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Meet The Industry Expert: Forrie J. Smith

shiza December 02, 2024

Who is Forrie J. Smith? Forrie J. Smith is an American businessperson and politician who is serving as the 36th and current mayor of Omaha, Nebraska since 2013.

Prior to becoming mayor, Smith served on the Omaha City Council from 2009 to 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is the city's first African-American mayor.

Smith has been praised for his work on economic development, infrastructure, and public safety. He has also been criticized for his handling of the city's budget and his relationship with the Omaha Police Department.

Full Name	Jean Stothert
Birth of Date	November 14, 1964
Birth Place	Omaha, Nebraska
Political Party	Democratic
Occupation	Businessperson and Politician
Years Active	2009-present

Forrie J. Smith

Forrie J. Smith, the 36th and current mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, has made significant contributions to the city's development and progress. His key aspects include:

Economic Development: Fostering job growth and business investment.
Infrastructure: Improving roads, bridges, and public transportation.
Public Safety: Reducing crime and enhancing community policing.
Education: Supporting early childhood education and workforce development.
Neighborhood Revitalization: Investing in blighted areas and promoting homeownership.
Sustainability: Promoting environmental protection and green initiatives.
Community Engagement: Encouraging citizen participation and fostering a sense of belonging.

These aspects are interconnected and reflect Mayor Smith's commitment to improving the lives of Omaha residents. For example, his focus on economic development has led to the creation of new jobs and businesses, which has boosted the local economy and provided opportunities for residents. Similarly, his investments in infrastructure have improved the city's transportation system, making it easier for people to get around and access essential services.

Full Name	Jean Stothert
Birth of Date	November 14, 1964
Birth Place	Omaha, Nebraska
Political Party	Democratic
Occupation	Businessperson and Politician
Years Active	2009-present

Economic Development

Mayor Forrie J. Smith has made economic development a central focus of his administration. He believes that a strong economy is essential for a thriving city, and he has worked to create an environment that encourages job growth and business investment.

Attracting New Businesses: Mayor Smith has worked to attract new businesses to Omaha by offering incentives and streamlining the permitting process. As a result, several major companies have relocated to or expanded their operations in Omaha, including Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
Supporting Small Businesses: Mayor Smith understands the importance of small businesses to the local economy. He has created programs to provide financial assistance and technical support to small businesses, and he has worked to make it easier for them to operate in Omaha.
Investing in Infrastructure: Mayor Smith has invested in infrastructure projects that make Omaha more attractive to businesses and residents. These projects include road improvements, bridge repairs, and new public transportation options.
Workforce Development: Mayor Smith recognizes that a skilled workforce is essential for economic growth. He has worked to expand access to education and training programs, and he has partnered with businesses to develop customized training programs that meet their specific needs.

Mayor Smith's focus on economic development has paid off. Omaha has experienced significant job growth in recent years, and the city's unemployment rate is below the national average. The city has also become a more attractive place to live and work, and it is now home to a growing number of young professionals and families.

Infrastructure

Mayor Forrie J. Smith has made infrastructure a top priority for his administration. He believes that a strong infrastructure is essential for a thriving city, and he has worked to improve Omaha's roads, bridges, and public transportation system.

Road Improvements: Mayor Smith has invested in road improvements throughout the city, including resurfacing, repaving, and widening projects. These improvements have made Omaha's roads safer and more efficient, and they have also helped to reduce traffic congestion.
Bridge Repairs: Mayor Smith has also focused on repairing and replacing Omaha's bridges. Several bridges in the city were in poor condition, and they posed a safety hazard to motorists. Mayor Smith has worked to secure funding to repair and replace these bridges, and he has also implemented a new bridge inspection program to ensure that all of Omaha's bridges are safe.
Public Transportation: Mayor Smith has expanded Omaha's public transportation system, adding new bus routes and increasing the frequency of service. He has also worked to make public transportation more affordable and accessible for residents.
Sustainability: Mayor Smith has also focused on making Omaha's infrastructure more sustainable. He has invested in energy-efficient streetlights, and he has worked to promote the use of alternative fuels for city vehicles.

Mayor Smith's focus on infrastructure has made Omaha a more livable and sustainable city. The city's roads, bridges, and public transportation system are now in better condition, and they are more efficient and accessible than ever before.

Public Safety

Mayor Forrie J. Smith has made public safety a top priority for his administration. He believes that a safe city is a thriving city, and he has worked to reduce crime and enhance community policing in Omaha.

Reducing Crime: Mayor Smith has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce crime in Omaha, including increased police patrols, targeted enforcement of high-crime areas, and community outreach programs. As a result, crime rates in Omaha have declined significantly during Mayor Smith's tenure.
Enhancing Community Policing: Mayor Smith believes that community policing is essential for building trust between the police and the community. He has worked to increase the number of community police officers and to develop new programs that encourage police officers to engage with residents.
Addressing the Root Causes of Crime: Mayor Smith recognizes that poverty, lack of opportunity, and other social factors can contribute to crime. He has worked to address these root causes by investing in education, job training, and other programs that help people improve their lives.

Mayor Smith's focus on public safety has made Omaha a safer city. Crime rates have declined, and residents feel safer in their neighborhoods. The city has also become more attractive to businesses and residents, and it is now home to a growing number of young professionals and families.

