A city’s growth is most impactful when its economic development is directly tied to the well-being of its residents. As urban areas expand, investing in local businesses, job creation, workforce training, and equitable access to economic opportunities ensures that residents benefit from the city’s progress. When development focuses solely on infrastructure or attracting outside investment without uplifting the existing community, it often leads to displacement and widening income gaps. However, a city that grows with its people—by supporting entrepreneurship, creating inclusive economic policies, and prioritizing affordable living—builds a stronger, more stable economy rooted in shared success.

Back in 1989, the city was only 63 square miles. Now the city has increased 59%, and is now over 100 square miles. The city has built so much since then.
As of July 1, 2024, Lincoln had a whopping 300,619 people living in our lively city. From 2020-2024, the population has increased by almost 9,000 people, and is expected to increase by another 9,000 by 2029. With Lincoln having many college campuses, young adults are entering our city every year to begin the next phase of their lives after graduating from one of the many colleges and universities we have.

With all that being said, there seems to always be big and exciting construction projects, and no, I’m not talking about road construction, even though having the bumpy street next to your neighborhood repaved can be the highlight of some people’s month, making your morning commute quicker and safer. According to NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), there is around 20,000 construction and manufacturing employees in the general Lincoln area who are helping our city grow. In the last fiscal year, the City of Lincoln issued over 32,000 building permits; now while the number of permits is not a perfect 1:1 ratio for each building constructed, it gives residents a clear picture of the massive rate that Lincoln builds at.

Every single construction company, which we roughly have 800 in the Lincoln area alone, are working around the clock to produce buildings, complexes and anything our community needs to grow alongside our growing population. You can thank the amazing construction teams for their involvement for Lincoln’s growing city limits and incredible infrastructure. There are so many current projects happening in Lincoln to make it a better city and a better place to live for every resident here.

Engineered Controls (engineeredcontrols.com) provides smart and affordable systems that help make buildings in Lincoln, and beyond, run more efficiently. These systems act like a building’s “nervous system,” connecting things like heating and cooling (HVAC), lighting, security, and gas detection monitoring so they can all work together smoothly. By automating these systems, building owners can save energy, cut down on utility bills, and create safer, more comfortable spaces. This also makes owning buildings more sustainable as over time, the savings will pile up.

As construction continues to grow in Lincoln, with thousands of building permits issued in the past year, contractors and developers are looking for smarter ways to manage new and existing buildings. That’s where Engineered Controls’ technology comes in. Their WEBs platform is internet-based, which means it can be accessed from any device with a web browser. It allows building owners to monitor and control everything in one place, whether it’s temperature settings, lights, or security systems.

Because the system is flexible and open, builders can choose the best equipment for each job while still keeping everything connected under one easy-to-use platform. For Lincoln’s fast-growing commercial and residential developments, this kind of smart building technology can be a big step toward reducing long-term costs and boosting property value.

REGA Engineering (regaeng.com)

From grading and drainage to utility coordination and regulatory approvals, site development planning plays a critical role in ensuring that building projects across the city proceed smoothly, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with local regulations.

As Lincoln continues to grow, REGA Engineering Group has positioned itself as a trusted partner in transforming raw land into ready-to-build property. Through comprehensive site development services, REGA supports builders and developers in setting a strong foundation for construction success. Site development planning is the process of preparing a property for construction. It involves assessing the physical, environmental, and regulatory aspects of a site, and designing the critical infrastructure required, such as grading, stormwater management, utilities, access roads, and parking. With detailed surveys and engineering solutions, REGA helps local developers keep projects on time and on budget.

In Lincoln, REGA’s civil engineers work closely with contractors, architects, and local officials to navigate the city’s unique topography and regulatory landscape, ensuring that every project begins on solid ground.

Site development isn’t just about enabling construction—it’s about creating sustainable, safe environments. In Lincoln, this means planning for:

• Safe and accessible entrances and roadways

• Efficient utility layouts for water, sewer, electric, and gas

• Proper grading and drainage to handle Nebraska’s seasonal weather

• Parking and pedestrian infrastructure that meets ADA and city design standards

REGA takes a holistic approach to site functionality, ensuring long-term performance and resilience.

With over 20 years of experience, REGA Engineering Group continues to serve Lincoln and the greater Midwest with responsive service, technical expertise, and deep local knowledge. From public infrastructure to private development, REGA’s site development planning helps ensure that Lincoln’s growth is not only possible—but built to last.

Schwisow Construction (schwisow.com) is a general contracting firm based in Lincoln, Nebraska, specializing in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial facilities. Since 1985, they’ve built their reputation on quality workmanship, strong client relationships, and a commitment to integrity. Whether it’s a ground-up new build, a complex remodel, or a small-scale project, the Schwisow team brings hands-on expertise, clear communication, and a solutions-driven mindset to every job.

They’re currently working on several exciting projects across the region. One of the most notable is the Lincoln Lutheran Warrior Wellness Center, an 11,000 sq. ft. athletic training facility that includes classrooms, speed training, and indoor track space. It’s located right next to the Warrior Center for Athletic Performance, which Schwisow completed in 2018. They’re also managing a variety of commercial and industrial builds that reflect the growing demand in Lincoln and surrounding areas.

