The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) in October announced the recertification of the City of Central City, Neb., (pop. 3,035) in the Leadership Certified Community program.
The designation recognizes the community’s efforts in continuing to foster growth within its business community, schools and housing market.
DED Program Coordinator Kelly Gewecke joined city leaders and members of the Merrick County Development Corporation to honor the community, which was first recognized as a Leadership Certified Community in 2014. Local leaders earned program recertification in 2019 and 2025.
DED established the LCC program in 2011 to help communities adapt to ongoing changes in economic development by supporting new and existing businesses. Certified communities must demonstrate preparedness in strategic planning and display readiness in technological development by marketing their communities online.
City officials worked with local and regional leaders to further develop Central City’s housing market over the past five years. More than 90 new housing units were added in the community.
Other recent accomplishments have included:
- The expansion of 20 businesses and the creation of 22 new businesses, including the completion of a new hospital.
- An upgrade to the City’s Central Park, which includes a new pavilion with restrooms, a large playground, and several new areas for sports activities, including pickleball, basketball, and bocce ball courts.
- Educational investments with significant infrastructure upgrades at two local schools.
- Expanding childcare opportunities by creating 50 new openings for childcare at the Merrick County Child Development Center with support from the Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants program. The Center now serves more than 70 families from Central City and surrounding communities.
For more information about the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Program, contact Kelly Gewecke at kelly.gewecke@nebraska.gov or (308) 627-3151.