Kearney voters have approved the Good Life District ballot measure, clearing the way for the City of Kearney to establish a Good Life District Economic Development Program and move forward with the next phase of this transformational opportunity.
Official results from the May 12 primary election show that 3,532 residents voted in favor of the measure and 1,063 voted against it—meaning more than three-quarters of the votes cast on the question supported the program. News Channel Nebraska described the result as overwhelming approval from Kearney voters.
The vote did not create a new tax or change existing sales tax rates. Instead, it authorized the Kearney City Council to prepare and adopt an economic development program governing how eligible Good Life District revenue may be reinvested locally.
Under the program, half of the state sales tax generated by new activity within the district can be returned to Kearney over a 30-year period. These funds may help reimburse eligible development costs—including streets, utilities and other infrastructure—after private investment generates the qualifying revenue. Additional information about how the program works is available through the City of Kearney’s Good Life District website.
Kearney was selected in July 2025 as Nebraska’s fifth and final Good Life District. The approximately 200-acre district surrounds the Kearney SportsPlex north of Interstate 80 and is envisioned as a destination for new entertainment, retail, dining, housing and visitor-focused development.
The voter-approved program creates an important tool for attracting private investment, supporting job creation, expanding Kearney’s tax base and building amenities that serve residents and visitors. As NTV News reported, activity is already underway in the area, with the SportsPlex and DropZone open and additional development in progress.
The next step is for the Kearney City Council to formally prepare and adopt the Good Life District Economic Development Program. The City will then continue working with the developer and other project partners on planning, infrastructure and implementation. The City’s post-election announcement describes the approval as an important step toward creating a transformational community destination.
The Development Council for Buffalo County was proud to support the community information campaign alongside the City of Kearney and other partners. Over the past several months, residents took the time to learn how the district works, attend community conversations, ask thoughtful questions and participate in the election.
The result reflects Kearney’s continued willingness to invest in its future and pursue opportunities that can create lasting economic and quality-of-life benefits.
This vote is an important milestone—but it is also the beginning of the next chapter. We look forward to continued collaboration as the Good Life District moves from vision to implementation.
