The arts invest in The Good Life
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By Mark A. Koller
As I was contemplating what to write for my turn at a community column, I reflected on the past contributions I have made. It then occurred to me that I had submitted to the media elixir for being a critic in those column comments.
Don’t get me wrong. I was and continue to be a proponent to improving our community through discussion and action. It does occur to me, however, that there are many good things about Lincoln and its people that we should celebrate.
For instance, we are a generous and community-minded people. Thanks to Maxine Moul at EndowNebraska for directing me to The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. It did a study on nonprofit organizations in Nebraska based on IRS data released on Nov. 1, 2006.
It showed 7,681 such organizations statewide,including various charitable, nonprofit, religious and educational organizations. Total assets were $15 billion. Total revenue in 2005 was $7 billion, with $2.6 billion in expenses. Of those organizations, there were 1,320 in Lincoln, or 17 percent of the state total. Total assets in Lincoln were $3.6 billion (24 percent of state total assets).
By way of comparison, Omaha had 2,003 nonprofit exempt organizations, or 26 percent of the state total, and total assets of $7 billion (46 percent of the state total). We certainly do our part as a generous and community-minded people.
For instance, we have a thriving arts community with many and varied venues. The Lincoln Arts Council, the Mayor’s Arts Awards, Lincoln Arts Festival, Sheldon Art Gallery and the Lied Center for Performing Arts are just a few.
What is more interesting is the economic impact the arts have in our community.
A 2007 study, Arts and Economic Prosperity III, conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, uncovered some interesting effects that the Lincoln arts have on our economy. That segment of our community generates $36 million in local economic activity. The spending breaks down into $21 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $15 million in event-related spending by their audiences.
Those organizations and events support 1,081 full-time equivalent jobs, generate $22 million in household income to local residents and contribute $1.7 million to local and $1.7 million to state government revenues.
The economic impact study indicates a strong local support for the arts, but it also shows we are investing in our quality of life and in the city of Lincoln’s economic well-being.
For instance, we have a solid economy. Lincoln is again among the best places in the country for business, according to Forbes. The business magazine released its 2008 “Best Places for Business and Careers,” which ranks Lincoln 18th among the 200 largest metropolitan areas.
Lincoln got high scores for a low cost of doing business, a low cost of living and educational attainment. The ranking was a slight drop from the previous year, when Lincoln ranked 15th. By comparison, Omaha is 34th this year, down from 19th in 2007. Unemployment in 2007 was among the nation’s lowest at 2.8 percent.
For instance, we also have a highly educated population. Lincoln Public Schools was ranked among the top five in the nation for quality of education by Expansion Management magazine. We have six postsecondary education institutions: the University of Nebraska, Southeast Community College, Doane College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College and Kaplan University-Lincoln. We have lots of opportunity for quality education.
For instance, we have a bright community future. Major projects that are under way or proposed will change our landscape. The Antelope Valley Project will eliminate flooding and provide new land for homes and businesses. Already we have seen a major employer, Assurity Life Insurance Co., announce plans to construct a $32 million headquarters in the area.
Our state-of-the-art baseball stadium in the Haymarket soon may be joined by a new arena where the Huskers may play basketball and a new ice arena. Both new venues will generate interest in the area and add retail opportunities. I foresee that area becoming the center of the city, an area where residents can take visitors to show off our great city and its amenities.
For instance, Goldenrod Downs, a 180-acre development at the northeast corner of 84th Street and Havelock Avenue, has been proposed that would include a milelong race track and other features. This facility would include a grandstand, opportunities for commercial activity and space for the UNL equine programs. It would create another venue for Lincoln’s entertainment pleasure and economic development opportunities.
These are just a few of the “for instances” I uncovered in a fun afternoon of research. I’m sure the list can and will grow.
Not all of these opportunities may be realized. And there will be costs involved in completing these projects. But I, for one, encourage those opportunities to become a world-class city that enjoys many recreational and economic benefits. Celebrate the Good Life in Lincoln!
Mark Koller is president and chief executive officer of HRConnex Inc.
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