]], also in the North Downtown area, began in 2009 and was completed in 2011. TD Ameritrade Park is now the home of the [[College World Series]], an event tourists flock to each year. The [[Union Pacific Center]] and the [[Holland Performing Arts Center]] opened in 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Important retail and office developments occurred in West Omaha, such as the Village Pointe shopping center and several business parks.<ref>Kynaski, J. "West Dodge keeps booming", ''Omaha World-Herald.'' January 16, 2006.</ref> The site of the former [[Ak-Sar-Ben (arena)|Ak-Sar-Ben]] arena was redeveloped into a [[mixed-use development]] [[Aksarben Village]]. In January 2009, [[Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association|Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska]] announced plans to build a 10 story, $98 million headquarters in the [[Aksarben Village]] which it completed in Spring 2011.<ref>Jordan, S. (January 8, 2009) [http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10532614 "Blue Cross building new Omaha headquarters"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Omaha World-Herald''. Retrieved 1/16/09.</ref> Another major mixed-use development to come to Omaha was [[Midtown Crossing at Turner Park]]. Developed by [[Mutual of Omaha]], the development includes several condominium towers and retail businesses built around Omaha's Turner Park.<ref>(2006) [http://www.mutualofomaha.com/about/press/community/20061020.html "Mutual of Omaha Unveils Midtown Crossing at Turner Park Development"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113101843/http://www.mutualofomaha.com/about/press/community/20061020.html |date=November 13, 2006 }}. Mutual of Omaha website. Retrieved 5/18/07.</ref><ref name=bydesign>(2007)[https://web.archive.org/web/20081001154232/http://www.omahabydesign.org/Urban_Design_Element/Urban_Design_Implementation.pdf Urban Design Element Implementation Measures]. OmahaByDesign. p. 6. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref>

There have also been several developments along the Missouri River waterfront near downtown. The [[Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge]] was opened to foot and bicycle traffic on September 28, 2008.<ref>[http://www.iowadot.gov/autotrails/bridges.aspx?BobKerrey Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604020629/http://www.iowadot.gov/autotrails/bridges.aspx?BobKerrey |date=June 4, 2013 }} Iowa Dept. of Transportation. Retrieved August 10, 2012</ref> Started in 2003,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140626125632/http://www.cityofomaha.org/mayor/images/stories/riverfront/Riverfront%20Place%20Press%20Release%20Nov03.pdf "Riverfront Place – 'Unique New Urban Neighborhood'"] [[Government of Omaha|City of Omaha]]. November 5, 2003. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref> [[RiverFront Place Condos]] first phase was completed in 2006 and the second phase was opened in 2011. The development along Omaha's riverfront is attributed with prompting the City of Council Bluffs to move their own riverfront development time line forward.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130210023328/http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/28331949.html "Council Bluffs Steps Up Riverfront Plans"], [[WOWT]]. September 12, 2008. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref>

In the summers of 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021 the [[United States at the Summer Olympics|United States Olympic Team]] swimming trials were held in Omaha, at the Qwest/Century Link Center.<ref name=swimmingteam>[http://usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/8ef78561-d60f-40cc-bcfc-e23e8b03fd18/roster.pdf 2008 United States Olympic Swim Team] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526205734/http://usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/8ef78561-d60f-40cc-bcfc-e23e8b03fd18/roster.pdf |date=May 26, 2013 }} USASwimming.org. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120914094521/http://www.usaswimming.org/usasweb/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1062&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en-US 2008 Olympia Team Trials]. USASwimming.org. Retrieved 5/27/08.</ref> These events were highlights in [[Sports in Omaha|the city's sports community]],<ref>[http://www.omahasports.org/newsRelease.php?id=13 "Omaha Sports Commission Releases Ticket Information for 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Omaha Sports Commission. Retrieved 8/30/08.</ref> as well as a showcase for redevelopment in the downtown area.

In the 2020s, a number of large projects have been either completed or planned in an attempt to revitalize downtown Omaha.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Henry J. Cordes World-Herald Staff |date=2022-01-26 |title=Mutual, Stothert reveal plans for downtown skyscraper, streetcar system |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/mutual-stothert-reveal-plans-for-downtown-skyscraper-streetcar-system/article_cca02b1a-7e22-11ec-bd92-777df4b764b8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Omaha World-Herald |language=en}}</ref> These include the redevelopment of the [[Gene Leahy Mall]], a large park near Omaha's Riverfront,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Cindy |date=2022-06-30 |title=Grand reopening of Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall caps half-century of history • Nebraska Examiner |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/06/30/grand-reopening-of-omahas-gene-leahy-mall-caps-half-century-of-history/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Nebraska Examiner |language=en-US}}</ref> and the [[Omaha Streetcar]], a nearly $500 million system of public transit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Cindy |date=2024-06-19 |title=Price jumps for modern-day streetcar project in Nebraska's largest city • Nebraska Examiner |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/06/18/price-jumps-for-modern-day-streetcar-project-in-nebraskas-largest-city/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Nebraska Examiner |language=en-US}}</ref> A new skyscraper, the [[Mutual of Omaha Headquarters Tower]], at {{convert|677|ft}}, will be the new [[List of tallest buildings in Omaha, Nebraska|tallest building in Omaha]] and [[List of tallest buildings in Nebraska|the state]] upon its completion in 2026.

Douglas County treasurer [[John Ewing Jr.|John Ewing]] was [[2025 Omaha mayoral election|elected mayor]] in 2025, ending Stothert's 12-year long administration. He is the first black mayor of Omaha.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Mitch |title=Democrat Appears to Win Omaha Mayor's Race, Ending Era of Republican Leadership |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/us/omaha-mayoral-race.html |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2025-05-13}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{see also|Geography of Omaha|Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area}}

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{cvt|130.58|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{cvt|127.09|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{cvt|3.49|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012}}</ref> Situated in the Midwestern United States on the bank of the [[Missouri River]] in eastern Nebraska, much of Omaha is built in the [[Missouri River Valley]]. Other significant bodies of water in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area include Lake Manawa, [[Papillion Creek]], [[Carter Lake (Iowa–Nebraska)|Carter Lake]], Platte River and the [[Glenn Cunningham Lake]]. The city's land has been altered considerably with substantial [[land grading]] throughout Downtown Omaha and scattered across the city.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 149.</ref> [[East Omaha]] sits on a [[flood plain]] west of the Missouri River. The area is the location of Carter Lake, an [[oxbow lake]]. The lake was once the site of East Omaha Island and Florence Lake, which dried up in the 1920s.

=== Metropolitan area ===
The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area consists of eight counties; five in Nebraska and three in Iowa.<ref>[http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/msa_def.htm#36540 "May 2007 OES Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Definitions."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602175602/http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/msa_def.htm#36540 |date=June 2, 2013 }} [[Bureau of Labor Statistics]]. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref> The metropolitan area now includes [[Harrison County, Iowa|Harrison]], [[Pottawattamie County, Iowa|Pottawattamie]], and [[Mills County, Iowa|Mills]] Counties in Iowa and [[Washington County, Nebraska|Washington]], Douglas, [[Sarpy County, Nebraska|Sarpy]], [[Cass County, Nebraska|Cass]], and [[Saunders County, Nebraska|Saunders]] Counties in Nebraska. This area was formerly referred to only as the Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area and consisted of only five counties: Pottawattamie in Iowa, and Washington, Douglas, Cass, and Sarpy in Nebraska.<ref>Hunzeker, S. [http://www.dol.state.ne.us/nwd/workserv/jobcareer/es/trends/trends/oct03/html%20pages/Nebraska%20Metro%20&%20Micro%20Statistical%20Areas.html "Nebraska Metro & Micro Statistical Areas"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107120604/http://www.dol.state.ne.us/nwd/workserv/jobcareer/es/trends/trends/oct03/html%20pages/Nebraska%20Metro%20%26%20Micro%20Statistical%20Areas.html |date=January 7, 2009 }}, Nebraska Department of Labor. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref> The Omaha-Council Bluffs [[combined statistical area]] comprises the Omaha-Council Bluffs [[metropolitan statistical area]] and the [[Fremont, Nebraska|Fremont]] [[Micropolitan statistical area]]; the CSA has a population of 858,720 (2005 Census Bureau estimate). Omaha ranks as the [[List of United States cities by population|41st-most populous city in the United States]], and is the core city of its 60th-largest metropolitan area.<ref>Larsen, L.H., Cottrell, B.J., Dalstrom, H.A. and Dalstrom, K.C. (2007) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ThGCjeuX2A0C Upstream Metropolis: An Urban Biography of Omaha and Council Bluffs] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115234625/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=ThGCjeuX2A0C&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. ix.</ref> There are no [[consolidated city-counties]] in the area; the [[Government of Omaha|City of Omaha]] studied the possibility extensively through 2003 and concluded, "The City of Omaha and Douglas County should merge into a municipal county, work to commence immediately, and that functional consolidations begin immediately in as many departments as possible, including but not limited to parks, [[Fleet vehicle|fleet]] management, facilities management, [[local planning]], purchasing and personnel."<ref>(nd) [https://web.archive.org/web/20031002063339/http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/departments/mayor/merger/Merger%20Final%20Report.pdf "Merger Committee Final Report"], City of Omaha. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref>

Geographically, Omaha is considered as being in the "Heartland" of the United States. Important environmental impacts on the natural habitat in the area include the spread of [[invasive plant]] species, restoring [[prairie]]s and [[bur oak]] [[savanna]] habitats, and managing the [[whitetail deer]] population.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030417023034/http://www.fontenelleforest.org/land.html "Land management"], Fontenelle Nature Association. Retrieved 9/27/08.</ref>

Omaha is home to several hospitals, mostly along Dodge Street (US6). Being the county seat, it is also the location of the county courthouse.

===Neighborhoods===
{{Main|Neighborhoods of Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:Omaha neighborhoods.png|thumbnail|Downtown: lime, Midtown: blue-gray, North: red, South: pink, West: lavender]]
[[File:Above West Omaha.jpg|thumb|View from above West Omaha]]
Omaha is generally divided into six geographic areas: Downtown, Midtown, North Omaha, South Omaha, West Omaha, and East Omaha. West Omaha includes the Miracle Hills, [[Boys Town, Nebraska|Boys Town]], Regency, and Gateway areas.<ref name=bydesign /> The city has a wide range of historical and new neighborhoods and suburbs that reflect its [[socioeconomic]] diversity. Early neighborhood development happened in ethnic enclaves,<ref>McDonald, J.J. (2007) ''American Ethnic History: Themes and Perspectives''. [[Edinburgh University]] Press. p. 95.</ref> including [[Little Italy (Omaha, Nebraska)|Little Italy]], [[Little Bohemia (Omaha, Nebraska)|Little Bohemia]], Little Mexico and [[Greek Town]].<ref>[[Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission]] (1980) ''A Comprehensive Program for Historic Preservation in Omaha.'' [[Government of Omaha|City of Omaha]]. p. 79.</ref> According to U.S. Census data, five European ethnic enclaves existed in Omaha in 1880, expanding to nine in 1900.<ref>French, K.N. (2008) ''[http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=geographythesis Patterns and Consequences of Segregation: An Analysis of Ethnic Residential Patterns at Two Geographic Scales] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611192305/http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=geographythesis |date=June 11, 2011 }}''. [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]]. p 56. Retrieved 9/27/08.</ref>

Around the start of the 20th century. the City of Omaha annexed several surrounding communities, including [[Florence, Nebraska|Florence]], [[Dundee, Nebraska|Dundee]] and [[Benson, Nebraska|Benson]]. At the same time, the city annexed all of South Omaha, including the [[Dahlman neighborhood|Dahlman]] and [[Burlington Road neighborhood]]s. From its first annexation in 1857 (of East Omaha) to its controversial annexation of [[Elkhorn, Nebraska|Elkhorn]] in 2007, Omaha has continually had an eye towards growth.<ref>Daly-Bednarek, J.R. (1992) ''The Changing Image of the City: Planning for Downtown Omaha, 1945–1973.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 150.</ref>

