Lincoln-Lancaster County officials on Thursday released a new strategic plan to guide the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into the region. It includes equitable access to services for all residents, civic engagement and community connections,
access to education, economic opportunity, safe and healthy communities and affordable and quality housing.
“This plan that we are releasing today underscores the vital role that new Americans have played and will continue to play in the economic success and cultural vibrancy of our community,” says Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. “This collaborative work strongly aligns with our One Lincoln initiative to create a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging for every Lincoln resident.”
She says it’s too early to know if or when Lincoln will receive Ukrainian refugees. “We’ve been a refugee resettlement community for decades,” Gaylor Baird says. “We have welcomed recent Afghan evacuees and we stand at the ready to welcome former Ukrainian residents into our community.”
Lancaster County Commissioner Christa Yoakum says immigrants have contributed to the cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity of our community for decades. “Today, people who are immigrants and refugees build our homes, provide medical services and care for our loved ones, work in our manufacturing and in food production and most of all, they are our neighbors. And we want our neighbors to put down deep roots in our community.”
The Welcoming &Belonging Strategic Plan is available at lincoln.ne.gov/onelincoln.