A number of surveys over the past decade have listed Omaha’s as one of the top 10 US cities to live in, and a recent one published by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, The Housing Trilemma, identifies Omaha as one of only three out of 100 with the “Trifecta.”
That is, as having the three top components that make a city livable -- a strong economy, a high quality of life and affordable housing. The other two cities are Des Moines and Oklahoma City.
The study’s author, Josh Lehner, says that as a city grows because of its quality of life or economic opportunities – or both – affordable housing is usually a thing of the past – what he calls the Trilemma Dilemma.
David G. Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, isn’t surprised that Omaha did so well on Lehner’s Housing Trilemma, and especially when it comes to the quality of life component:
"You know, quality of life is something that sort of is in the DNA of the way we do things here, so there always seems to be a group of philanthropists and elected leaders and business leaders who worry about Omaha continuing to be a great place to live and work for our people here, and there always is another project it seems like, coming down the pike. Because we want to have a better opportunity or a better experience for our citizens. I’ve been here 13 years now, and that has been a common theme every year that I’ve been here – what’s next – what are we going to do next to improve the community.”
As far as affordable housing, Brown says Omaha has maintained a growth rate of roughly 1 1/2 to 2% most years, and that if this slow-but-steady growth continues, affordable housing should continue to be one of Omaha’s strengths.
For more information about The Housing Trilemma, the website is oregoneconomicanalysis.com/category/housing.