Starting in the 1950s, development of highways and new housing led to the movement of the middle class to [[suburbs]] in West Omaha. Some of the movement was designated as [[white flight]] from racial unrest in the 1960s.<ref>Caldas, S.J. and Bankston, C.L. (2003) ''The End of Desegregation?'' Nova Science Publishers. p. 12.</ref> Newer and poorer migrants lived in older housing close to downtown; those residents who were more established moved west into newer housing. Some suburbs are [[gated communities]] or have become [[edge cities]].<ref>Robb, J. [https://archive.today/20070927223938/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1640&u_sid=2056237 "Dream of integrated schools fading"], ''Omaha World-Herald''. November 1, 2005. Retrieved 8/25/08.</ref> Recently, Omahans have made strides to revitalize the downtown and Midtown areas with the redevelopment of the Old Market, Turner Park, Gifford Park, and the designation of the [[Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Ashly |title=New development in Omaha's Old Market |url=https://www.wowt.com/2022/03/26/new-development-omahas-old-market/ |access-date=June 27, 2022 |website=wowt.com |date=March 26, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327045614/https://www.wowt.com/2022/03/26/new-development-omahas-old-market/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Climate===
[[File:Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Omaha Area, NE(ThreadEx).svg|thumb|right|Climate chart for Omaha]]
Omaha, due to its latitude of 41.26˚ N and location far from moderating bodies of water or mountain ranges, displays a hot-summer [[humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Dfa'').<ref>{{Cite book |last=Muller |first=M. J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=az3qCAAAQBAJ&q=Omaha+Nebraska+koppen+dfa&pg=PA165 |title=Selected climatic data for a global set of standard stations for vegetation science |date=December 6, 2012 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-94-009-8040-2 |language=en |access-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511092653/https://books.google.com/books?id=az3qCAAAQBAJ&q=Omaha+Nebraska+koppen+dfa&pg=PA165 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.omaha.climatemps.com/ |title=Omaha, Nebraska Climate Omaha, Nebraska Temperatures Omaha, Nebraska Weather Averages |website=Omaha.climatemps.com |access-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817025644/http://www.omaha.climatemps.com/ |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> July averages {{cvt|76.7|°F|1}}, with average relative humidity around 70% which then leads to relatively frequent thunderstorms. Temperatures reach {{cvt|90|°F|0}} on 29 days and {{cvt|100|°F|0}} on 1.7 days annually. The January daily average is {{cvt|23.5|°F|1}}, with lows reaching {{cvt|0|°F|0}} on 11 days annually. The lowest temperature recorded in the city was {{cvt|-32|°F|1}} on January 5, 1884,<ref name="Jan Averages">{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/fitness/wxclimatology/daily/OMA:9?climoMonth=1 |title=January Daily Averages for Eppley Airfield |publisher=weather.com |access-date=November 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627034113/http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/fitness/wxclimatology/daily/OMA:9?climoMonth=1 |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the highest {{cvt|114|°F|1}} on [[1936 North American heat wave|July 25, 1936]].<ref name="Jul Averages">{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/fitness/wxclimatology/daily/OMA:9?climoMonth=7 |title=July Daily Averages for Eppley Airfield |publisher=weather.com |access-date=November 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626204637/http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/fitness/wxclimatology/daily/OMA:9?climoMonth=7 |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Average yearly precipitation is {{cvt|30.6|in|mm|sigfig=3}}, falling mostly in the warmer months. Snow is the most common precipitation in winter, with average seasonal snowfall being {{cvt|28.7|in|cm|1}}.

Based on 30-year averages obtained from [[NOAA]]'s [[National Climatic Data Center]] for the months of December, January and February, [[Weather Channel]] ranked Omaha the 5th coldest major U.S. city as of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://weather.com/sports-recreation/ski/news/20-coldest-large-cities-america-20140107|title=America's 20 coldest major cities|author=Jon Erdman|publisher=The Weather Channel|date=January 27, 2014 |access-date=April 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223220059/https://weather.com/sports-recreation/ski/news/20-coldest-large-cities-america-20140107|archive-date=December 23, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
{{Omaha weatherbox}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=Right
|1860= 1883
|1870= 16083
|1880= 30518
|1890= 140452
|1900= 102555
|1910= 124096
|1920= 191061
|1930= 214006
|1940= 223844
|1950= 251117
|1960= 301598
|1970= 346929
|1980= 313939
|1990= 335795
|2000= 390007
|2010= 408958
|2020= 486051
|estyear=2024
|estimate=489265
|estref=<ref name="QF2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/omahacitynebraska/RHI225223|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Omaha city, Nebraska |access-date=July 16, 2024 }}</ref>
|footnote=Source:<ref>Moffatt, Riley. ''Population History of Western U.S. Cities & Towns, 1850–1990''. [[Lanham, Maryland|Lanham]]: Scarecrow, 1996, 149.</ref><br />U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 15, 2014|archive-date=April 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|url-status=live }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2024|reason=No mention of Omaha at the given link}}<br />2010–2020<ref name="QuickFacts" />
}}
{{Chart|definition=Racial demographics of Omaha, Nebraska.chart|data=Racial demographics of Omaha, Nebraska.tab|Width=220}}
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 90%;"
|-
! Historical Racial composition 
!2020!! 2010<ref name="census1"/> !! 1990<ref name="census">{{cite web |title=Nebraska - Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012}}</ref> !! 1970<ref name="census"/> !! 1940<ref name="census"/>
|-
| [[White American|White]] 
|65.5%|| 73.1% || 83.9% || 89.4% || 94.5%
|-
| [[African American|Black]]
|12.4%|| 13.7% || 13.1% || 9.9% || 5.4%
|-
|Native American/Alaska Native
|1.1%
|0.8%
|0.7%
|
|
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race) 
|14.0%|| 13.1% || 3.1% || 1.9%{{efn|name="fifteen"}} || n/a
|-
| [[Asian American|Asian]] 
|4.6%|| 2.4% || 1.0% || 0.2% || 0.1%
|-
| Non-Hispanic White 
|66.6%|| 68.0% || 82.3% || 87.5%{{efn|name="fifteen"|From 15% sample}} || n/a
|-
|Two or More Races
|9.1%
|3.0%
|
|
|
|}
{{clear}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Omaha, Nebraska – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Omaha city, Nebraska |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US3137000&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Omaha city, Nebraska  |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US3137000&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Omaha city, Nebraska |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US3137000&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|293,876
|278,172
|style='background: #ffffe6; |302,548
|75.35%
|68.02%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |62.25%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|51,427
|55,128
|style='background: #ffffe6; |59,347
|13.19%
|13.48%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |12.21%
|-
|[[Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|2,238
|2,263
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2,419
|0.57%
|0.55%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.50%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|6,685
|9,889
|style='background: #ffffe6; |22,184
|1.71%
|2.42%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.56%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|192
|253
|style='background: #ffffe6; |379
|0.05%
|0.06%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.08%
|-
|[[Other race]] alone (NH)
|448
|806
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,999
|0.11%
|0.20%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.41%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|5,744
|8,894
|style='background: #ffffe6; |21,612
|1.47%
|2.17%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.45%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|29,397
|53,553
|style='background: #ffffe6; |75,563
|7.54%
|13.09%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |15.55%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''390,007'''
|'''408,958'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''486,051'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> counted 486,051 people, 189,922 households, and 113,245 families in Omaha. The population density was 3,406.8 per square mile (1,315.4/km{{sup|2}}). There were 203,215 housing units, at an average density of 1,424.4 per square mile (550.0/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 65.47% (318,218) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]], 12.4% (60,280) [[African American (U.S. census)|black or African-American]], 1.12% (5,426) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.6% (22,377) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.09% (461) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 7.25% (35,233) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 9.06% (44,056) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 14.0% (67,715) of the population.<ref name="census1" />[[File:Race and ethnicity 2010- Omaha (5560454122).png|thumb|Map of racial distribution in Omaha, 2010 U.S. Census. Each dot is 25 people: {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ff0000|White}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#0000ff|Black}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#00ffaa|Asian}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ffa600|Hispanic}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ffff07|Other}}]]

Of the 189,922 households, 28.3% had children under the age of 18; 43.0% were married couples living together; 29.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 33.2% of households consisted of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.2.

24.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.0 males.

The 2016–2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=December 18, 2023|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> estimates show that the median household income was $62,213 (with a margin of error of +/- $969) and the median family income $80,956 (+/- $1,380). Males had a median income of $41,528 (+/- $592) versus $31,295 (+/- $490) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $36,290 (+/- $532). Approximately, 8.0% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.6% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those ages 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709054630/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref> of 2010, there were 408,958 people, 162,627 households, and 96,477 families residing in the city. The population density was {{cvt|3217.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 177,518 housing units, at an average density of {{cvt|1396.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The city's racial makeup was 73.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 13.7% [[African American (U.S. census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 6.9% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 13.1% of the population. [[Non-Hispanic Whites]] were 68.0% of the population.<ref name="census1">{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31/3137000.html |title=Omaha (city), Nebraska |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514002916/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31/3137000.html |archive-date=May 14, 2008 }}</ref>

There were 162,627 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.7% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was at least 65 years old. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age in the city was 33.5 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.9% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.4% were 65 years of age or older. The city's gender makeup was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

The median household income (in 2017 dollars) from 2013 to 2017 was $53,789.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/omahacitynebraska/PST045218 |title=QuickFacts |access-date=April 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418230850/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/omahacitynebraska/PST045218 |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Crime===
{{Main|Crime in Omaha, Nebraska}}
{{further|Gambling in Omaha, Nebraska}}

As a major industrial city into the mid-20th century, Omaha shared in social tensions that came with rapid growth and the arrival of large numbers of immigrants and migrants. Persistent poverty resulting from racial discrimination and job losses generated different crimes in the late 20th century, with the drug trade and drug abuse becoming associated with violent crime rates, which climbed after 1986 as Los Angeles gangs made affiliates in the city.<ref>Hull, J. (1993) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930090529/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,978960-3,00.html "A Boy and his Gun"], ''Time'' magazine. Retrieved 8/17/07.</ref>

Gambling in Omaha has been an important part of the city's history. From its founding in the 1850s through the 1930s, the city was known as a "wide-open" town where gambling of all sorts was openly accepted. By the 1950s, at the same time large-scale restructuring of the railroads, the meatpacking industry and other sectors caused widespread job losses and unemployment, Omaha reportedly had more illicit gambling than any other city in the nation.<ref>[http://www.netnebraska.org/extras/statewide/pers/transcripts/Omaha%20Gambling%20History.pdf Transcript to "Nebraska's gambling history"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014040343/http://www.netnebraska.org/extras/statewide/pers/transcripts/Omaha%20Gambling%20History.pdf|date=October 14, 2008}}, Nebraska ETV. Retrieved 11/20/08.</ref> From the 1930s through the 1970s, a Mafia-based criminal element controlled gambling in the city.<ref>United States Congress Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights. (1974) ''Criminal Justice Data Banks 1974: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights of the Committee on the Judiciary.'' Government Printing Office. p 411.</ref>

As most forms of gambling are currently restricted in Nebraska, gambling in Omaha is limited to [[keno]], [[lotteries]], and [[parimutuel betting]]. This leaves Omahans to drive across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where casinos are legal and many businesses operate. Recently, the [[National Indian Gaming Commission]] approved a controversial proposal made by the [[Ponca]] tribe of Nebraska. It will allow the tribe to build a casino in [[Carter Lake, Iowa]], which sits on the west side of the Missouri River, adjacent to Omaha, where casinos are illegal.<ref>[http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/27078104.html "Pottawattamie County May Join Suit Against Casino: Nebraska trying to stop planned Carter Lake casino"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107103556/http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/27078104.html |date=January 7, 2009 }}, [[WOWT]]. August 17, 2008. Retrieved 2/11/09.</ref><ref>[http://www.gamblingwiththegoodlife.com/ Official website] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204031606/http://www.gamblingwiththegoodlife.com/ |date=December 4, 2008 }}. Gambling With The Good Life. Retrieved 11/20/08.</ref><ref>Elfrink, T. and Morton, J. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080121031403/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10236972 "Casino near Omaha would join booming Indian gambling industry"], ''Omaha World-Herald''. January 20, 2008. Retrieved 2/11/09.</ref>

===People===
{{Main|Ethnic groups in Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:OmahaNE StCecilia.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Saint Cecilia Cathedral]]]]

[[Native American tribes in Nebraska|Native Americans]] were the first residents of the Omaha area. The city of Omaha was established by white settlers from neighboring Council Bluffs who arrived from the [[Mid-Atlantic states]] a few years earlier. While much of the early population was of [[Upland South]]ern stock, over the next 100 years numerous [[Ethnic groups in Omaha, Nebraska|ethnic groups]] moved to the city. In 1910, the Census Bureau reported Omaha's population as 96.4% White and 3.6% Black.<ref>{{cite web |title=Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |access-date=April 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012}}</ref> [[Irish in Omaha, Nebraska|Irish]] immigrants in Omaha originally moved to an area in present-day North Omaha called [[Gophertown]], as they lived in dug-out [[sod house]]s.<ref name="Bristow 2000" /> That population was followed by [[Poles in Omaha, Nebraska|Polish immigrants]] in the [[Sheelytown]] neighborhood, and many immigrants were recruited for jobs in South Omaha's [[Union Stockyards (Omaha)|stockyards]] and meatpacking industry.<ref>Peattie, E.W. "How they live at Sheely: Pen picture of a strange settlement and its queer set of inhabitants", March 31, 1895. in (2005) ''Impertinences: Selected Writings of Elia Peattie, a Journalist in the Gilded Age''. University of Nebraska Press. p. 31.</ref> The [[Germans in Omaha, Nebraska|German community]] in Omaha was largely responsible for founding its once-thriving beer industry,<ref>Sullenger, T.E. (1937) "Problems of Ethnic Assimilation in Omaha", ''Social Forces. 15''(3) pp. 402–410.</ref> including the [[Metz Brewery|Metz]], [[Krug Brewery|Krug]], [[Falstaff Brewing Corporation|Falstaff]] and [[Storz Brewery|Storz]] breweries.

