The Omaha City Council honored retiring Deputy City Attorney Bernard in den Bosch for 30 years of service to the city and proclaimed June 5, 2026, as “Bernard in den Bosch Day” in Omaha. Council members also approved several liquor license requests and multiple planning and consent agenda items, including development projects and community development funding resolutions, passed with little discussion.
The council extensively discussed a proposed ordinance that would allow city employees to participate in nonprofit fundraising activities with approval from department directors and the mayor. Supporters, including firefighters, nonprofit advocates and families affected by muscular dystrophy, urged approval to restore Omaha firefighters’ long-running “Fill the Boot” fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Council members debated concerns about transparency, use of public resources and ways to prevent favoritism toward certain organizations, while others argued the proposal had become overly complicated compared with similar programs undertaken nationwide. The ordinance advanced after second reading and public hearing, with additional discussion expected before a final vote.
Meeting documented by Melanie McLeod
Read full meeting notes here
Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit flatwaterfreepress.org/documenters.
Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.
