Become an OMLB Ambassador
A 9‑month leadership experience for residents who want to shape the future of Omaha’s neighborhoods.
The Omaha Municipal Land Bank’s Ambassador Program is where emerging developers, realtors, housing advocates, and community leaders come to learn how vacant properties become community assets — and how they can be part of that transformation.
Each year, a diverse cohort from all seven City Council districts joins a hands‑on learning journey that blends civic education, development training, neighborhood storytelling, and real‑world project exposure.
If you care about equitable development, neighborhood revitalization, or building a stronger Omaha, this program is for you.
What Ambassadors Do
Ambassadors finish the program equipped to become informed advocates, future board members, and emerging developers who understand how to move projects from idea to impact.
Ambassadors participate in a structured, 9‑month experience that includes:
Monthly learning sessions (September–May) covering land banking, development pathways, zoning, permitting, financing, and neighborhood history.
- Site visits to OMLB properties, redevelopment projects, and partner organizations.
- Hands‑on exercises that demystify the property lifecycle and show how community members can activate vacant lots.
- Leadership development with local experts, developers, and civic partners.
- Advocacy training to help residents elevate neighborhood priorities and shape policy conversations.
- Networking opportunities with OMLB staff, board members, developers, lenders, and community leaders.
Quick Questions & Facts
Ambassadors are not just learners, they are partners helping shape the future of the Land Bank.
Why Should you Join?
Ambassadors consistently describe the program as:
- Transformative: “I finally understand how development works and how I can participate.”
- Empowering: “I feel equipped to advocate for my neighborhood.”
- Community‑building — “I met people from across the city who care about the same things I do.”
- Career‑shaping: “This opened doors to real estate, development, and civic leadership.”
The program is free, and all materials are provided.
2026 - 2027 Schedule (At a Glance)
Session 00 — August 10, 2026
Welcome to the Work: Ambassador Orientation
Session 01 — September 14, 2026
Statute to Strategy: Public Policy & Civic Trust
Session 02 — October 5, 2026
From Vacancy to Vitality: Stewarding Neighborhood Change
Session 03 — November 16, 2026
From Inventory to Impact: Disposition & Market Strategy
Session 04 — January 18, 2027
From Plan to Purpose: Funding & Championing VAD Solutions
Session 05 — February 8, 2027
From Tax Sale to Stewardship: Property Acquisition in Practice
Session 06 — March 8, 2027
From Lot to Living: The Art & Science of Development
Session 07 — April 12, 2027
Pain Points of Maintenance
Session 08 — May 10, 2027
Public Service + Civic Leadership
Session 09 — June 14, 2027
Stewardship in Action: Ambassador Graduation
Who Should Apply?
We welcome residents from every background, including:
- Community leaders
- Neighborhood advocates
- Emerging developers
- Realtors and housing professionals
- Students and early‑career professionals
- Residents curious about how land banking works
- Anyone passionate about equitable development
At least one Ambassador is selected from each City Council district to ensure citywide representation.
Meet the Graduating 2025 – 2026 Cohort
Join us in congratulating the 2025-2026 Ambassador cohort, as our largest group of passionate individuals that completed the program and they are ready to make a difference in our community.
Each ambassador represents varied industries, communities and lived experiences. They are passionate about creating change in our community and are ready to activate their lot transformation journey.