Since its founding, [[Ethnic groups in Omaha, Nebraska|ethnic groups in the city]] have clustered in [[Ethnic enclave|enclaves]] in [[North Omaha, Nebraska|north]], [[South Omaha, Nebraska|south]] and [[downtown Omaha]]. In its early days, the [[History of Omaha, Nebraska|sometimes lawless nature of a new frontier city]] included [[Crime in Omaha|crime]], such as [[Gambling in Omaha, Nebraska|illicit gambling]] and [[List of riots and civil unrest in Omaha, Nebraska|riots]].

In the early 20th century, [[Jews and Judaism in Omaha, Nebraska|Jewish]] immigrants set up many businesses along the [[North 24th Street]] commercial area. It suffered with the loss of industrial jobs in the 1960s and, later, the shifting of population west of the city. The commercial area is now the center of the [[African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska|African-American community]], concentrated in North Omaha.<ref>(1980) ''A Comprehensive Program for Historic Preservation in Omaha'', [[Government of Omaha|City of Omaha]] [[Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission]]. p. 54.</ref> The African American community has maintained its social and religious base, while it is experiencing an economic revitalization.

The [[Little Italy (Omaha)|Little Italy]] neighborhood grew south of downtown, as many Italian immigrants came to the city to work in the [[Union Pacific Railroad Omaha Shops Facility|Union Pacific shops]].<ref>Federal Writers' Project. (1936) ''Omaha: A Guide to the City and Environs.'' American Guide Series. p. 161.</ref> Scandinavians first came to Omaha as [[Mormon]] settlers in the [[Florence, Nebraska|Florence neighborhood]].<ref>Matteson, E. and Matteson, J. "Mormon Influence on Scandinavian Settlement in Nebraska", in Larsen, B.F., Bender, H. and Veien, K. (eds) (1993) ''On Distant Shores: Proceedings of the Marcus Lee Hansen Immigration Conference; Aalborg, Denmark June 29 – July 1, 1992.'' Aalborg, Denmark: Danes Worldwide Archives and Danish Society for Emigration History.</ref><ref>Nelson, O.N. (1899) ''History of the Scandinavians and Successful Scandinavians in the United States: parts 1 & 2.'' O. N. Nelson & Company. p. 44, 237, 502.</ref> [[Czechs in Omaha, Nebraska|Czechs]] had a strong political and cultural voice in Omaha,<ref>Capek, T. (August 27, 1898) "Bohemia past and present." ''[[Omaha Bee]]''.</ref> and were involved in a variety of trades and businesses, including banks, wholesale houses, and funeral homes. The [[Notre Dame Academy and Convent]] and [[Czechoslovak Museum]] are legacies of their residence.<ref>Sisson, R., Zacher, C.K. and Cayton, A.R.L. (2007) ''The American Midwest: An Interpretive Encyclopedia''. [[Indiana University Press]]. p. 235.</ref> Today the legacy of the city's early European immigrant populations is evident in many social and cultural institutions in Downtown and South Omaha.

[[Mexicans in Omaha, Nebraska|Mexicans]] originally immigrated to Omaha to work in the rail yards. Today they account for most of South Omaha's Hispanic population and many have taken jobs in [[meat processing]].<ref>T. Earl Sullenger, (1929) "The Mexican Population of Omaha", ''Journal of Applied Sociology'', VIII. May–June. p. 289.</ref> Other large early ethnic populations in Omaha included [[Danes in Omaha, Nebraska|Danes]], [[Poles in Omaha|Poles]], and [[Swedes in Omaha, Nebraska|Swedes]].

A growing number of African immigrants have made their homes in Omaha in the last twenty years.{{When|date=June 2018}} There are approximately 8,500 [[Sudan]]ese living in Omaha, including the largest population of [[Sudanese refugees]] in the United States. Most have immigrated since 1995 because of [[Second Sudanese Civil War|warfare in Sudan]]. They represent ten ethnic groups, including the [[Nuer people|Nuer]], [[Dinka]], [[Equatoria]]ns, [[Mauban]]s and [[Nubians]]. Most Sudanese people in Omaha speak the [[Nuer language]].<ref>Burbach, C. "Rally features Sudanese vice president", ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]''. July 22, 2006.</ref> Other Africans have immigrated to Omaha as well, with one-third from [[Nigeria]], and large populations from [[Kenya]], [[Togo]], [[Cameroon]] and [[Ghana]].<ref>Greater Omaha Economic Partnership. (2007) p. 18.</ref><ref>Goodsell, P. [https://archive.today/20120524220842/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10287909 "More Nebraskans move from rural counties to metro areas"], ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]''. March 20, 2008. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref><ref>Gonzalez, C. [https://archive.today/20120524220751/http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10377702 "Communities experiencing big growth, census report says"], ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]''. July 10, 2008.</ref>

With the expansion of railroad and industrial jobs in meatpacking, Omaha attracted many immigrants and migrants. As the major city in Nebraska, it has historically been more racially and ethnically diverse than the rest of the state.<ref>Baltensperger, B.H. (1985) ''Nebraska: a geography.'' Westview Press. p. 248.</ref> At times rapid population change, overcrowded housing and job competition have aroused [[Racial Tension in Omaha, Nebraska|racial and ethnic tensions]]. Around the start of the 20th century, violence towards new immigrants in Omaha often erupted out of suspicion and fear.<ref>Hickey, D.R., Wunder, S.A. and Wunder, J.R. (2007) ''Nebraska Moments: New Edition.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 197.</ref>

In 1909, anti-Greek sentiment flared after increased Greek immigration, and worsened their tendency to become [[strikebreakers]]. The killing of a policeman of Irish descent enraged the Irish community; an angry mob violently stormed the Greek neighborhood in Omaha in what would become known as the [[Greek Town Riot]].<ref>Laliotou, I.L. (2004) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=f_WL0HT1_4EC Transatlantic Subjects: Acts of Migration and Cultures of Transnationalism Between Greece and America]'' {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115085247/https://books.google.com/books?id=f_WL0HT1_4EC&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}, University of Chicago Press. p. 185.</ref> That mob violence forced the [[Greeks in Omaha, Nebraska|Greek]] immigrant population to flee from the city.<ref>Laliotou, I. (2004) ''Transatlantic Subjects: Acts of Migration and Cultures of Transnationalism Between Greece and America.'' University of Chicago Press. p. 185.</ref><ref>Burgess, T. (1913) ''Greeks in America: An Account of Their Coming, Progress, Customs, Living, and Aspirations; with an Historical Introduction and the Stories of Some Famous American-Greeks.'' Sherman-French Publishers. p. 163.</ref> By 1910, 53.7% of Omaha's residents and 64.2% of South Omaha's residents were foreign born or had at least one parent born outside of America.<ref>Wishart, D. (2004) "Omaha, Nebraska", in ''Encyclopedia of the Great Plains.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 177.</ref>

Six years after the Greek Town Riot, in 1915, a mob killed Juan Gonzalez, a Mexican immigrant, near [[Scribner, Nebraska|Scribner]], a town in the Greater Omaha metropolitan area. The event occurred after an [[Omaha Police Department]] officer investigated a criminal operation that sold goods stolen from the nearby railroad yards. [[Racial profiling]] targeted Gonzalez as the culprit. After escaping the city, he was trapped along the [[Elkhorn River]], where the mob, including several policemen from Omaha, shot him more than twenty times. It was discovered Gonzalez was unarmed, and he had a reliable alibi for the time of the murder. No one was ever indicted for his killing.<ref>De La Garza, M. (2004) "The Lynching of Juan Gonzalez", ''Nebraska History.'' 85. (Spring). p. 24–35.</ref>

In the fall of 1919, following [[Red Summer]], postwar social and economic tensions, the earlier hiring of African Americans as strikebreakers, and job uncertainty contributed to a mob from South Omaha lynching [[Willy Brown]] and the ensuing [[Omaha Race Riot]]. Trying to defend Brown, the city's mayor, [[Edward Parsons Smith]], was lynched also, surviving only after a quick rescue.<ref name="Bristow 2000" />

Like other industrial cities in the U.S., Omaha suffered severe job losses in the 1950s, more than 10,000 in all, as the railroad and meatpacking industries restructured. Stockyards and packing plants were located closer to ranches, and union achievements were lost as wages declined in surviving jobs.<ref>Cordes, H.J. [https://web.archive.org/web/20071107070423/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10176422 "Decline in industrial jobs hurts blacks"] ''Omaha World-Herald''. November 5, 2007. Retrieved 9/23/08.</ref> Many workers left the area if they could get to other jobs. Poverty deepened in areas of the city whose residents depended on those jobs, specifically North and South Omaha. At the same time, with reduced revenues, the city had less financial ability to respond to longstanding problems.

Despair after the April 1968 [[assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.]] contributed to [[King assassination riots|riots in North Omaha]], including one at the [[Logan Fontenelle Housing Project]].<ref>Luebtke, F.C. (2005) ''Nebraska: An Illustrated History.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 334.</ref> For some, the [[civil rights movement in Omaha, Nebraska]] evolved towards [[black nationalism]], as the [[Black Panther Party]] was involved in tensions in the late 1960s. Organizations such as the [[Black Association for Nationalism Through Unity]] became popular among the city's African-American youth. This tension culminated in the ''[[cause célèbre]]'' trial of the [[Rice/Poindexter Case]], in which an [[Omaha Police Department]] officer was killed by a bomb while answering an emergency call.

Whites in Omaha have followed the [[white flight]] pattern, [[suburban]]izing to West Omaha.<ref>French, K. (2002) "Ethnic Groups in the Urban Fringe: An Analysis of Residential Patterns in Four Midland Cities, 1960 to 2000." University of Nebraska–Lincoln.</ref> In the late 1990s and early 2000s, gang violence and incidents between the [[Omaha Police Department|Omaha Police]] and Black residents undermined relations between groups in North and South Omaha.<ref>Webb, M. (1999) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=shwzim3gH8EC Coping with Street Gangs] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114212053/https://books.google.com/books?id=shwzim3gH8EC&dq |date=January 14, 2016 }}.'' The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 84.</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:Omaha, NE Old Market 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]] in [[Downtown Omaha]]]]

With diversification in several industries, including banking, insurance, telecommunications, architecture/construction, and transportation, Omaha's economy has grown since the early 1990s,<ref>Rogers, A. "High Tech Havens", ''Newsweek.'' April 25, 2001.</ref> and six national fiber optic networks converge in Omaha.<ref>Kotok, C.D. "A New Brand of Tech Cities", ''Newsweek''. April 25, 2001.</ref>

Omaha's most prominent businessman is Warren Buffett, nicknamed the "Oracle of Omaha", who for decades has ranked as one of the [[List of billionaires (2007)|richest people in the world]]. Four Omaha-based companies: [[Berkshire Hathaway]], [[Union Pacific Railroad]], [[Mutual of Omaha]], and [[Kiewit Corporation]], are among the [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]].<ref>[http://medicine.creighton.edu/medpeds/omaha.htm "Omaha, Nebraska: The Good Life"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612112759/http://medicine.creighton.edu/medpeds/omaha.htm |date=June 12, 2008 }}, Creighton University. Retrieved 4/1/08.</ref>

Omaha is the headquarters of several other major corporations, including [[the Gallup Organization]],  [[Werner Enterprises]], [[First National Bank of Omaha]], [[WoodmenLife]], [[Gavilon]], [[Scoular]] and First Comp Insurance. Many other large national firms have major operations or operational headquarters in Omaha, including [[Bank of the West]], [[First Data]], [[Sojern]], [[PayPal]], [[LinkedIn]], [[Pacific Life]], [[MetLife]] and [[Conagra Brands]]. The city is also home to three of the 30 largest architecture firms in the United States, including [[HDR, Inc.]], [[DLR Group, Inc.]], and [[Leo A Daly]].<ref>Gonchar, J. (2006) [http://archrecord.construction.com/people/profiles/archives/0607intergratedFirms.asp "Top 150 Architecture Firms: Integrated firms dominate architecture practice ranking"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612221419/http://archrecord.construction.com/people/profiles/archives/0607intergratedFirms.asp |date=June 12, 2011 }}, ''Architectural Record.'' Retrieved 5/30/08.</ref>

===Top employers===
According to the [[Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce]], the largest regional employers are:<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.omahachamber.org/economic-development/regional-data/ | title=REGIONAL DATA | publisher=[[Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce]]}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! Employees 
|-
| 1
| [[Offutt Air Force Base]]
|7,500+
|-
| 2
| [[CHI Health]]
|7,500+
|-
| 3
| [[Omaha Public Schools]]
|5,000-7,499
|-
| 4
| [[Nebraska Methodist Health System|Methodist Health System]]
|5,000-7,499
|-
| 5
| [[Nebraska Medical Center]]
|5,200
|-
| 6
| [[University of Nebraska Medical Center]]
|2,500-4,999
|-
| 7
| [[First Data]]
|2,500-4,999
|-
| 8
| [[Union Pacific]]
|2,500-4,999
|-
| 9
| [[Hy-Vee]]
|2,500-4,999
|-
| 10
| [[First National Bank of Omaha]]
|2,500-4,999
|}