Lincoln has seen incredible growth over the years, not just in size, but in its identity. The city continues to attract new businesses, support innovation, and invest in infrastructure. They’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation through the projects they built. From educational facilities and manufacturing plants to office spaces and retail developments, Schwisow is proud to help shape the city’s progress and contribute to spaces that support Lincoln’s future.

At Schwisow Construction, giving back has always been part of who they are. They support local organizations like the Food Bank of Lincoln through sponsorships, donation drives, and volunteering. They’re also proud to partner with schools and community groups on various initiatives, whether it’s sponsoring events, creating internship opportunities, or helping enhance local facilities. As a family-owned company with deep Nebraska roots, they believe strong communities are built both on and off the jobsite.

Looking to the future, Schwisow is continuing to grow and invest in both the team and their capabilities. Internally, they’ve recently expanded and remodeled the office to better support collaboration and client service. They’re focused on strategic growth, building strong partnerships, and exploring innovative construction technologies to better serve their clients. They’re also expanding community involvement, because Schwisow knows building better futures starts with investing in the people around them.

Cheever Construction (cheeverconstruction.com)

Cheever Construction has completed 879 jobs overall all across Lincoln and in the past few years has built the Lincoln Pediatric Group building, Lincoln Public Schools – Northwest & Standing Bear Athletic Complex and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.

Supporting the mission of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), this new two-story office building, located just steps from the Nebraska State Capitol not only reflects a commitment to education but also showcases the kind of thoughtful, community-focused construction taking place across Lincoln.

“This is an exciting time for NCSA members and for our staff,” said Executive Director Mike Dulaney. “We are thrilled to share the building with school leaders from across the state, and we know that the new office space will enhance professional development for NCSA members for decades to come.”

The Lincoln Pediatric Group (lincolnpediatricgroup.com) building was completed in January of 2024 to provide office space, treatment areas and clinic space for staff and patients. The 29,000-square-foot pediatric medical office is located at the entrance to Black Forest Estates, and featured inside the facility is:

• 44 exam rooms

• 13 physician offices

• 13 medical assistant/nursing stations

• Dedicated spaces for patient treatment and consultation

Beyond the walls, the site includes on-site parking, sustainable landscaping, and environmental features such as stormwater management systems and wetland mitigation, ensuring both functionality and long-term environmental responsibility.

Spanning both Northwest High School and Standing Bear High School, the 12-month project of the Lincoln Public Schools Athletic Complex included the construction of new fields, courts, stadium seating, and support facilities to better accommodate practice and competition close to home.

At Northwest High School, Cheever (cheeverconstruction.com) delivered a new football stadium with seating for 2,800 spectators, a full track and field, and a baseball field. The stadium is equipped with a modern press box and concessions building, offering a professional-grade experience for both athletes and fans. This facility will be shared across the district to host a wide variety of events.

Over at Standing Bear High School, the team oversaw construction of four soccer fields, two softball fields, and a six-court tennis complex. The centerpiece of the soccer facilities includes a main field with stadium seating for up to 1,000 spectators, bringing a tournament-ready atmosphere to high school athletics.

Years of planning and vision have come to life through Cheever’s expertise in delivering high-quality construction projects that serve the public good. As Lincoln continues to grow, Cheever

Construction remains a trusted local partner in creating spaces that matter, whether for learning, leadership, or service.

Farris Engineering (farris-usa.com)

Founded in 1967, Farris Engineering has completed thousands of jobs across multiple states and jurisdictions. Being 100% employee-owned, they are a tight-knit and highly productive engineering company. Over the years of operation, they have seen technology and procedures change and evolve. Their best practices and methods have evolved with these advancements. With all the development in the industry and in the community of Lincoln, Farris Engineering’s core values have remained the same, and Farris brings these values into every project they build, leaving an imprint and legacy of commitment, trust and honesty on the city of Lincoln.

Farris Engineering has played a critical role in shaping the city’s buildings. Known for its expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, Farris Engineering is helping lead the charge in designing systems that enhance functionality, sustainability, and user experience across a wide range of facilities.

One notable project is the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Farris Engineering contributed to the transformation of this facility into a cutting-edge academic hub, integrating high-performance mechanical and electrical systems to support flexible, technology-rich learning spaces. The project reflects the firm’s ability to merge technical excellence with user-centered design, creating an environment that serves both academic and social needs.

Tru-Built (tru-built.net)

Since founding Tru-Built Construction in 1999, Tru-Built has been a leader in the industry with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and client satisfaction. With a background in custom homebuilding and commercial projects, the team brings decades of hands-on experience, Tru-Built’s passion is bringing plans to life; delivering projects that reflect the vision and lifestyle of each client.

Their approach is rooted in transparency, personalized service, and attention to every detail, earning Tru-Built a solid reputation in Lincoln. When you build with Tru-Built, you’re not just hiring a builder, you’re gaining a trusted team dedicated to getting it right, the first time.