Gretna was once again recognized as a Leadership Certified Community. Pictured are Mayor Mike Evans accepting a plaque from Dave Honz representing the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and City of Gretna Development Services Director Dan Giittinger.
Gretna has a history of focusing on the services provided to its citizens as demonstrated by being among the first dozen communities to earn a Leadership Certified Community designation in 2011. Since then, 31 communities across the State of Nebraska have attained the designation through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Communities seek recertification every five years to maintain their status in the program which, according to the DED program website, provides a framework for communities to:
- Identify capacity,
- Stimulate planning, and
- Utilize technology to build strong foundations and meet the challenges of the future.
This is the 3rd time Gretna has received this designation; 2011, 2016 and 2021. Gretna’s successful annexation efforts created opportunities to accommodate its growing population and allowed the City to become a City of the First Class with a population over 9,300 citizens. “Our city embraces the opportunity to create additional educational and residential options as we grow,” said Dan Giittinger, Development Services Director. “We are encouraging area workforce and their families to call Gretna home while forward-looking to pave the way for additional economic development growth opportunities.”
A solid strategic plan, comprehensive plan and economic development plan are the key pieces in moving Gretna forward and attaining this impressive recertification as a Leadership Certified Community.