===Tourism===
[[File:Office buildings in downtown Omaha.jpg|thumb|Office buildings in downtown Omaha]]{{Main|Tourism in Omaha, Nebraska}}
Tourist attractions in Omaha include history, sports, outdoors and cultural experiences. Its principal tourist attractions are the [[Henry Doorly Zoo]] and the [[College World Series]].<ref name="Nebraska1"/> The [[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]] in [[Downtown Omaha]] is another major attraction and is important to the city's retail economy. The city has been a tourist destination for many years. Famous early visitors included British author [[Rudyard Kipling]] and General [[George Crook]]. In 1883 Omaha hosted the first official performance of the [[Buffalo Bill]]'s [[Wild West Show]] for 8,000 attendees.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080503100706/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/markers/texts/buffalo_bill.htm "Buffalo Bill at the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition and Indian Congress of 1898"]}}, [[Nebraska State Historical Society]]. Retrieved 4/19/08.</ref> In 1898 the city hosted more than 1 million visitors from across the United States at the [[Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition]], a [[world's fair]] that lasted for more than half the year.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Beam |first=P. K. |year=1994 |title=The Last Victorian Fair: The Trans-Mississippi International Exposition |journal=Journal of the West |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=10–23}}</ref>

Research on [[leisure]] and [[hospitality]] situates Omaha in the same tier for tourists as the neighboring cities of [[Des Moines, Iowa]]; [[Topeka, Kansas]]; [[Kansas City, Missouri]]; [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]]; [[Denver, Colorado]]; and [[Sioux Falls, South Dakota]].<ref>Goss and Associates. (2007) ''[http://www.ernestgoss.com/working_chapters_v3.pdf The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Performing Arts on the City of Omaha]{{Dead link|date=May 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}''. Hollard Foundation. p. 14. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref> A recent study found investment of $1 million in cultural tourism generated approximately $83,000 in state and local taxes, and provided support for hundreds of jobs for the metropolitan area, which in turn led to additional tax revenue for government.<ref name="Nebraska1">Thompson, J. (2007) [https://web.archive.org/web/20080602222347/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10158365 "Skeptics of stadium look for return on funding"], ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]''. October 15. Retrieved 5/2/08.</ref><ref>Goss and Associates. (2007) p. 11.</ref>

==Arts and culture==
{{Main|Culture of Omaha, Nebraska|Culture in North Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:Joslyn Art Museum 2024.jpg|thumb|Joslyn Art Museum]]
Several national newspapers, including the ''[[Boston Globe]]''<ref>Daniel, D. (2005) [https://www.boston.com/travel/articles/2005/09/28/unexpected_omaha/ "Unexpected Omaha: 'Mystery tour' travelers are surprised at what they find,"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318021358/http://www.boston.com/travel/articles/2005/09/28/unexpected_omaha/ |date=March 18, 2009 }} ''[[Boston Globe]]''. 10/28/05. Retrieved 8/22/07.</ref> and The ''[[New York Times]]'' <ref>Andersen, K. (2007) [http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/travel/tmagazine/03talk.omaha.t.html?em&ex=1174881600&en=c87bf745949a90b0&ei=5087%0A Omaha's Culture Club] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226153921/http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/travel/tmagazine/03talk.omaha.t.html?em&ex=1174881600&en=c87bf745949a90b0&ei=5087%0A |date=February 26, 2008 }}. ''[[New York Times]] T Style Magazine – Travel.'' 3/25/07. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> have lauded Omaha's [[History of Omaha, Nebraska|historical]] and cultural attractions.

The city is home to the [[Omaha Community Playhouse]], the largest [[community theater]] in the United States.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wnet/dancin/php/search.php?submit=go&search=state&state=NE "Who's dancing now?"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204142206/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/dancin/php/search.php?submit=go&search=state&state=NE |date=February 4, 2015 }}, [[PBS]]. Retrieved 8/25/08.</ref><ref>(nd) [http://www.omahaplayhouse.com/history.aspx OCP History] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704105639/http://www.omahaplayhouse.com/history.aspx |date=July 4, 2007 }}. Omaha Community Playhouse. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> The [[Omaha Symphony Orchestra]] and its modern [[Holland Performing Arts Center]],<ref>Hassebroek, A. (2006) "Holland Center Further Energized Omaha's Lively Culture", ''Omaha World Herald.'' October 15, 2006.</ref> the [[Opera Omaha]] at the [[Orpheum, Omaha|Orpheum]] theater, the [[Blue Barn Theatre]], [[American Midwest Ballet]], and [[The Rose, Omaha|The Rose Theater]] form the backbone of Omaha's [[Theatre in Omaha|performing arts community]]. Opened in 1931, the [[Joslyn Art Museum]] has large art collections.<ref>(nd) [http://affiliations.si.edu/AffiliateDetail.Asp?AffiliateID=180 Smithsonian Affiliations] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612000417/http://affiliations.si.edu/AffiliateDetail.Asp?AffiliateID=180 |date=June 12, 2007 }}. [[Smithsonian Institution]]. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> Since its inception in 1976, [[Omaha Children's Museum]] has been a place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. The [[Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts]], one of the nation's premier urban artist colonies, was founded in Omaha in 1981,<ref>(2006) [https://web.archive.org/web/20070627054555/http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/insight/pdfs/omaha/146_156.pdf Insight Omaha: The Art of it All] ''Hemispheres Magazine''. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> and the [[Durham Museum, Omaha, Nebraska|Durham Museum]] is accredited with the [[Smithsonian Institution]] for traveling exhibits.<ref>[http://www.visitomaha.org/listings/index.cfm?action=displayListing&listingID=56851 "Durham Museum."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112213001/http://www.visitomaha.org/listings/index.cfm?action=displayListing&listingID=56851 |date=January 12, 2009 }} Omaha Visitors and Convention Bureau. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref> The city is also home to the largest singly funded mural in the nation, "Fertile Ground",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megsaligman.com/fertile-ground/ |title=Fertile Ground |website=Meg Saligman |access-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824034226/http://www.megsaligman.com/fertile-ground/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> by [[Meg Saligman]].<ref>[http://omahamuralproject.org/?page_id=24 About {{!}} Fertile Ground] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824071259/http://omahamuralproject.org/?page_id=24 |date=August 24, 2018 }}. Omahamuralproject.org. Retrieved on July 12, 2013.</ref> The annual [[Omaha Blues, Jazz, & Gospel Festival]] celebrates local music along with the [[Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame]].

In 1955, Omaha's [[Union Stockyards (Omaha)|Union Stockyards]] overtook Chicago's stockyards as the United States' meat packing center. This legacy is reflected in the [[cuisine of Omaha]], with renowned steakhouses such as [[Gorat's]] and the recently closed [[Mister C's]], as well as the retail chain [[Omaha Steaks]].

===Henry Doorly Zoo===
{{Main|Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium}}
[[File:Desert Dome (5729172276).jpg|thumb|upright|Desert Dome at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium]]

The [[Henry Doorly Zoo]] is widely considered a premier zoo.<ref>[http://netnebraska.org/extras/statewide/pers/desert_dome.html "Desert Dome: Dean of the Dome"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516223747/http://netnebraska.org/extras/statewide/pers/desert_dome.html |date=May 16, 2008 }}, NET: Nebraska's NPR and PBS stations. Retrieved 5/2/08.</ref> The zoo is home to the world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp; the world's largest indoor rainforest, the world's largest indoor desert,<ref>[http://www.visitnebraska.org/index.php?option=com_myplanner&task=detail&cat=43&id=2000140&Itemid=1 "Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602100950/http://www.visitnebraska.org/index.php?option=com_myplanner&task=detail&cat=43&id=2000140&Itemid=1 |date=June 2, 2008 }}. VisitNebraska.org. Retrieved 5/2/08.</ref> and the largest [[geodesic dome]] in the world (13 stories tall).<ref>[http://www.kiewit.com/markets/pro_26099014.html "Henry Doorly Zoo Desert Dome"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621173531/http://www.kiewit.com/markets/pro_26099014.html |date=June 21, 2008 }}, [[Kiewit Corporation]]. Retrieved 5/8/08.</ref><ref>[http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/nebraska/omaha/frm_omaha_3571010029.html "Attractions in Omaha"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905124201/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/nebraska/omaha/frm_omaha_3571010029.html |date=September 5, 2008 }}, ''The New York Times.'' Retrieved 5/8/08.</ref> The zoo is Nebraska's number-one paid attendance attraction and has welcomed more than 25 million visitors over the past 40 years.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060622013000/http://www.environmentaltrust.org/news/stories/zoo_10_05.htm "Conservation Education at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo"], Environmental Trust. Retrieved 5/8/08.</ref>

===Old Market===
{{Main|Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)}}

The [[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)|Old Market]] is a major [[historic district]] in Downtown Omaha listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Today, its warehouses and other buildings house shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and art galleries.<ref>(2004) {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080516010925/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/tax/douglas.htm "Tax incentive program projects in Douglas County,"]}} Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 1/17/08.</ref> Downtown is also the location of the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District, which has several art galleries and restaurants. [[Lauritzen Gardens]] features {{cvt|100|acre|ha|lk=out}} with a variety of landscaping, and the new [[Kenefick Park]] recognizes Union Pacific Railroad's long history in Omaha.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/railroad/2004/0923_kenefickpark.shtml |title=Union Pacific Announces Location of New Kenefick Park |website=[[Union Pacific Railroad]] |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114015509/http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/railroad/2004/0923_kenefickpark.shtml |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> North Omaha has several historical [[Culture in North Omaha, Nebraska|cultural]] attractions including the [[Jewell Building|Dreamland Historical Project]], Love's Jazz and Art Center, and the John Beasley Theater.<ref>Mead and Hunt. (2007) ''{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080909205543/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/reports/North_Omaha_Report.pdf Reconnaissance Survey of Portions of North Omaha Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey]}}.'' City of Omaha and the Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref> The annual River City Roundup is celebrated at Fort Omaha, and the neighborhood of [[Florence, Nebraska|Florence]] celebrates its history during "Florence Days". [[Native Omaha Days]] is a biennial event celebrating Near North Side heritage.<ref>Zaslow, J. (2006) "Moving On: You Can Go Home Again: Buffalo Tries To Reclaim Its Native Sons and Daughters", ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''. August 17, 2006.</ref>

===Religion===

Religious institutions reflect the city's heritage.<ref>Skolnik, F. and Berenbaum, M. (eds). (1978) ''Encyclopaedia Judaica.'' Keter Publishing House. p. 303.</ref> The [[Christianity in Omaha, Nebraska|city's Christian community]] has several historical churches dating from the founding of the city. There are also all sizes of congregations, including small, medium and [[megachurch]]es. Omaha hosts the only Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [[Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple|temple in Nebraska]] along with a large [[Jews and Judaism in Omaha, Nebraska|Jewish community]]. There are 152 parishes in the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha]], and several [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] congregations throughout the city.<ref>Larsen, L.H., Cottrell, B.J., Dalstrom, H.A. and Dalstrom, K.C. (2007) ''Upstream Metropolis: An Urban Biography of Omaha and Council Bluffs.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 167.</ref>

=== Lauritzen Gardens ===
[[Lauritzen Gardens]] is a [[botanical garden]] located near [[South Omaha]]. The garden contains several large [[greenhouse]]s, and outdoor plant exhibits. Covering over 100 acres of land, Lauritzen Gardens welcomes over 200,000 guests annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in Omaha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha Botanical Center |url=https://www.lauritzengardens.org/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.lauritzengardens.org}}</ref>

=== Music ===
{{Main|Music of Omaha}}

Omaha's rich history in rhythm and blues, and jazz gave rise to a number of influential bands, including [[Anna Mae Winburn]]'s [[Cotton Club Boys (territory band)|Cotton Club Boys]] and [[Lloyd Hunter]]'s Seranaders. [[Rock and roll]] pioneer [[Wynonie Harris]], jazz great [[Preston Love]], drummer [[Buddy Miles]], and [[Luigi Waites]] are among the city's homegrown talent. [[Doug Ingle]] from the late 1960s band [[Iron Butterfly]] was born in Omaha, as was [[indie folk]] singer-songwriter [[Elliott Smith]], though both were raised elsewhere. [[Musical theater]] star [[Andrew Rannells]] was also born in Omaha and is known amongst his fans for mentioning it in most of his interviews.

