The University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) is pleased to present its 36th annual professional development data series. CPAR's Data and Research Series for Community Impact is perfect for anyone looking to use data to drive change in our communities — whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started.
May 7, 2025 | In-person and Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
From State Leaders to National Contenders? Visualizing Growth in Nebraska's Two Largest Metropolitan Areas | Omaha and Lincoln
This session will visualize population arcs and changes in Nebraska’s two largest metros — Omaha and Lincoln — using Census data to highlight how their growth compares to statewide trends and to similarly sized metros across the U.S. We’ll also examine key housing and workforce indicators to better understand how these places are positioned for future growth and competitiveness.
- Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development
Attendees will participate in two expert-led panel discussions focused on how data is shaping the future of Nebraska’s two largest metro areas. Panelists — featuring city planners, policymakers, and economic development leaders from Omaha and Lincoln — will share how they use data to guide decision-making, shape policy, and drive community growth. The Planning and Development Panel will explore data-driven approaches to urban planning, including transit, housing, and infrastructure. The Economic Development Panel will explore how data informs workforce and business support programming and regional strategies for economic vitality. Together, these discussions will tackle a central question: How are we using data to support and sustain long-term population growth and vitality in our metros?
- Planning and Development Panel
- Mike Helgerson, M.P.A., executive director, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency
- Morenike Atejioye, city planner, City of Omaha Long Range Planning
- Kurt Elder, AICP/GISP, senior planner, City of Lincoln Urban Development
- Moderator: Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
- Economic Development Panel
- Alec Gorynski, M.P.A., senior vice president of economic development, Greater Omaha Chamber
- Trevon Brooks, M.B.A., CEO, Omaha Innovation Connection Hub
- Luke Peltz, vice president of economic development, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development
- Moderator: Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
Presentation Slides
- From State Leaders to National Contenders? Visualizing Growth in Nebraska's Two Largest Metropolitan Areas | Omaha and Lincoln - Josie Gatti Schafer
- Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development - Planning and Development Panel - Mike Helgerson
- Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development - Planning and Development Panel - Morenike Atejioye
- Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development - Planning and Development Panel - Kurt Elder
- Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development - Economic Development Panel - Alec Gorynski
- Using Data to Drive Growth in Planning and Economic Development - Economic Development Panel - Luke Peltz
Recording
September 23, 2025 | In-person and Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Behind the Numbers: How the Census Bureau Delivers Reliable Data for a Changing Nation
Ensuring that public data is trustworthy, timely, and meaningful has never been more critical. Join us for an engaging session with a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau, who will provide an update on new tools, datasets, and upcoming innovations from the agency. The presentation will go beyond the headlines to offer a compelling look at the statistical design and rigorous methodologies of a foundational dataset, the American Community Survey (ACS).
- Mary Ana McKay, Ph.D., survey statistician, U.S. Census Bureau
From Data to Direction: Nebraska in a National Context
The 2024 one-year American Community Survey (ACS) data, released September 11, offers the most up-todate portrait of how Nebraska is evolving demographically, economically, and socially. This data-rich session explores how Nebraska’s trends compare to those of the region and the nation across key domains, while also demonstrating how rigorous, timely data can support effective planning, strategic decision-making, and datainformed policy development.
- Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
Safeguarding Data Integrity and Access in a Changing World
This session will feature national and regional experts to discuss the challenges facing public data systems — from questions of trust and transparency to access and long-term stability. As demand for reliable, timely data grows, so do risks related to political pressure, underfunding, and misinformation. This conversation will also feature data leaders in Nebraska sharing their insights on what it takes to preserve the credibility and availability of data for the public good in our state. In this session, we will explore a central question — what will it take to protect the credibility and availability of data in a time of rapid change and growing skepticism?
- National and Regional Perspectives on Safeguarding Data Integrity
- Beth Jarosz, senior fellow, Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University and vice president, Association of Public Data Users
- Donna Ginther, Ph.D., director, Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas and research associate, National Bureau of Economic Research
- Moderator: Morgan Vogel, Ph.D., assistant director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
- Local Challenges in Safeguarding Data Systems in Nebraska
- Katie Thurber, commissioner, Nebraska Department of Labor
- John McCoy, associate economist, Omaha Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Moderator: Morgan Vogel, Ph.D., assistant director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
Presentation Slides
- Behind the Numbers: How the Census Bureau Delivers Reliable Data for a Changing Nation - Mary Ana McKay
- From Data to Direction: Nebraska in a National Context - Josie Gatti Schafer
- Safeguarding Data Integrity and Access in a Changing World - National and Regional Perspectives on Safeguarding Data Integrity - Beth Jarosz
- Safeguarding Data Integrity and Access in a Changing World - National and Regional Perspectives on Safeguarding Data Integrity - Donna Ginther
- Safeguarding Data Integrity and Access in a Changing World - Local Challenges in Safeguarding Data Systems in Nebraska - Katie Thurber
- Safeguarding Data Integrity and Access in a Changing World - Local Challenges in Safeguarding Data Systems in Nebraska - John McCoy
Recording
Questions? Contact unocpar@unomaha.edu or 402.554.7533.
UNO is an AA/EEO/ADA institution. For Title IX concerns, please contact the Title IX Coordinator (phone:402.554.2120). For ADA/504 accommodations or assistance, please call/contact the ADA/504 Coordinator (phone 402.554.2463) or the Accessibility Services Center (phone: 402.554.2872).