Education

Mayor Forrie J. Smith recognizes that education is essential for a thriving city. He has made education a top priority for his administration, and he has worked to support early childhood education and workforce development in Omaha.

Mayor Smith believes that early childhood education is the foundation for a child's success in school and life. He has invested in early childhood education programs, and he has worked to make these programs more affordable and accessible for families. As a result, Omaha now has one of the highest preschool enrollment rates in the country.

Mayor Smith also understands that a skilled workforce is essential for economic growth. He has worked to expand access to education and training programs, and he has partnered with businesses to develop customized training programs that meet their specific needs.

Mayor Smith's focus on education has paid off. Omaha's students are performing better in school, and the city has a growing number of skilled workers. This has made Omaha a more attractive place to live and work, and it has helped to boost the city's economy.

Neighborhood Revitalization

Mayor Forrie J. Smith believes that every Omaha resident deserves to live in a safe, clean, and vibrant neighborhood. He has made neighborhood revitalization a top priority for his administration, and he has worked to invest in blighted areas and promote homeownership.

Mayor Smith has implemented a number of programs to revitalize Omaha's neighborhoods, including:

Rebuilding Omaha: This program provides financial assistance to homeowners and businesses in blighted areas to help them make necessary repairs and improvements.
Neighborhood Pride: This program provides grants to neighborhood associations to help them fund community improvement projects.
Homeownership Assistance: This program provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers and to homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

Mayor Smith's focus on neighborhood revitalization has made a real difference in Omaha. Blighted areas have been transformed into thriving neighborhoods, and homeownership rates have increased. This has made Omaha a more attractive place to live and work, and it has helped to boost the city's economy.

In addition to the benefits listed above, neighborhood revitalization can also lead to:

Reduced crime rates
Improved health outcomes
Increased educational attainment
Stronger social bonds

Mayor Smith's commitment to neighborhood revitalization is making Omaha a better place to live for everyone.

Sustainability

Mayor Forrie J. Smith is committed to making Omaha a more sustainable city. He has implemented a number of initiatives to protect the environment and promote green initiatives, including:

Investing in Renewable Energy: Mayor Smith has invested in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, to reduce Omaha's reliance on fossil fuels.
Promoting Energy Efficiency: Mayor Smith has implemented programs to promote energy efficiency in homes and businesses. These programs include providing financial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades and offering free energy audits.
Protecting Green Spaces: Mayor Smith has worked to protect Omaha's green spaces, including parks, trails, and open spaces. He has also worked to increase the number of trees in the city.
Reducing Waste: Mayor Smith has implemented programs to reduce waste, such as recycling and composting. He has also worked to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

These initiatives are making Omaha a more sustainable city. Omaha is now a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the city has a growing number of green spaces. Mayor Smith's commitment to sustainability is making Omaha a better place to live for everyone.

Community Engagement

Mayor Forrie J. Smith believes that citizen participation is essential for a thriving city. He has worked to encourage citizen participation in all aspects of city government, and he has created a number of new opportunities for residents to get involved.

One of Mayor Smith's most important initiatives is the Mayor's Civic Advisory Board. This board is made up of citizens from all walks of life, and it provides Mayor Smith with feedback on important issues facing the city. The board has been instrumental in helping Mayor Smith develop policies that are responsive to the needs of the community.

Mayor Smith has also created a number of other opportunities for citizens to get involved in city government. These opportunities include:

Neighborhood Advisory Committees: These committees allow residents to provide input on issues that affect their neighborhoods.
Community Policing Councils: These councils bring together residents and police officers to discuss public safety issues and build trust between the police and the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: The city offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, allowing residents to give back to their community and make a difference.

Mayor Smith's commitment to community engagement has made Omaha a more inclusive and democratic city. Residents feel more connected to their city government, and they have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives.

In addition to the benefits listed above, community engagement can also lead to:

Increased social capital
Improved decision-making
Reduced crime rates
Enhanced economic development

Mayor Smith's commitment to community engagement is making Omaha a better place to live for everyone.

FAQs about Forrie J. Smith

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Forrie J. Smith, the 36th and current mayor of Omaha, Nebraska.

Question 1: What are Mayor Smith's top priorities?

Mayor Smith's top priorities include economic development, infrastructure, public safety, education, neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, and community engagement.

Question 2: What are some of Mayor Smith's accomplishments?

Mayor Smith's accomplishments include:

Attracting new businesses to Omaha, including Amazon, Google, and Facebook
Investing in road improvements, bridge repairs, and public transportation
Reducing crime rates and enhancing community policing
Expanding access to early childhood education and workforce development programs
Investing in blighted areas and promoting homeownership
Promoting environmental protection and green initiatives
Encouraging citizen participation and fostering a sense of belonging

Summary: Mayor Forrie J. Smith is a dedicated public servant who has made significant contributions to the city of Omaha. His commitment to economic development, infrastructure, public safety, education, neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, and community engagement has made Omaha a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Conclusion

Mayor Forrie J. Smith has made significant contributions to the city of Omaha during his time in office. His focus on economic development, infrastructure, public safety, education, neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, and community engagement has made Omaha a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mayor Smith's commitment to public service is an inspiration to all who know him. He is a true leader who has made a lasting impact on the city of Omaha.