Approximately three-acre site offers opportunity to expand housing choice and strengthen neighborhood quality
The Development Council for Buffalo County, in partnership with the City of Kearney, has issued a Request for Proposal seeking a qualified development partner to create new housing on approximately three acres of infill property in Kearney.
The two-parcel development site is located east of 30th Avenue, north of Railroad Avenue and south of West Lincoln Way Park. The parcels are being offered together as a single development opportunity.
Proposals may include owner-occupied housing, rental housing or a combination of the two. The selection process will prioritize public benefit and housing impact over maximizing revenue from the sale of the land.
“Kearney continues to experience housing shortages across several segments of the market,” said Trevor Lee, president of the Development Council for Buffalo County. “This property presents an opportunity to add meaningful housing supply while creating a high-quality development that contributes positively to the surrounding neighborhood and the community for years to come.”
The Development Council and City are seeking proposals that:
- Add a meaningful number of housing units.
- Improve housing attainability for households underserved by the current market.
- Address demonstrated housing needs in Kearney and Buffalo County.
- Use the property efficiently while maintaining quality site design.
- Include durable construction and quality architecture.
- Demonstrate project readiness and realistic development timelines.
- Strengthen neighborhood character, stability, and long-term community value.
The site includes approximately 2.13 acres within Lot 1, Block 1 of the Village Plaza Second Addition and approximately 0.89 acres within Lot 1, Block 2. Both parcels are currently zoned C-3.
Proposals will be evaluated based on housing impact, attainability, design quality, readiness, long-term stewardship and overall community benefit. Following the evaluation process, the Development Council may identify a preferred proposer and begin negotiations for a purchase agreement and development agreement.
Timeline
Questions must be submitted in writing by September 15, 2026.
Completed proposals must be submitted by November 18, 2026.
Submission requirements, evaluation criteria, site information and instructions for submitting questions are included in the full RFP.
The Development Council reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate modifications that further the objectives of the RFP.
About the Development Council for Buffalo County
The Development Council for Buffalo County works to advance economic and community development throughout Buffalo County by supporting business growth, encouraging investment and helping remove barriers to economic opportunity.