Today, the diverse [[Culture of Omaha, Nebraska|culture of Omaha]] includes a variety of performance venues, museums, and musical heritage, including the historically significant jazz scene in North Omaha and the modern and influential "[[Omaha Sound]]".<ref name="OPS" /><ref name="Otto 2010" />

Contemporary music groups either in or originally from Omaha include [[Mannheim Steamroller]], [[Bright Eyes (band)|Bright Eyes]], [[The Faint]], [[Cursive (band)|Cursive]], [[Azure Ray]], [[Tilly and the Wall]], and [[311 (band)|311]]. During the late 1990s, Omaha became nationally known as the birthplace of [[Saddle Creek Records]], and the subsequent "Omaha Sound" was born from their bands' collective style.<ref>Dinova, N. (2005) "Mayday: Bushido Karaoke on Saddle Creek". ''[[Washington Post]]''. July 22, 2005.</ref><ref>Schulte, B. (2003) "The Story of Omaha; Nebraska City Gets a Makeover: Cow Town to Urban Hip", ''Washington Post'', 12/14/03.</ref>

Omaha also has a fledgling [[hip hop]] scene. Long-time bastion [[Houston Alexander]], a one-time graffiti artist and professional [[Mixed Martial Arts]] competitor, is a local hip-hop radio show host.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070711055857/http://www.nebraskashakespeare.com/content/view/84/204/ "Elizabethan Idol '08 Winners"], Nebraska Shakespeare. Retrieved 9/25/08.</ref><ref>Mink, R. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/16/AR2007111602032.html "UFC Bouts Are Child's Play for Alexander"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714024406/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/16/AR2007111602032.html |date=July 14, 2017 }}, ''[[Washington Post]]''. Retrieved 9/25/08.</ref> Cerone Thompson, known as "Scrybe", has had a number one single on college radio stations across the United States. He has also had several number one hits on the local hip hop station respectively titled, "Lose Control" and "Do What U Do".<ref name="media.www.unogateway.com">Pugsley, T. (2009). [http://media.www.unogateway.com/media/storage/paper968/news/2005/10/21/ArtsLeisure/Uno-Rapper.Student.Hits.No.1.On.Local.Radio.Station.With.Current.Single-2549567.shtml "UNO rapper, student hits No. 1 on local radio station with current single."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116012827/http://media.www.unogateway.com/media/storage/paper968/news/2005/10/21/ArtsLeisure/Uno-Rapper.Student.Hits.No.1.On.Local.Radio.Station.With.Current.Single-2549567.shtml |date=January 16, 2016 }} ''The Gateway.'' 10/21/05. Retrieved 6/17/07.</ref> Other notable artists include Stylo of Mastered Trax Latino who holds a strong following in South Omaha and Mexico / Latin America.<ref name="media.www.unogateway.com"/>

Many ethnic and cultural bands have come from Omaha. The [[Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame]] celebrates the city's long history of African-American music and the Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band carries on a [[Scotland|Scottish]] legacy. Internationally renowned composer [[Antonín Dvořák]] wrote his [[Symphony No. 9 (Dvořák)|Ninth ("New World") Symphony]] in 1893 based on his impressions of the region after visiting Omaha's robust [[Czechs in Omaha, Nebraska|Czech community]].<ref>Clapham, J. (1966) ''Antonín Dvořák: Musician and Craftsman''. St. Martin's Press. p. 20.</ref> In the period surrounding World War I [[Valentin J. Peter]] encouraged [[Germans in Omaha]] to celebrate their rich musical heritage, too. [[Frederick Metz]], [[Gottlieb Storz]] and [[Frederick Krug]] were influential brewers whose [[beer garden]]s kept many German bands active.

===Landmark preservation===
{{Main|Landmarks in Omaha, Nebraska|List of Registered Historic Places in Douglas County, Nebraska}}
[[File:091407-JoslynCastle.jpg|right|thumb|[[Joslyn Castle]]]]

Omaha is home to dozens of nationally, regionally and locally significant landmarks.<ref>[http://www.cityofomaha.org/planning/landmarks/alphabetical-listing m "Alphabetical list"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607035425/http://www.cityofomaha.org/planning/landmarks/alphabetical-listing// |date=June 7, 2012 }}, City of Omaha Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref> The city has more than a dozen [[historic district]]s, including [[Fort Omaha Historic District]], [[Gold Coast Historic District (Omaha, Nebraska)|Gold Coast Historic District]], [[Omaha Quartermaster Depot Historic District]], Field Club Historic District, Bemis Park Historic District, and the South Omaha Main Street Historic District. Omaha is notorious for its 1989 demolition of 24 buildings in the Jobbers Canyon Historic District, which represents to date the largest loss of buildings on the National Register.<ref>Gratz, R.B. (1996) ''Living City: How America's Cities Are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way'', John Wiley and Sons. p. v.</ref> The only original building surviving of that complex is the [[Nash Block]].

Omaha has almost [[List of Registered Historic Places in Douglas County, Nebraska|one hundred individual properties]] listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]], including the [[Bank of Florence]], [[Holy Family Catholic Church (Omaha, Nebraska)|Holy Family Church]], the [[Christian Specht Building]] and the [[Joslyn Castle]]. There are also three properties designated as [[National Historic Landmark]]s.<ref>Gerber, K. and Spencer, J.C. (2003) ''Building for the Ages: Omaha's Architectural Landmarks.'' Omaha, Nebraska: Landmarks, Inc. p. 4.</ref>

[[Omaha Landmarks|Locally designated landmarks]], including residential, commercial, religious, educational, agricultural and socially significant locations across the city, honor Omaha's cultural legacy and important history. The [[Government of Omaha|City of Omaha]] [[Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission]] is the government body that works with the [[mayor of Omaha]] and the [[Omaha City Council]] to protect historic places. Important history organizations in the community include the [[Douglas County Historical Society]].<ref>Mead & Hunt, Inc. (2006) ''{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080909205604/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/reports/omaha_so_central.pdf Reconnaissance Survey of Portions of South Central Omaha, Nebraska: Historic Buildings Survey.]}}'' Nebraska State Historical Society. p. 37. Retrieved 6/16/07.</ref>

Built in 1962, Omaha's [[Cinerama]] was called [[Indian Hills Theater]]. Its demolition in 2001 by the [[Nebraska Methodist Health System]] was unpopular, with objections from local historical and cultural groups and luminaries from around the world.<ref>Haines, R. (2003) ''The Moviegoing Experience, 1968–2001''. McFarland Publishers. p. 8, 231.</ref> The [[Dundee Theatre]] is the lone surviving single-screen movie theater in Omaha and still shows films.<ref>[http://www.dundeetheatre.com/about.html "About Us"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014215334/http://dundeetheatre.com/about.html|date=October 14, 2007}}. [[Dundee Theatre]]. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> A recent development to the Omaha film scene was the addition of [[Film Streams]]'s Ruth Sokolof Theater in North Downtown. The two-screen theater is part of the [[Slowdown (venue)|Slowdown]] facility. It features American independents, foreign films, documentaries, classics, themed series, and director retrospectives. In addition to the five [[Douglas Theatres]] venues in Omaha, two more are opening, including [[Midtown Omaha#Neighborhoods|Midtown Crossing]] Theatres, on 32nd and Farnam Streets near the [[Mutual of Omaha Building]]. [[Westroads Mall]] has a modern multiplex [[movie theater]] with 14 screens, operated by [[Rave Cinemas]].<ref>Barbe, A. [http://media.www.unogateway.com/media/storage/paper968/news/2007/11/30/ArtsLeisure/Metro.Movie.Theaters.To.Multiply.In.Next.Two.Years-3125417.shtml "Metro movie theaters to multiply in next two years"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115140838/http://media.www.unogateway.com/media/storage/paper968/news/2007/11/30/ArtsLeisure/Metro.Movie.Theaters.To.Multiply.In.Next.Two.Years-3125417.shtml|date=January 15, 2016}}, ''UNO Gateway''. November 30, 2007. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sports in Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:2019CWSVanderbiltVsLouisville.jpg|thumb|Charles Schwab Field]]
Sports have been important in Omaha for more than a century, and the city plays host to three minor-league professional sports teams.

Omaha has hosted the annual June NCAA [[College World Series]] men's baseball tournament since 1950.<ref>Wishart, D.J. (2004) ''Encyclopedia of the Great Plains.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 769.</ref> It has been played at the downtown [[Charles Schwab Field]] since 2011.<ref>[http://www.ketv.com/sports/6055802/detail.html "New Home For Royals? Mayor Backs North Downtown Development"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060307130059/http://www.ketv.com/sports/6055802/detail.html |date=March 7, 2006 }}, [[KETV]]. Retrieved 8/25/08.</ref>

The Omaha Sports Commission is a quasi-governmental nonprofit organization that coordinates much of the professional and amateur athletic activity in the city, including the 2008, 2012 and 2016 US Olympic Swimming Team Trials and the building of a [[TD Ameritrade Park Omaha|new stadium]] in North Downtown.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081120134752/http://www.omahastadium.com/press-releases/omaha-sports-commission-approves-resolution-in-support-of-new-downtown-stadium.html "Omaha Sports Commission Approves Resolution in Support of New Downtown Stadium"], College World Series Stadium Oversight Committee. May 5, 2008. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref><ref>Kaipust, R. [http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10417333 "Swim Trials CEO named president of the Omaha Sports Commission"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Omaha World-Herald''. August 27, 2008. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref><ref>[http://www.omahasports.org/index.php Official website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915184658/http://www.omahasports.org/index.php |date=September 15, 2008 }}. Omaha Sports Commission. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref> The [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]] and the Commission co-hosted the 2008 [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA) [[NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship|Division One Women's Volleyball Championship]] in December of that year.<ref>[http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=249709 "NU and Qwest Center Omaha Selected to Host 2008 NCAAs"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116224719/http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=249709 |date=January 16, 2010 }}, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. March 20, 2008. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref> The 2016 Big 10 Baseball Championship was also played at the College World Series Stadium. Another quasi-governmental board, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA), was created by city voters in 2000,<ref>Sloan, K. [http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10155588 "Fahey absent as MECA board, residents speak out against plan"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Omaha World-Herald''. October 12, 2007. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref> and is responsible for maintaining the [[CHI Health Center Omaha]] (formerly CenturyLink Center Omaha).<ref>{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://www.omahameca.com/ |title=Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority |website=omahameca.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823041036/http://www.omahameca.com/ |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=August 10, 2012}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;text-align:center;"
|-
|+Sports teams in Omaha
|-
!Team !! Sport !! League !! Venue (capacity) !! Average attendance 
|-
| [[Creighton Bluejays baseball]] || [[Baseball]] || [[NCAA]] || [[Charles Schwab Field]] (24,505) || 3,205
|-
| [[Creighton Bluejays men's basketball]] || [[Basketball]] || [[NCAA]] || [[CHI Health Center Omaha]] (18,560) || 17,048
|-
| [[Omaha Mavericks men's ice hockey]] || [[Ice hockey]] || [[NCAA]] || [[Baxter Arena]] (7,898) || 6,570
|-
|[[Omaha Mavericks men's basketball]] || [[Basketball]] || [[NCAA]] || |[[Baxter Arena]] (7,898) || 2,366<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2019/Attendance.pdf |title=NCAA attendance |website=Omaha.com |language=en |access-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905040039/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2019/Attendance.pdf |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|[[Omaha Storm Chasers]]||[[Baseball]]||[[International League]]||[[Werner Park]] (9,023) || align=center | 5,315 
|-
|[[Omaha Lancers]]||[[Ice hockey]]||[[United States Hockey League]]||[[Ralston Arena]] (4,000) || align=center | 3,302 
|-
|[[Omaha Beef]]||[[Indoor American football|Indoor football]]||[[National Arena League]]||[[Ralston Arena]] (3,626) || align=center | 3,302
|- 
| [[Creighton Bluejays men's soccer]] || [[Soccer]] || [[NCAA]] || [[Morrison Stadium]] (6,000) || 3,297 
|-
|Omaha Pioneers||[[Soccer]]||[[USASA]]||[[To be determined|TBD]]|| —
|-
| [[Union Omaha]] || [[Soccer]] || [[USL League One]] ||[[Werner Park]] (9,023) || —
|-
| [[Omaha Supernovas]] || [[Volleyball]] || [[Pro Volleyball Federation]] || [[CHI Health Center Omaha]] (18,560) || 9,656 <ref name="provolleyball.com">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-04 |title=Supernovas Welcome Over 134,000 Fans in Championship-Winning Inaugural Season |url=https://provolleyball.com/news/2024/06/supernovas-welcome-over-134000-fans-in-championship-winning-inaugural-season |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Pro Volleyball Federation |language=en}}</ref>
|}
[[File:CenturyLink Center Omaha.jpg|thumb|right|CHI Health Center]]

The Omaha Storm Chasers play at [[Werner Park]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Feigen |first=Mike |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-17893306 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718112800/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110417&content_id=17893306&vkey=news_t541&fext=.jsp&sid=t541 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |title=Chasers Celebrate Win in Werner Park Opener |publisher=[[Minor League Baseball]] |date=April 17, 2011 |access-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref> They won seven championships (in 1969, 1970, 1978, 1990, 2011, 2013, and 2014).
Omaha is also home to the Omaha Diamond Spirit, a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the MINK league.

The [[Omaha Supernovas]] are a professional [[indoor volleyball]] team based in Omaha, Nebraska. The team competes in the [[Pro Volleyball Federation]] (PVF). The Supernovas began play in the league's inaugural [[2024 Pro Volleyball Federation season|2024 season]]. The team plays their home games at [[CHI Health Center Omaha]]. The Supernovas won the inaugural championship in May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-19 |title=Supernovas Sweep Rise to Become First-Ever Pro Volleyball Federation Champions |url=https://provolleyball.com/news/2024/05/supernovas-sweep-rise-to-become-first-ever-pro-volleyball-federation-champions |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Pro Volleyball Federation |language=en}}</ref> During its championship run in the inaugural PVF season, Omaha and the Supernovas became the league's shining star, hosting 134,969 fans across the 15 matches held at the CHI Health Center. That includes a whopping 9,656 average mark for the 12 Supernovas’ home matches, plus the 19,094 spectators who attended the PVF Semifinals and Championship.

