For the first time ever the Developer Academy was presented in Spanish in collaboration with the

National Development Council (NDC)

This is Spark’s sixth cohort, but the first time the instruction has been solely in Spanish. It is even more special that our cohort was hosted during Hispanic Heritage Month! Special thanks to World Speaks for the daily contracted interpretation services.

We invite you to join us for capstone presentations and pinning ceremony on Friday, October 6 at 1pm at The Hitch located at 7013 Dodge Street.

Donell Brown, a 2020 Developer Academy Graduate, has accessed Spark Capital funds and financing to build his vision. The Middle-Income Workforce Housing loan product, which supports the construction of new housing in qualified census tracts in Douglas County, will help him with predevelopment and construction funds to support the creation of 4 new homes in North Omaha. In addition to financing, Spark Capital provided him with free, one-on-one technical assistance and support to help his project come to life! His project has been fully approved by Spark Capital and we are looking forward to putting the shovel in the ground in the last quarter of 2023.

"The Spark team has been a lighthouse in the development ocean! They have been a guiding light in assisting, providing resources, and supporting me every step of the way in helping me grow as a developer." — Donell Brown

If you are ready to apply for pre-development, acquisition, construction, or bridge financing, contact Guillermo Diaz today!

Creating spaces where our community can thrive and flourish!

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, we are filled with anticipation for the forthcoming changes that await our community. However, we want to take this moment to reflect on the summer that has passed, celebrating the multitude of new projects, impactful moments, and tremendous growth that we have collectively nurtured and uplifted.

We are humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with community organizations, leaders, civic partners, and so many talented individuals in our mission to cultivate thriving communities and foster healthier neighborhoods, one project at a time. Our endeavors encompassed engaging dialogues envisioning Black Futures within our City, shaping new infill housing designs with community input, infusing the area with newfound creative vibrancy through the North Omaha Trail, we even began developing an app, and so much more.

While this newsletter provides a glimpse into our work over the past six months, it is important to acknowledge that it only scratches the surface of the immense effort and dedication poured into our shared aspirations. Together, we have woven a tapestry of transformation and possibility, setting the stage for further collaboration and progress in the days ahead.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you, as it is through your support that we continue to create spaces where our community can thrive and flourish.

You can download and view our newsletter in the button bellow.

What is affordable housing?

On September 25th, the Urban Affairs Committee held an interim hearing to discuss “What is affordable housing?” Spark was invited to give testimony to help define and discuss the challenges around why we seem to struggle providing affordable housing as a state. Testimony given at the hearing will inform legislation to be introduced next year. 

Spark's Advocacy Coordinator Bri Full (at the podium) giving and statement during  Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day at Nebraska State Legislature

 This year, Spark was a part of the coalition that helped pass three legislative bills and garner $18 million in workforce housing development funds. We look forward to advocating for making affordable housing more accessible and avoiding displacement in North and South Omaha.