Village of Utica Celebrates a Decade of Development as a Nebraska Leadership Certified Community
“Strong local partnerships have opened the door for development that will impact generations of Utica residents, keeping our community competitive for growth.” – Sharon Powell, Village of Utica Board President
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has recognized the Village of Utica (pop. 840) for innovative efforts to expand housing and infrastructure. DED’s Director of Field Services Dave Honz announced Utica’s recertification in the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program on Monday, October 5th. Honz presented the award to local partners who have worked consistently to build success within the program, including village officials and members of the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership. The Village of Utica earned LCC status in 2016 and received recertifications in 2021 and 2026.
Utica is one of 29 Nebraska communities in the LCC program, which was established by DED in 2011. The program encourages local leaders to adapt to changes in economic development; provide support for new and expanding businesses; and prioritize childcare, housing, and workforce development projects. LCCs must demonstrate preparedness in strategic planning and display readiness in technological development by marketing their communities online. Qualifying LCCs gain status in the program for five years and are required to maintain community websites to highlight local opportunities for growth.
The Village of Utica’s LB840 program has supported business development efforts since its renewal in 2024. Nebraska’s Local Option Municipal Development Act allows cities and villages to designate local revenues for economic development purposes following voter approval. Eligible activities for assistance from Utica’s LB840 program include grants or loans for public works improvements at expanding businesses, real estate purchases, and job credits for full-time employees.
LB840 program funding assisted in the development of a cooperative model for Utica’s Centennial Market. The grocery store now supports Centennial Public School’s farm-to-school program, Centennial Choice, which raises beef and pork to be sold in Centennial Market. The store recently received a $20,000 Amex Shop Small Grant to replace its walk-in freezer.
Local and state partnerships have contributed to ongoing growth within Utica’s Bronco Heights housing project. Recent development in the 14-lot subdivision, which is in the same location as a former nursing home in the community, includes the completion of five single-family homes and one duplex. The project received funding assistance from the Nebraska Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF). The Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership received $1.26 million in 2022.
In 2021, the Utica Community Foundation donated $20,000 to the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership’s RWHF account, which resulted in the purchase of a former nursing home for future housing development.
“Successful LCCs are known for growing partnerships that can be instrumental in carrying state and locally funded projects across the finish line,” said LCC Program Director Kelly Gewecke. “Leaders in these communities work diligently to build relationships with business owners, contractors, and residents to ensure that projects are meeting development goals. The creation of new housing opportunities in Utica is a direct reflection of these efforts.”
In 2023, village officials analyzed and invested in wastewater line development, which resulted in the addition of a secondary sewer line to the village’s lagoons. The $500,000 project added 1,725 feet of new pipeline to ensure infrastructure safety and sustainability.
Ongoing philanthropic efforts continue to encourage additional new investments in the community. The Utica Community Foundation partnered with the local fire department in 2023 to raise more than $63,000 to assist Utica Fire & Rescue with the purchase of their new ambulance and supporting equipment. The foundation recently led fundraising efforts for a new picnic shelter at Conns Park and the Utica Community Pool.
“The Village of Utica is proud to be recognized once again as a Nebraska Leadership Certified Community,” said Sharon Powell, Village of Utica Board President. “This renewal shows our village meets the state's highest standards for economic readiness. It reflects the hard work of our local leadership, community partners, and residents—keeping Utica competitive, forward thinking, and ready for future opportunities for growth.”
For additional information about the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Program, contact Kelly Gewecke at kelly.gewecke@nebraska.gov, 308-627-3151, or visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/lcc/.
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