Championing Pro-Business Public Policy
A strong business climate supports the quality of life in Greater Omaha. It creates the conditions for companies to grow, communities to thrive, and people to succeed.
The Greater Omaha Chamber’s public policy team works year-round on the legislative front lines. We develop strategy, build relationships, and advance priorities that improve the local and state business environment.
What We Do
Development of pro-business public policy and strategy.
Pursuit of legislation, incentives and regulations that enhance economic growth.
Promotion of a shared vision to improve the business climate statewide.
Recruitment and support of pro-business candidates at the state and local levels.
Dialogue with elected officials and business leaders about issues affecting members.
Coordination of the Chamber’s Agriculture Council and Transportation Council.
Candidate Academy: Public Service Starts Here.
Public service starts with people willing to bring their perspective, skills, and ideas to the table.
The Greater Omaha Chamber’s Candidate Academy is designed to develop a bipartisan group of candidates and potential candidates ready to pursue public office. Strong representation in government is essential to creating better public policy that reflects the diverse voices and experiences across our community.
Through three sessions in November and December, participants will build a practical foundation for pursuing public office, learn what it takes to run an effective campaign, and form connections that can provide ongoing support along the way.
If you have considered public office, or are ready to explore what that path could look like, we encourage you to apply.
Applications close October 9.
Candidate Academy is designed for people who are seriously considering public office, preparing to run, or ready to better understand what the path to elected leadership requires.
Participants will hear from experienced political, business, and community leaders and gain practical insight into campaign strategy, fundraising, communications, voter outreach, election requirements, and the realities of serving in public office.
The program will also explore the connection between public policy and Greater Omaha’s economic future, including the role elected leaders play in strengthening the business climate, developing talent, creating opportunity, and supporting long-term regional growth.
Candidate Academy is practical, candid, and grounded in the experience of people who have run campaigns, advised candidates, served in office, and worked alongside elected leaders.
Candidate Academy includes three sessions held in November and December.
Application deadline: September 25
Participants are selected through a competitive application process and are expected to attend all three sessions.
Candidate Academy is designed for individuals who are considering public office or preparing to take the next step toward becoming a candidate.
We are seeking applicants who demonstrate:
- Genuine community involvement
- Leadership potential
- A commitment to public service
- A clear vision for serving Greater Omaha
- A willingness to listen, learn, and work with people who bring different perspectives
Applicants do not need previous campaign experience or a professional background in politics.
Candidate Academy brings together a bipartisan group of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share an interest in public service.
Across three sessions, participants will build a foundation for pursuing public office and gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to move from considering a run to building an effective campaign.
Finding Your Purpose
Clarify why you want to serve, what you hope to accomplish, and how your experience, values, and perspective can shape an authentic case for public service.
Building a Campaign
Understand the structure of an effective campaign, including the candidate’s role, campaign leadership, trusted advisors, volunteers, supporters, and campaign organization.
Fundraising
Learn how candidates build the financial support necessary to communicate with voters, develop donor relationships, and sustain a campaign.
Communications and Messaging
Develop a clear campaign message and understand how candidates communicate through speeches, interviews, digital media, advertising, community events, and direct voter contact.
Reaching Voters
Explore the importance of direct voter engagement, including door-to-door outreach, community events, relationship building, and listening to the people you hope to represent.
Navigating the Election Process
Build a working understanding of Nebraska’s election environment, filing requirements, campaign finance, endorsements, compliance, and the resources available to candidates.
Understanding Business and the Economy
Explore how public policy decisions involving workforce, education, infrastructure, taxation, regulation, entrepreneurship, and economic development affect employers, workers, families, and Greater Omaha’s competitiveness.
This tracks directly with the Candidate Guide’s emphasis on economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure, taxation, regulation, and practical leadership.
Strong communities depend on strong public leadership.
Greater Omaha needs people from across our community who are willing to serve, bring their experience to public decision-making, and help shape the policies that will determine our region’s future.
Candidate Academy helps participants better understand the path to public office while building the knowledge, relationships, and practical skills needed to take the next step.
The program is about more than learning how to campaign. It is about developing thoughtful, capable leaders prepared to serve their communities.
Develop Future Leaders
Encourage community and business leaders with the ability and desire to serve to consider public office.
Prepare Potential Candidates
Give participants a realistic understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that come with running for office.
Build Practical Knowledge
Provide a foundation in campaign organization, fundraising, communications, voter engagement, election requirements, and public leadership.
Strengthen Connections
Connect participants with experienced leaders and with one another, creating relationships that can continue beyond the program.
Broaden Representation
Develop a bipartisan group of candidates and potential candidates who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to public service.
Strengthen Greater Omaha
Prepare leaders who understand how thoughtful public policy can support economic opportunity, community well-being, and the long-term prosperity of our region.
Start Preparing Now.
The Greater Omaha Chamber Candidate Guide is a practical resource for Nebraskans considering public office and the people who recruit, advise, and support them.
The guide covers:
- Running as a pro-business candidate
- Getting a campaign started
- Endorsements and Nebraska’s nonpartisan election system
- The day-to-day work of running
- Legal and filing requirements
Omaha COMPETES
A bold, data-driven roadmap to position Nebraska as a top state for business growth and workforce opportunity.
Omaha COMPETES Military Workforce
A strategic initiative from Omaha COMPETES, Military Workforce advances Nebraska’s long-term workforce strength by boosting Offutt Air Force Base and making the state a destination of choice for transitioning service members and their families.
Omaha COMPETES Nebraska State Highway Funding
A strategic initiative from Omaha COMPETES, Nebraska State Highway Funding advances the region’s long-term economic competitiveness by securing equitable state infrastructure investment and ensuring Greater Omaha’s transportation network can support continued business growth, workforce movement, and regional connectivity.
Political Action Committee
The Greater Omaha Chamber PAC supports candidates who understand what it takes to grow a regional economy. By backing pro-business leaders at the state and local level, we help ensure that Greater Omaha’s voice is heard.
The PAC is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from Chamber members.
Help us support candidates who support business. Together, our voices can be heard.
Updates & Alerts
Legislative Update – April 29, 2026
As a friendly reminder, we hope you will join us for the Greater Omaha Chamber’s next Politics & Eggs Breakfast on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 a.m. at the Omaha Marriott Regency, 10220 Regency
Legislative Update – April 17, 2026
Today marks Day 60 and the final day of the 2026 legislative session, bringing the biennium to a close. Lawmakers returned to Lincoln for the final day reserved for
Legislative Update – April 3, 2026
As the Legislature enters the closing days of the 2026 session, time is quickly running short for bills still seeking to advance., with only five legislative days remaining in the session; April 7,
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