The Supernovas erased any doubt that professional volleyball could happen in the United States with their 9,656 match average the No. 1 mark amongst professional volleyball teams in the world.

Omaha broke many of its own attendance records across its historic season, starting with 11,624 fans attending the first-ever PVF match on Jan. 24 between Omaha and the [[Atlanta Vibe]]. That mark was broken a few weeks later on Sunday, Feb. 18 as 11,918 fans showed up to watch the Supernovas take on the Orlando Valkyries. The newest and most current attendance record was set on Saturday, March 16 with 12,090 spectators packing into the CHI Health Center to see the Supernovas beat the [[Orlando Valkyries|Valkyries]] in four sets.<ref name="provolleyball.com"/>

[[Union Omaha]], a professional minor league soccer team, is a member of [[USL League One]] and began play in the [[2020 USL League One season|2020 season]]. Their home games are played at Werner Park, which it shares with the Storm Chasers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nyatawa |first=Jon |date=August 1, 2020 |title=Union Omaha wins home opener over reigning league champ North Texas SC |url=https://omaha.com/sports/local-sports/union-omaha-wins-home-opener-over-reigning-league-champ-north-texas-sc/article_f276dee2-3568-5f83-8cab-c3b1e5885a03.html |work=Omaha World-Herald |accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> The team, nicknamed the Owls, won the league championship in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Rich |date=November 20, 2021 |title=Union Omaha wins first USL League One title in Owls' second season |url=https://omaha.com/sports/union-omaha-wins-first-usl-league-one-title-in-owls-second-season/article_e70318a8-4a5d-11ec-b473-979975c61b4c.html |work=Omaha World-Herald |accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> Union then made a deep run to the quarterfinals of the [[2022 U.S. Open Cup]], defeating two [[Major League Soccer]] teams in the process.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sperry |first=Daniel |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Sporting Kansas City routs Union Omaha to reach Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/soccer/sporting-kc/article262769018.html |work=[[The Kansas City Star]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref> The team announced plans in 2024 to build a 7,000-seat [[soccer-specific stadium]] near Downtown Omaha.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crisler |first=Dan |date=January 25, 2024 |title=New soccer stadium, mixed-use district planned for north downtown Omaha |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/business/development/new-soccer-stadium-mixed-use-district-coming-to-north-downtown-omaha/article_66afd480-bba2-11ee-ae41-878b00730246.html |work=Omaha World-Herald |accessdate=January 30, 2024}}</ref>

The [[Creighton University]] [[Creighton Bluejays|Bluejays]] compete in a number of [[NCAA Division I]] sports as members of the [[Big East Conference]]. The Bluejays play [[baseball]] at [[Charles Schwab Field]], [[College soccer in the United States|soccer]] at [[Morrison Stadium]], and [[basketball]] at the 18,000 seat [[CHI Health Center Omaha]]. The Jays annually rank in the top 15 in attendance each year, averaging more than 16,000 people per game. 
The [[Omaha Mavericks]], representing the [[University of Nebraska Omaha]] (UNO), also play basketball, baseball and soccer in NCAA Division I as members of [[The Summit League]]. The UNO [[Omaha Mavericks men's ice hockey|men's ice hockey team]] plays in the [[National Collegiate Hockey Conference]].

[[Ice hockey]] is a popular spectator sport in Omaha. The [[Omaha Lancers]], a [[United States Hockey League]] team, play at the Ralston Arena.<ref>(nd) [http://www.lancers.com/leagues/Lancers_TeamHistory.cfm?clientid=1996&leagueid=4581 Team History] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517004916/http://www.lancers.com/leagues/Lancers_TeamHistory.cfm?clientid=1996&leagueid=4581 |date=May 17, 2007 }}. Omaha Lancers. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref> The Omaha Mavericks play in the on-campus [[Baxter Arena]].

Omaha was home to an [[UFL Omaha|expansion team]], the Nighthawks, in the [[United Football League (2009)|United Football League]] from 2010 to 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ufl-football.com/news/united-football-league-brings-professional-football-omaha-and-invites-sports-fans-name-your-tea#node-810|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418055031/http://www.ufl-football.com/news/united-football-league-brings-professional-football-omaha-and-invites-sports-fans-name-your-tea|url-status=dead|title=United Football League Brings Professional Football to Omaha and Invites Sports Fans to 'Name Your Team'|archive-date=April 18, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2022}}</ref> The [[Omaha Beef]] [[indoor American football|indoor football]] team played at the [[Omaha Civic Auditorium]] until 2012 when they moved to the new [[Ralston Arena]].

Omaha was a notable cadence term of [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] during his 18-year playing career used to indicate a change of playcall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-12 |title=Retired Peyton Manning finally explains the true meaning of his 'Omaha' call |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/retired-peyton-manning-finally-explains-the-true-meaning-of-his-omaha-call/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, he launched [[Omaha Productions]].

The [[Kansas City-Omaha Kings]], an [[NBA]] franchise, played in both cities from 1972 to 1978,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/kcomaha/kckings.html |title=Kansas City Kings (1972-1985) |publisher=Sportsecyclopedia.com |access-date=June 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004144318/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/kcomaha/kckings.html |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> before decamping solely to Kansas City until 1985, when the team moved to its current home of [[Sacramento]].

The [[Cox Classic]] golf tournament was part of the [[Web.com Tour]] from 1996 to 2013. The circuit returned to Omaha in 2017 with the [[Pinnacle Bank Championship]].

==Parks and recreation==
{{Main|Parks in Omaha|Trails in Omaha}}
Omaha has a thriving running community and many miles of paved running and biking trails throughout the city and surrounding communities. The Omaha Marathon involves a half-marathon and a {{cvt|10|km|mi|adj=on|sp=us}} race that takes place annually in September.<ref>[http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/9947976.html "Hearty Souls (And Soles) Compete In Omaha Marathon"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509095344/http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/9947976.html |date=May 9, 2008 }}, WOWT. September 21, 2008. Retrieved 9/21/08.</ref> Omaha also has a history of [[curling]], including multiple junior national champions.<ref>Logan, C. [http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140202/LIVING/140209797/1696 "A (b)room of their own: On curling in Omaha, past and present"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222124805/http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140202%2FLIVING%2F140209797%2F1696 |date=February 22, 2014 }}, ''Omaha World-Herald''. February 2, 2014.</ref>
The city's historic [[Boulevards in Omaha|boulevards]] were originally designed by [[Horace Cleveland]] in 1889 to work with the parks to create a seamless flow of trees, grass and flowers throughout the city. [[Florence Boulevard]] and Fontenelle Boulevard are among the remnants of this system.<ref>Mead and Hunt. (2007) ''{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080909205543/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/reports/North_Omaha_Report.pdf Reconnaissance Survey of Portions of North Omaha Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey]}}.'' City of Omaha and the Nebraska State Historical Society. p. 4. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref> Omaha boasts more than {{cvt|80|mi|km|0}} of [[Trails in Omaha|trails]] for [[pedestrian]]s, [[bicyclist]]s and [[hiker]]s.<ref>[http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks/ Parks and Recreation.] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607101215/http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks/ |date=June 7, 2008 }} City of Omaha. Retrieved 9/20/07.</ref> They include the [[American Discovery Trail]], which traverses the entire United States, and the [[Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail]] passes through Omaha as it travels {{cvt|3700|mi|km|-1}} westward from Illinois to Oregon. Trails throughout the area are included in comprehensive plans for the city of Omaha, the Omaha metropolitan area, Douglas County, and long-distance coordinated plans between the municipalities of southeast Nebraska. The city also has a park dedicated to pollinating bees and insects called 'Pacific Preserve'<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040710095004/http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/programs/trailplan/trailplan.asp "Comprehensive State Trails Plan: A Network of Discovery II (ANOD II)"] Nebraska Games and Parks Commission. Retrieved 9/5/08.</ref>

==Government==
{{Main|Government of Omaha}}
[[File:Omaha NE city building.jpg|thumb|City Building in Downtown Omaha]]

Omaha has a [[Mayor-council government|strong mayor]] form of [[government]], along with a city council elected from seven districts across the city. The [[Mayor of Omaha|mayor]] is [[John Ewing Jr.]], who was elected in May 2025. The longest-serving mayor in Omaha's history was [[James Dahlman|"Cowboy" Jim Dahlman]], who served 20 years over eight terms. He was regarded as the "wettest mayor in America" because of the flourishing number of bars in Omaha during his tenure.<ref>Folsom, B.W. (1999) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=TfUOh3TEtX0C No More Free Markets Or Free Beer: The Progressive Era in Nebraska, 1900–1924] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115123939/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=TfUOh3TEtX0C&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}''. Lexington Books. p. 61. Retrieved 9/27/08.</ref> Dahlman was a close associate of [[political boss]] Tom Dennison.<ref>Luebke, F.C. (2005) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=fpYH47KCwOoC Nebraska: An Illustrated History] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115161429/https://books.google.com/books?id=fpYH47KCwOoC&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}''. University of Nebraska Press, 2005 p. 246.</ref> During Dahlman's tenure, the city switched from its original strong-mayor form of government to a [[city commission government]].<ref>[http://casde.unl.edu/history/counties/douglas/omaha/ "Nebraska: Our towns: Omaha, Douglas County"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720095220/http://casde.unl.edu/history/counties/douglas/omaha/ |date=July 20, 2011 }}, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved 9/23/08.</ref> In 1956, the city switched back.<ref>Daly-Bednarek, J.R. (1992) ''The Changing Image of the City: Planning for Downtown Omaha, 1945–1973.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 156.</ref>

The [[city clerk]] is Elizabeth Butler.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Elizabeth Butler to Succeed Buster Brown as Omaha City Clerk |url=https://www.cityofomaha.org/latest-news/391-elizabeth-butler-to-succeed-buster-brown-as-omaha-city-clerk |location= |publisher=City of Omaha |agency= |date=March 17, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107202507/https://www.cityofomaha.org/latest-news/391-elizabeth-butler-to-succeed-buster-brown-as-omaha-city-clerk |url-status=live }}</ref> The City of Omaha administers twelve departments, including finance, [[Omaha Police Department|police]], human rights, [[Omaha Public Library|libraries]] and planning.<ref>[http://www.cityofomaha.org/city-departments "Departments"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902024607/http://www.cityofomaha.org/city-departments |date=September 2, 2012 }}, City of Omaha. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref> The Omaha City Council is the legislative branch and has seven members elected from districts across the city. The council enacts [[local ordinance]]s and approves the city [[budget]]. Government priorities and activities are established in a budget ordinance approved annually. The council takes official action through the passage of ordinances and resolutions. Nebraska's constitution grants the option of [[home rule]] to cities with more than 5,000 residents, meaning they may operate under their own charters. Omaha is one of only three cities in Nebraska to use this option, out of 17 eligible.<ref>Senning, J.P. (2007) "What municipal home rule means today: Nebraska's three home rule charters", ''National Municipal Review, 21''9. pp 564–568.</ref> The City of Omaha is considering [[Consolidated city-county|consolidating]] with Douglas County government.<ref>Powell, C. (2002) [https://web.archive.org/web/20030915220113/http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/departments/mayor/merger/Powell%20Report.pdf "Draft: A Brief Analysis of City/County Government Consolidations"], City of Omaha. Retrieved 8/29/07.</ref>

Although registered [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] outnumbered [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] in the [[Nebraska's 2nd congressional district|2nd congressional district]], which includes Omaha, Democratic presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] opened three campaign offices in the city with 15 staff members to cover the state in fall 2008.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-camp-targets-omaha/ "Obama Camp Targets Omaha: Obama Makes A Play In Nebraska, One Of Only Two States That Can Split It's Electoral Votes"], [[CBS]]. Retrieved 9/27/08.</ref> Mike Fahey, the Democratic mayor of Omaha, said he would do whatever it took to deliver the district's electoral vote to Obama; and the [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|Obama campaign]] considered the district "in play".<ref>Bratton, A.J. [http://journalstar.com/news/local/hundreds-visit-obama-s-omaha-headquarters/article_90df43df-8fea-5b02-87bb-421bee1bfefc.html "Hundreds visit Obama's Omaha headquarters"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329150136/https://journalstar.com/news/local/hundreds-visit-obama-s-omaha-headquarters/article_90df43df-8fea-5b02-87bb-421bee1bfefc.html |date=March 29, 2019 }}, Associated Press. September 10, 2008. Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref> Former Nebraska [[U.S. Senator]] [[Bob Kerrey]] and then-U.S. Senator [[Ben Nelson]] campaigned in the city for Obama,<ref>[http://www.ketv.com/politics/17458608/detail.html "Senators To Campaign In Omaha For Obama"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927135339/http://www.ketv.com/politics/17458608/detail.html |date=September 27, 2011 }}, KETV. September 12, 2008. Retrieved 9/27/08.</ref> and in November 2008 Obama won the district's electoral vote. This was an historical win, as Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win an electoral vote in Nebraska since 1964, only made possible by [[Congressional District Method|Nebraska's split electoral vote system.]]<ref>[https://archive.today/20081110070009/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10481441 "Obama wins electoral votes in Omaha"], ''Omaha World-Herald''. November 8, 2008. Retrieved 11/11/08.</ref>

