The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) continues to bring timely updates, fresh conversations and important community connections to the business landscape in Lincoln. Here’s what’s happening this month

Monthly Luncheon Date and Location Change
LIBA has officially moved its monthly luncheon events to a new day. Starting in August, luncheons will now take place on the third Thursday of each month rather than Tuesday. The events will remain at the Cornhusker Marriott but have relocated to the Renaissance Room on the second floor.

Upcoming luncheons include:
•Thursday, Aug. 21 – “Are the Social Media Tactics of Yesterday Still Valid?”
•Thursday, Sept. 18 – “Project O Street/Downtown Corridor”

These sessions aim to bring relevant topics to the forefront, helping business owners and community members stay informed and engaged with current trends and local developments.

New Board Member: Jim Hoffman Joins LIBA Board

LIBA is pleased to welcome Jim Hoffman to its board of directors. His leadership and experience will contribute to LIBA’s continued advocacy for local business and economic growth in Lincoln.

Community Access: Focus on a New Skatepark in South Haymarket

The July Community Access meeting centered around the proposed new skatepark in South Haymarket Park, a project supported by both the Lincoln Skate Association and the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation. Hosted on July 28, the meeting featured presentations by Phil Burcher and Emily Trauernicht from the Lincoln Skate Association, along with Parks and Recreation representatives Maggie Stuckey-Ross, J.J. Yost and Karen Nalow. They provided insight into the development process and goals for this recreational addition to Lincoln’s growing park system.
More details about the event can be found online at business.liba.org/events.

Community Access Recap: LPD Chief of Police Michon Morrow

Last month, Chief Michon Morrow met with the Community Access Committee to provide a detailed look at current crime trends and public safety in Lincoln. The chief reviewed a variety of statistics comparing year-over-year and five-year averages from 2023 to 2024.

Some key takeaways included:
•Part 1 Crime – down 7% year-over-year and 10% compared to the five-year average
•Shootings and Shots Fired – down 13.6% and 21% respectively
•Auto Thefts – down 7.5% and 3%
•Larceny from Auto – down 12% and 30%

Part 1 crimes include homicide, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, auto theft, burglary and arson.
Chief Morrow also shared encouraging news about officer retention, which has improved significantly. The Lincoln Police Department is now closer to full staffing than it has been in many years. However, the department continues to see an increase in mental health-related calls, stolen firearms and DUI incidents—challenges that remain priorities for local law enforcement.

Stay Connected: The Lincoln Business Beat Podcast

For those looking to stay up to date on LIBA news and local business issues, don’t forget to tune in to the Lincoln Business Beat Podcast, released every Friday morning.
Recent episodes have included:

•“The Big Beautiful Bill” with Jon Patent, Tax Shareholder at Lutz
•Rebalancing the Scale: Fixing Nebraska’s Broken Tax Code
•Deep Dive on the Proposed Downtown Library
•What’s Changed and Changing at LIBA

You can listen to current and past episodes at (podcasthousemedia.com/lincolnbusinessbeat).

As always, LIBA continues to be a valuable source of connection and advocacy for Lincoln’s business community. Whether through educational events, community forums or legislative updates, the organization remains committed to helping local businesses thrive.

For more information on the organization, visit (liba.org).