--- title: Ravenna Voters Renew LB840 Economic Development Program description: City of Ravenna Adds LB840 Measures to 2026 Primary Ballot image: https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/ravenna-1.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/ravenna-voters-renew-lb840-economic-development-program#main-content) [![Development Council for Buffalo County logo](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/Development%20Council%20Logo_1-23-23_V1.png)](https://growbuffalocounty.com) - About Buffalo County - [Communities](https://growbuffalocounty.com/communities) - [Livability](https://growbuffalocounty.com/live) - [Labor](https://growbuffalocounty.com/work) - Site Selectors - [Sites & Buildings](https://growbuffalocounty.com/sites-buildings) - [Target Industries](https://growbuffalocounty.com/target-industries) - [Regional Data](https://growbuffalocounty.com/regional-data) - [Location Advantages](https://growbuffalocounty.com/location-advantages) - Strategic Initiatives - [Build Buffalo County](https://growbuffalocounty.com/build-buffalo-county) - Business Support - [Incentives](https://growbuffalocounty.com/incentives) - [Resources](https://growbuffalocounty.com/resources) - [Entrepreneurs](https://growbuffalocounty.com/big-idea-buffalo-county) - About DCBC - [Services](https://growbuffalocounty.com/services-1) - [Staff](https://growbuffalocounty.com/staff) - [Board](https://growbuffalocounty.com/board) - [Investors](https://growbuffalocounty.com/membership) - [News](https://growbuffalocounty.com/news) - [Contact Us](https://growbuffalocounty.com/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/ravenna-1.jpg) # Ravenna Voters Renew LB840 Economic Development Program [Zachary West](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/author/zachary-west-ravenna-economic-development-corporation) Published May 13, 2026 Reading Time 2 min read Ravenna voters have reaffirmed their commitment to local economic growth by approving the renewal of the community’s LB840 Economic Development Program and its dedicated funding source. Both measures received strong support during Nebraska’s May 12, 2026, primary election. According to the [official Buffalo County election results](https://countyelectionresults.nebraska.gov/election_files/Buffalo/2026_Primary_unofficial_results.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com), voters approved the economic development program renewal by a vote of 185–54, while continuation of the existing economic development sales tax passed 170–61. The decision allows Ravenna to continue using one of its most important tools for supporting businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and preparing for future investment. ## Continuing a Program Established in 2011 Ravenna voters originally approved the community’s LB840 program in 2011, dedicating a one-half percent local sales tax to economic development. Without voter renewal, both the program and its funding source would have expired in April 2027. Local coverage from [KGFW](https://kgfw.com/2026/02/10/city-of-ravenna-adds-lb840-measures-to-2026-primary-ballot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [Y102](https://krny.com/2026/02/10/city-of-ravenna-adds-lb840-measures-to-2026-primary-ballot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) explained that the two ballot measures were designed to continue the existing program through 2042. The updated plan reflects current state statutes while maintaining the framework Ravenna has used to support local development. Importantly, the vote does not create a new tax. It continues the existing one-half percent sales tax already dedicated to Ravenna’s economic development efforts. ## What the Renewal Means for Ravenna Based on historical collections, the existing sales tax is expected to generate approximately $85,000 annually for Ravenna’s economic development revolving fund, according to the [City of Ravenna’s LB840 information](https://www.myravenna.com/lb840.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Those funds can be used for eligible activities such as: - Loans and financial assistance for qualifying businesses - Support for new business startups and entrepreneurship - Infrastructure and economic development site improvements - Job creation and business expansion incentives Because loan repayments return to the fund, LB840 dollars can be reinvested in additional projects over time. This creates a locally controlled source of capital that can respond to opportunities as they emerge. For a rural community, that flexibility matters. Access to financing, prepared development sites and infrastructure assistance can make the difference when an existing business is considering an expansion, an entrepreneur is preparing to open a new venture or a prospective employer is comparing communities. “LB840 serves as a critical tool for communities to be able to attract businesses, retain talent, and access capital for economic and community development,” Ravenna Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Zachary West said in the local coverage. “The continuation of this program would allow Ravenna to build on that progress and maintain momentum in future development efforts.” ## A Vote for Long-Term Community Investment Renewing LB840 gives Ravenna the ability to continue planning proactively rather than waiting for opportunities to arise without the resources needed to pursue them. It also sends a clear message that residents recognize the importance of investing in local businesses, jobs and long-term community vitality. The impact extends beyond individual projects. Successful businesses strengthen the local tax base, provide goods and services for residents, create employment opportunities and contribute to the overall quality of life that helps Ravenna attract and retain families. By approving both measures, Ravenna voters have preserved a proven economic development resource and positioned the community to pursue new opportunities through 2042. The decision represents an important vote of confidence in Ravenna’s future—and in the partnerships required to keep the community growing. [Zachary West](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/author/zachary-west-ravenna-economic-development-corporation) Share [Ravenna](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/tag/ravenna) #### Let's Connect We’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime and let’s start the conversation. ## Related Posts [City of Ravenna Adds LB840 Measures to 2026 Primary Ballot The Ravenna City Council voted at its February 2, 2026 monthly meeting to approve a resolution that ...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/city-of-ravenna-adds-lb840-measures-to-2026-primary-ballot) [Central Community College Receives Excellence in Economic Impact Award Each year, the Development Council honors outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals thr...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/central-community-college-receives-excellence-in-economic-impact-award) [Retired City Manager Michael Morgan - A Legacy of Service and Innovation As we step into a new season, the Development Council is excited to showcase three examples of excep...](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/news-center/p/item/56882/retired-city-manager-michael-morgan-a-legacy-of-service-and-innovation) ![edcc-logo-1](https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/hubfs/edcc-logo-1.svg) **Development Council for Buffalo County** 220 11th Avenue Kearney, NE 68845 [(308) 237-9346](tel:+1308-237-9346)[mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com](mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com) [info@growbuffalocounty.com](mailto:info@growbuffalocounty.com) - [Buffalo County](https://buffalocounty.ne.gov/) - [City of Kearney](https://cityofkearney.org/) - [Kearney Area Chamber](https://www.kearneycoc.org/) - [Kearney Visitors Bureau](https://visitkearney.org/) - [Contact](https://growbuffalocounty.com/contact-us) - [Site Map](https://242034849.hs-sites-na2.com/sitemap.xml) © 2025 Development Council for Buffalo County. 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