In 2011, Nebraska lawmakers moved Offutt Air Force Base and the town of Bellevue{{Mdash}}an area with a large minority population{{Mdash}}out of the Omaha-based 2nd district and shifted in the Republican-heavy Omaha suburbs in Sarpy County. The move is expected to dilute the city's urban Democratic vote.<ref name=2nd>{{cite news |author=Schulte, Grant |title=Nebraska Redistricting Maps Approved |agency=Associated Press |date=May 27, 2011 |url=http://www.yankton.net/articles/2011/05/27/news/doc4ddf21f03ad0b578942267.txt |access-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708051349/http://www.yankton.net/news/article_2e67fc01-517b-5b72-806b-8f32122b9faa.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2nd district sent its single electoral vote for [[Joe Biden]] in the 2020 election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Searcey |first=Dionne |date=November 7, 2020 |title=Could Omaha Swing the Race? In 2020, Nothing Is Impossible |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/us/biden-nebraska-electoral-college.html |access-date=November 8, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108205404/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/us/biden-nebraska-electoral-college.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Biden's victory, by more than 20,000 votes, shows Omaha's and the 2nd district's continuing trend toward Democratic politics in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Election Results |date=September 27, 2019 |url=https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/2020-elections |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328032605/https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/2020-elections |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Omaha, Nebraska}}

=== Primary and secondary education ===
Omaha has many public and private educational institutions, including [[Omaha Public Schools]], the largest [[Public school (government funded)|public]] [[school district]] in Nebraska, which serves more than 47,750 students in more than 75 schools.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140409074547/http://www.ops.org/District/LinkClick.aspx?link=RESEARCH/AdministrativeResearch/Official+Membership+PDF.pdf&tabid=284&mid=1343 "Official Fall 2007 Membership Data"]. Omaha Public Schools. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref> After a contentious period of uncertainty, in 2007 the [[Nebraska Legislature]] approved a plan to create a [[learning community]] for Omaha-area school districts with a central administrative board.<ref>Young, J. (2007) [http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/05/31/news/politics/doc4655aea0eddbe359960838.txt Landmark schools plan approved, signed by governor] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180630/http://journalstar.com/articles/2007/05/31/news/politics/doc4655aea0eddbe359960838.txt |date=September 30, 2007 }}. ''Lincoln Journal Star.'' 5/24/07. Retrieved 6/7/07.</ref>

The [[Westside Community Schools]], also known as District 66, is a district in the heart of Omaha. It serves students in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade and recorded a district enrollment of 6,123 students K-12 for the 2015–16 school year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Demographics - Westside School District |url=http://westside66.org/about-us/demograhpics/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824034205/http://westside66.org/about-us/demograhpics/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=westside66.org}}</ref>
Through annexations Omaha also has the [[Millard Public Schools]] and [[Elkhorn Public Schools]]. Omaha is also home to [[Brownell-Talbot School]], Nebraska's only preschool through grade 12, independent college preparatory school.

The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha]] operates [[Archdiocese of Omaha#Omaha Catholic schools|numerous private Catholic schools]] with 21,500 students in 32 elementary schools and nine high schools.<ref>[http://schools.archomaha.org/factSheet.cfm "Catholic Schools Fact Sheet"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726023254/http://schools.archomaha.org/factSheet.cfm |date=July 26, 2012 }}, Archdiocese of Omaha. Retrieved 5/28/08.</ref> They include [https://web.archive.org/web/20120618145254/http://stcecilia.omaha.org/ St. Cecilia Grade School] in Midtown Omaha, Holy Cross in Morton Meadows, St. Robert Bellarmine School at 120th and Pacific Street, St. Stephen the Martyr School in Millard, and Creighton Preparatory School, all of which have received the [[U.S. Department of Education]] [[Blue Ribbon School]] award.

=== Higher education ===
There are eleven [[List of colleges and universities in Omaha, Nebraska|colleges and universities]] among Omaha's [[higher education]] institutions. The largest public school is [[University of Nebraska Omaha]], which was founded in 1908 and is currently an NCAA Division I school with over 15,000 students. The [[University of Nebraska Medical Center]] in midtown Omaha is home to the [[Eppley Cancer Center]], one of 66 designated Cancer Centers by the [[National Cancer Institute]] in the United States. The University of Nebraska College of Medicine is also on the UNMC campus.

Omaha's largest private university is [[Creighton University]]. It is a Jesuit institution that is ranked the top non-doctoral regional university in the [[Midwestern United States]]. Its campus is just outside Downtown Omaha in the new North Downtown district. The university has a combined 6,700 students in its undergraduate, graduate, medical, and law schools.

Omaha is also home to a number of smaller colleges and universities. [[Clarkson College]] is a small private college focusing on health sciences and affiliated with the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]]. [[Nebraska Methodist College]] is a small private school focusing on health careers and education. The [[College of Saint Mary]] is a Catholic woman's school known for its healthcare offerings. [[Bellevue University]] is a mid-size private university. [[Doane University]] is the oldest private university in Nebraska, with campuses in Crete and Lincoln. Its residential campus is in Crete with a smaller campus in Omaha.{{Further|Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics}}

==Media==
{{Main|Media in Omaha, Nebraska}}
[[File:NE Corner view of Omaha Star Building.jpg|thumb|The [[Omaha Star building]] is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Douglas County, Nebraska|National Register of Historic Places]].]]

The city is the focus of the Omaha [[designated market area]], and is the 76th largest in the United States.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040604015745/http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/markettrack/US_HH_by_DMA.asp "U.S. TV Household Estimates Designated Market Area (DMA) — Ranked by Households"], TVB Research Central. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref>

===Magazines===
''Omaha Magazine''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://omahamagazine.com/about/ |title=Omaha Magazine |website=Omaha Magazine |language=en-US |access-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503110216/http://omahamagazine.com/about/ |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Newspapers===
The major daily newspaper in Nebraska is the ''[[Omaha World-Herald]]'', formerly the largest employee-owned newspaper in the United States.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060418021650/http://www.creightonmagazine.org/files/Spring_2006/CUMag_SP06.pdf "Commencement Honorees"], ''Creighton University Magazine.'' Spring 2006. p. 9. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref> Weeklies in the city include the Midlands Business Journal (weekly business publication); ''American Classifieds'' (formerly ''Thrifty Nickel''), a weekly classified newspaper; ''[[The Reader (newspaper)|The Reader]]'', as well as ''[[The Omaha Star]]''. Founded in 1938 in North Omaha, the ''Star'' is Nebraska's only African-American newspaper.<ref>(2007) "Omaha Star receives award", ''The Reader''. January 25, 2007.</ref>

===Television stations and cable TV===
Omaha's three television news stations include: [[KETV]] 7 (ABC- branded NewsWatch 7), [[KMTV-TV]] 3 (CBS- branded 3 News Now), and [[WOWT]] 6 (NBC Omaha). [[KPTM]] 42 (FOX 42/CW 15) and [[KXVO]] 15 ([[TBD (TV network)|TBD]]) do not air local news content. [[Cox Communications]] provides cable television services throughout the metropolitan area.<ref>[http://displaydaily.com/2006/10/09/dtv-signal-gets-yanked-on-omaha-cable-system/ "DTV Signal Gets Yanked On Omaha Cable System"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012001312/http://displaydaily.com/2006/10/09/dtv-signal-gets-yanked-on-omaha-cable-system/ |date=October 12, 2008 }}, Display Daily. October 6, 2006. Retrieved 10/16/08.</ref> [[Prism TV]], offered through [[CenturyLink]], is a broadband TV option also available throughout the Omaha area. Satellite providers such as [[DirecTV]] and [[Dish Network]] and the local programming they offer are also available throughout the metropolitan area.

==Infrastructure==
{{further|List of tallest buildings in Omaha, Nebraska}}
Omaha's growth has required the constant development of new urban [[infrastructure]] that influence, allow and encourage the constant expansion of the city.

===Utilities===
Retail [[natural gas utility|natural gas]] and [[water company|water]] [[public utilities]] in Omaha are provided by the [[Metropolitan Utilities District]].<ref>[http://sites.nppd.com/aedc/fastfacts.asp?city=Omaha "Nebraska Fast Fact: Community Profile: Omaha"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214112043/http://sites.nppd.com/aedc/fastfacts.asp?city=Omaha |date=February 14, 2012 }}, Nebraska Public Power District. Retrieved 9/25/08.</ref> Nebraska is the only public power state in the nation. All electric utilities are non-profit and customer-owned. [[Electrical power industry|Electricity]] in the city is provided by the [[Omaha Public Power District]].<ref>Ridley and Associates (1997) [http://www.neo.ne.gov/phase1/chapterone.htm "Chapter One,"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214063344/http://www.neo.ne.gov/phase1/chapterone.htm |date=December 14, 2007 }} ''Nebraska's Electric Utility Industry: Final Report. Nebraska Legislature L.R. 455 Phase I Study.'' Retrieved 8/17/07.</ref> [[Public housing]] is governed by the [[Omaha Housing Authority]]. [[Metro Area Transit]] provides [[public transportation]]. [[CenturyLink]] and [[Cox Communications|Cox]] provide local telephone and internet services. The City of Omaha maintains two modern [[sewage treatment plant]]s.<ref>[http://www.cityofomaha.org/pw/ "City of Omaha Public Works"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831104538/http://www.cityofomaha.org/pw/ |date=August 31, 2012 }} Retrieved August 10, 2012.</ref>

Portions of the [[Enron]] corporation began as [[Northern Natural Gas Company]] in Omaha. Northern provides three natural gas lines to Omaha. Enron formerly owned UtiliCorp United, Inc., which became [[Aquila, Inc.]] Peoples Natural Gas, a division of Aquila, Inc., serves several surrounding communities around the Omaha metropolitan area, including [[Plattsmouth]].<ref>[http://sites.nppd.com/aedc/fastfacts.asp?city=Plattsmouth "Nebraska Fast Fact: Community Profile: Plattsmouth"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628160522/http://sites.nppd.com/aedc/fastfacts.asp?city=Plattsmouth |date=June 28, 2014 }}, Nebraska Public Power District. Retrieved 9/25/08.</ref>

===Health care===
There are [[Hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska|several hospitals in Omaha]]. Research hospitals include the Boys Town National Research Hospital, the [[University of Nebraska Medical Center]] and the [[Creighton University Medical Center]]. The Boys Town facility is well known for hearing-related research and treatment. The University of Nebraska Medical Center hosts the [[Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases]], a world-renowned [[cancer treatment]] facility named in honor of Omahan [[Eugene Eppley]].<ref>[http://www.unmc.edu/Eppley/history.htm "About the Institute"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807210149/http://www.unmc.edu/Eppley/history.htm |date=August 7, 2007 }}, [[University of Nebraska Medical Center]]. Retrieved 2/3/08.</ref><ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_072605/page9 "Cancer Center Profile: UNMC Eppley Cancer Center."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509091709/http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_072605/page9 |date=May 9, 2008 }} [[National Cancer Institute]]. Retrieved 2/3/08.</ref>

===Transportation===
{{Main|Transportation in Omaha}}
{{further|Railroads in Omaha|Trails in Omaha}}

[[File:Ak-Sar-Ben Bridge 1938 LOC 11763u.jpg|thumb|[[Ak-Sar-Ben Bridge]] toll booth in 1938]]
[[File:Interstate leaving Omaha.jpg|thumb|Interstate 480 leaving Omaha]]
[[File:Omaha-eppley.jpg|thumb|Omaha's [[Eppley Airfield]] in East Omaha]]

Omaha's central role in the history of transportation across America earned it the nickname "Gate City of the West".<ref name="Mullens, P.A. 1901 p. 24"/> Despite [[Abraham Lincoln|President Lincoln's]] decree that [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]], be the starting point for the Union Pacific Railroad, construction began from Omaha on the eastern portion of the first transcontinental railroad.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 24.</ref> By the middle of the 20th century, nearly every major railroad served Omaha.

Today, the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District celebrates this connection, along with the listing of the [[Burlington Station (Omaha, Nebraska)|Burlington Train Station]] and the [[Union Station (Omaha)|Union Station]] on the National Register of Historic Places. First housed in the former [[Herndon House]], the Union Pacific Railroad's corporate headquarters have been in Omaha since the company began.<ref>Larsen, L.H., Cottrell, B.J., Dalstrom, H.A. (2007) ''Upstream Metropolis: An Urban Biography of Omaha and Council Bluffs''. University of Nebraska Press. p. 65.</ref> Their new headquarters, the [[Union Pacific Center]], opened in Downtown Omaha in 2004.

