130 Omaha Public Schools high school students have been canvassing neighborhoods around the city, gathering information for Heartland 2050.
Jeff Spiehs, Outreach Coordinator, describes Heartland 2050 as a regional, long-term vision for the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area that is based on the priorities and values of residents.
Spiehs says it’s important students are involved in the process since they represent the future of our region.
"At this point in our project we have a tool called Metroquest that’s an interactive online survey. So the students in the Thrive Leadership Club of OPS are working with us going into the neighborhoods and schools where their club is located. They are going door-to- door and conducting interviews with members of the community.”
Spiehs says it’s empowering for students to have a legitimate role in shaping our region’s future.
The public is invited to weigh in on the Heartland 2050 project until May 9th.