[[Amtrak]], the national passenger rail system, provides service through Omaha, with the [[California Zephyr]] serving [[Omaha station]] once daily in each direction. The [[Omaha Bus Station|intercity bus terminal]] is at 1601 Jackson St. in downtown Omaha. The terminal also service to [[Jefferson Lines]], [[Burlington Trailways]], and [[Express Arrow]]. [[Metro Area Transit|Metro Transit]], previously known as Metro Area Transit, is the [[mass transportation|local bus system]].

Omaha's position as a transportation center was finalized with the 1872 opening of the [[Union Pacific Missouri River Bridge]] that linked the transcontinental railroad to the railroads terminating in Council Bluffs.<ref>Larsen, L.H., Cottrell, B.J., Dalstrom, H.A. (2007) ''Upstream Metropolis: An Urban Biography of Omaha and Council Bluffs''. University of Nebraska Press. p. 101.</ref> In 1888, the first road bridge, the [[Douglas Street Bridge]], opened. In the 1890s, the [[Illinois Central]] drawbridge opened as the largest bridge of its type in the world. Omaha's Missouri River road bridges are now entering their second generation, including the [[Works Progress Administration]]-financed [[South Omaha Bridge]], now called Veteran's Memorial Bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, Omaha and Council Bluffs announced joint plans to build the [[Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge]], which opened in 2008.<ref>[http://www.cbparksandrec.org/documents/BOB-KERREY-PEDESTRIAN-BRIDGE-FACTS---revised.pdf "Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Facts"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206153244/http://www.cbparksandrec.org/documents/BOB-KERREY-PEDESTRIAN-BRIDGE-FACTS---revised.pdf |date=February 6, 2009 }}, City of Council Bluffs, Iowa Parks and Recreation Department. Retrieved 12/8/08.</ref>

The primary mode of transportation in Omaha is by automobile, with [[Interstate 80 in Nebraska|I-80]], [[Interstate 480 (Iowa-Nebraska)|I-480]], [[Interstate 680 (Iowa-Nebraska)|I-680]], [[Interstate 29|I-29]], and [[U.S. Route 75]] (JFK Freeway and North Freeway) providing [[freeway]] service across the metropolitan area.<ref>Cambridge Systems, Inc. (2005) ''[http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/R6000/B152-2005.pdf "Nebraska Long-Range Transportation Plan Summary of Existing and Future Conditions and Transportation System] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001154232/http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/R6000/B152-2005.pdf |date=October 1, 2008 }}.'' Nebraska Department of Roads. p. ES-5. Retrieved 9/25/08.</ref> The expressway along West Dodge Road ([[U.S. Route 6]] and [[Nebraska Link 28B]]) and [[U.S. Route 275]] has been upgraded to freeway standards from I-680 to [[Fremont, Nebraska|Fremont]]. City-owned [[Metro Area Transit|Metro Transit]], formerly MAT Metro Area Transit, provides public bus service to hundreds of locations throughout the Metro.

A 2017 study by [[Walk Score]] ranked Omaha 26th most walkable of fifty largest U.S. cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.walkscore.com/NE/Omaha |title=2017 City & Neighborhood Ranking |publisher=Walk Score |year=2017 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911064007/https://www.walkscore.com/NE/Omaha |archive-date=September 11, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Of the top 50 most walkable cities only one, Omaha, Nebraska, saw its [[Walk Score]] decline, and it only decreased 0.3 points from last year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blog.walkscore.com/2017/05/these-are-the-10-most-walkable-cities-of-2017/ |title=These Are the 10 Most Walkable Cities of 2017 |publisher=Walk Score |year=2017 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122202453/http://blog.walkscore.com/2017/05/these-are-the-10-most-walkable-cities-of-2017/ |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> There is an extensive [[Trails in Omaha, Nebraska|trail system]] throughout the city for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and other pedestrian modes of transportation.

Omaha is laid out on a [[grid plan]], with 12 blocks to the mile with a north-to-south [[house numbering]] system.<ref>Wishart, D.J. (2004) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=y4AetkIcOlQC&pg=PA100 Encyclopedia of the Great Plains] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115034611/https://books.google.com/books?id=y4AetkIcOlQC&pg=PA100&dq= |date=January 15, 2016 }}''. University of Nebraska Press. p. 100.</ref> Omaha is the location of a [[Boulevards in Omaha|historic boulevard system]] designed by [[H.W.S. Cleveland]] who sought to combine the beauty of parks with the pleasure of driving cars.<ref>Larsen, L. and Cottrell, B. (1997) ''The Gate City: A History of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 131.</ref> The historic [[Florence Boulevard|Florence]] and Fontenelle Boulevards, as well as the modern [[Sorenson Parkway]], are important elements in this system.<ref>Larsen, L.H. and Cottrell, B.J. (1997) ''The Gate City: A history of Omaha.'' University of Nebraska Press. p. 131.</ref> The City of Omaha has proposed the [[Omaha Streetcar]] through the city's urban core, with proposed extensions to [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]], [[Eppley Airfield]], [[North Omaha]], [[West Omaha]], and [[Bellevue, Nebraska]].<ref name="GaWC">{{Cite web |title=GaWC - Data Set 11 |url=https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/datasets/da11_2.html |access-date=December 28, 2021 |website=Lboro.ac.uk |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228062404/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/datasets/da11_2.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Eppley Airfield]], Omaha's airport, serves the region with over 5 million passengers in 2018.<ref>[http://www.eppleyairfield.com/sf/default.htm "Statistics and facts"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924040127/http://www.eppleyairfield.com/sf/default.htm |date=September 24, 2008 }}, Eppley Airfield official website. Retrieved 9/26/08.</ref> [[United Airlines]], [[Southwest Airlines]], [[Delta Air Lines]], [[American Airlines]], [[Alaska Airlines]], [[Allegiant Air]], [[Frontier Airlines]], and [[Sun Country Airlines]] serve the airport with direct and connecting service. As of 2018, the airport has non-stop service to 34 destinations. [[General aviation]] airports that serve the area include the Millard Municipal Airport, [[North Omaha Airport]] and the [[Council Bluffs Airport]]. Offutt Air Force Base continues to serve as a military airbase; it is at the southern edge of Bellevue, which in turn lies immediately south of Omaha.

==Notable people==
{{Main|List of people from Omaha, Nebraska}}

==In popular culture==
* The 1935 winner of the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing]] was named [[Omaha (horse)|Omaha]].
* Omaha's [[Boys Town (organization)|Boys Town]] was made famous by 1938 the [[Spencer Tracy]] and [[Mickey Rooney]] movie ''[[Boys Town (film)|Boys Town]]''.
* In 1939, Omaha hosted the world premiere of the film ''[[Union Pacific (film)|Union Pacific]]'' and the accompanying three-day celebration drew 250,000 people. A special train from [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] carried director [[Cecil B. DeMille]] and stars [[Barbara Stanwyck]] and [[Joel McCrea]].<ref>Klein, M. (2006) ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=NcPUiC4-4hEC Union Pacific: Volume II, 1894–1969] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115063203/https://books.google.com/books?id=NcPUiC4-4hEC&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}.'' University of Minnesota Press. p. 397.</ref>
*The city has been featured in several films by Omaha native, [[Alexander Payne]], including ''[[Citizen Ruth]]'' (1996), ''[[Election (1999 film)|Election]]'' (1999) and ''[[About Schmidt]]'' (2002).
*The 2012 young adult novel ''[[Eleanor & Park]]'' by Omahan, [[Rainbow Rowell]], takes place in Omaha.
*In [[Better Call Saul]], Omaha is the city that [[Saul Goodman]] is relocated to by [[Ed Galbraith]] after the events of [[Breaking Bad]]. There, he works and lives incognito as a fugitive under his alias "Gene Takavic"

==Sister cities==
Omaha has eight [[sister cities]]:<ref name="sisters">"[http://www.omahasistercities.com/?tab_id=sister_cities The History of Omaha Sister Cities Association] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713164858/http://www.omahasistercities.com/?tab_id=sister_cities |date=July 13, 2015 }}." Omaha Sister Cities Association. Retrieved 12/8/08.</ref>
*{{flagdeco|DEU}} [[Braunschweig]], [[Lower Saxony]], Germany<ref name="Braunschweig twinnings" />
*{{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Shizuoka (city)|Shizuoka]], Japan
*{{flagdeco|LTU}} [[Šiauliai]], Lithuania
*{{flagdeco|MEX}} [[Xalapa]], [[Veracruz]], Mexico
*{{flagdeco|IRL}} [[Naas]], [[County Kildare]], Ireland<!--Leinster as a province does NOT hold an official function-->
*{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Yantai]], [[Shandong]], China
*{{flagdeco|ITA}} [[Carlentini]], [[Sicily]], Italy
*{{flag icon|France}} [[Communauté de communes Isigny-Omaha Intercom|Isigny-Omaha]], France<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liewer |first=Steve |title=Omaha formalizes sister city relationship with region in France |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/omaha-formalizes-sister-city-relationship-with-region-in-france/article_fa377d66-f4e7-11ed-a654-639108ba8614.html}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Geography|North America|United States|Nebraska}}
*[[Benson neighborhood (Omaha, Nebraska)]]
*[[Economy of Omaha, Nebraska]]
*[[Dundee-Happy Hollow Historic District]]
*[[Florence, Nebraska]]
*[[Gold Coast Historic District (Omaha, Nebraska)]]
*[[History of Omaha]]
*[[Midtown Omaha]]
*[[Millard, Omaha, Nebraska]]
*[[North Omaha, Nebraska]]
*[[Old Market (Omaha, Nebraska)]]
*[[Omaha Coalition of Citizen Patrols]]
*[[South Omaha, Nebraska]]
*[[USS Omaha|USS ''Omaha'']], 4 ships
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Union Pacific RR 1867">''[https://books.google.com/books?id=I-1CAAAAIAAJ The Union Pacific Rail Road Company: Across The Continent, West From Omaha, Nebraska], {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115134358/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=I-1CAAAAIAAJ&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}'' [[Union Pacific Railroad Company]], New York: C.A. Alvord ''(né'' Coridon Alexis Alvord; 1813–1874) (printer) (1867), pg. 5; {{OCLC|5016269}}</ref>

<ref name="OPS">[http://invisiblehistory.ops.org/StudentProjects/Music/tabid/138/Default.aspx "Omaha: The Triple-A of Jazz,"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104064423/http://invisiblehistory.ops.org/StudentProjects/Music/tabid/138/Default.aspx |date=January 4, 2015 }} research compiled by Brittney C., Trent H., Cora S., Jennifer Moyer, and Brandon Locke, Omaha Public Schools, 2010</ref>

<ref name="Otto 2010">"Contemporaries: Black Orchestras In Omaha Before 1950" (masters thesis), by Jesse J. Otto, [[University of Nebraska at Omaha]] (2010); {{OCLC|647773891}}</ref>

<ref name="BDC 2010">[http://www.bdcnetwork.com/sites/default/files/Architecture:Engineering%20Firms%20Giants%20300%202011_0.pdf "Giants 300 – Architectural/Engineering Firms,"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075708/http://www.bdcnetwork.com/sites/default/files/Architecture:Engineering%20Firms%20Giants%20300%202011_0.pdf |date=April 7, 2014 }} [http://www.bdcnetwork.com/sites/default/files/Architecture%20Firms%20Giants%20300%202011v2.pdf (Full 2010 list)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626200335/http://www.bdcnetwork.com/sites/default/files/Architecture%20Firms%20Giants%20300%202011v2.pdf |date=June 26, 2014 }}, ''[[Building Design+Construction]]'', 2010; {{OCLC|35175597}}</ref>

<ref name="Bristow 2000">Bristow, David L., ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C A Dirty, Wicked Town: Tales of 19th Century Omaha], {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115225639/https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&dq |date=January 15, 2016 }}'' [[Caxton Press (United States)|Caxton Press]] (2000); {{OCLC|43798304}};<br />
{{space|4}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA44 pg.{{space{{!}}3}}44] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516225427/https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA44 |date=May 16, 2015 }}<br />
{{space|4}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA253 pg.{{space{{!}}2}}253] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517103242/https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA253 |date=May 17, 2015 }}<br />
{{space|4}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA265 pg.{{space{{!}}2}}265] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517094452/https://books.google.com/books?id=NSlkKlI5dY4C&pg=PA265 |date=May 17, 2015 }}</ref>

<ref name="Braunschweig twinnings">[http://www.braunschweig.de/kultur_tourismus/stadtportraet/partnerstaedte/index.html "Braunschweigs Partner und Freundschaftsstädte" ("Braunschweig - Partner and Friendship Cities,")] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201122754/http://www.braunschweig.de/kultur_tourismus/stadtportraet/partnerstaedte/partner_freundschaftsstaedte.html |date=December 1, 2012 }} Stadt Braunschweig (City of Braunschweig), [https://web.archive.org/web/20121201122754/http://www.braunschweig.de/kultur_tourismus/stadtportraet/partnerstaedte/partner_freundschaftsstaedte.html (archived version<!--archive date December 1, 2012-->)] (Retrieved August 7, 2013)</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Omaha, Nebraska|voy=Omaha}}
*[http://www.cityofomaha.org/ City of Omaha official website]
*[http://www.visitomaha.com/ Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau]

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[[Category:Omaha, Nebraska| ]]
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