Media Mentions | Center for Public Affairs Research | University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska Omaha

College of Public Affairs and Community Service Center for Public Affairs Research

The UNO Center for Public Affairs Research was featured in over 100 stories in 2024 across numerous media outlets. Stories are organized by topic below.

Data for Policy and Decision Makers View our data for policy and decision makers research including housing, poverty, and demographic dashboards by county in Nebraska.
	2025 5-15-25 - Daily Caller - Election Upset Sends Clear Message To Republicans: Do Your Job 4-9-25 - The Omaha News - Omaha Metro Surpasses One Million Residents 3-26-25 - Cedar County News - Columnist holds a special place in his heart for Bow Valley A 3-13-25 - yahoo! news (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Immigrants help push Omaha metro past 1M population mark as more Nebraska counties grow 3-13-25 - Norfolk Daily News (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Immigrants help push Omaha metro past 1M population mark as more Nebraska counties grow 3-13-25 - Nebraska Examiner - Immigrants help push Omaha metro past 1M population mark as more Nebraska counties grow 3-6-25 - Silicon Prairie News - Nebraska sees modest growth amid ongoing outmigration, new data shows 2024 12-27-24 - KTMX-FM 104.9 (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-27-24 - KOOL Radio 103.5/95.9 FM, 1370 AM (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-23-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Getting ready for value-added thinking 12-20-24 - KSNB Local 4 Hastings (originally published by Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-19-24 - Eastern Progress (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-19-24 - The Columbus Telegram (originally published by Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-19-24 - yahoo! news (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 12-19-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska, propelled by international migration, surpasses the 2 million population mark 11-27-24 - KMTV 3 News Now - 'We're super excited:' Rental-only development coming to Elkhorn area 8-21-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska’s new $3M, regional approach to spurring economic development is off and running 8-11-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - Santee Sioux leaders say federal failures have led to housing shortage on reservation 6-21-24 - Chadron Radio - Governor’s Office, DED, and Nebraska Chamber Kick Off “6 Regions, One Nebraska” in the Southeast Community College Region 6-3-24 - U.S. News & World Report - Editorial: Census numbers give insight to the future 5-30-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - Editorial: Census numbers give insight to the future 4-25-24 - KETV NewsWatch7 - 'It's a toss-up': Examining changes in Nebraska District 2 since 2020 1-29-24 - Nebraska Public Media - Cost burden for renters in parts of Central Nebraska is more prevalent, new study finds.
Workforce Access and Equity View our workforce access and equity research including details on occupations, incomes, remote work, and entrepreneurship in Nebraska.
	2025 6-19-25 - Chadron Radio KBPY 107.7FM/KCSR 610 AM - 2025 Nebraska Career and Technical Education (CTE) Conference 6-18-25 - KGFW 96.1 FM/1340 AM - Kearney Public Schools receives Outstanding Secondary CTE Programs award during NCE conference 6-11-25 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - 'We need more workers': What's the economic impact of ICE raids? 3-16-25 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - Chronicle: Chamber economics 2-18-25 - msn.com (originally published by First Alert 6) - ‘Brain drain’ trending down in Nebraska, but some demographics are looking elsewhere for job opportunities 2-18-25 - First Alert 6 - ‘Brain drain’ trending down in Nebraska, but some demographics are looking elsewhere for job opportunities 2-18-25 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska Chamber’s priorities include saving internship program Gov. Jim Pillen would end 2-10-25 - The Washington Post - An ICE raid gutted a town in Trump's first term. Now, fear of a repeat. (PDF of article) 1-23-25 - KMTV 3 News Now - Omaha Chamber outlines new strategy to combat brain drain, boost economic growth 1-5-25 - Nebraska Public Media (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - Nebraska Evolving: Somalis band together to aid new refugees in South Sioux, a ‘place of opportunity’ 1-3-25 - News Channel Nebraska Metro - Omaha & Lincoln (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - Nebraska Evolving: Somali immigrants help refugees moving to South Sioux City, ‘a place of opportunity.’ 2024 12-23-24 - Flatwater Free Press - Nebraska Evolving: Somalis band together to aid new refugees in South Sioux, a ‘place of opportunity’ 10-12-24 - Omaha World Herald (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - ‘Quinceañeras every weekend’: Nebraska’s Latinos are eager to keep traditions alive 10-8-24 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - Study ranks Omaha 7th most competitive rental market across US 10-5-24 - Nebraska Public Media (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - ‘Quinceañeras every weekend’: Nebraska’s Latinos are increasingly native born – and eager to keep traditions alive 10-4-24 - News Channel Nebraska Panhandle (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - ‘Quinceañeras every weekend’: Nebraska’s Latinos are increasingly native born – and eager to keep traditions alive 10-3-24 - Flatwater Free Press - ‘Quinceañeras every weekend’: Nebraska’s Latinos are increasingly native born – and eager to keep traditions alive 5-28-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska urged to become ‘most welcoming place in America’ for immigrants 5-23-24 - The Grand Island Independent (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Ayoub: Selling Nebraska to current, potential Nebraskans 5-20-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Selling Nebraska to current, potential Nebraskans 5-20-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - UNMC report sees growth, continued challenges for Nebraska's health care workforce 5-17-24 - KBEAR 92.3 FM - Health care workforce report highlights challenges, accomplishments 5-17-24 - KRVN 880 Rural Radio - Health care workforce report highlights challenges, accomplishments 5-16-24 - North Platte Post - Health care workforce report highlights challenges, accomplishments 5-16-24 - KGFW 1340 AM / 96.1 FM - Health care workforce report highlights challenges, accomplishments 4-19-24 - KMTV 3 News Now - Neighbors dreaming of being successful entrepreneurs 3-19-24 - Nebraska Examiner - U.S. census chief visits NE, touts value of data, surveys and notes ‘big change’ headed to state 2-13-24 - City NewsOKC - "Brain Drain" has grads leaving home for better opportunities 2-6-24 - Nebraska Public Media (originally published by Harvest Public Media) - Midwest 'brain drain' persists. And job opportunity is the main driver. 2-2-24 - Harvest Public Media - Midwest 'brain drain' persists. And job opportunity is the main driver. 1-1-24 - Lincoln Journal Star (originally published by Omaha World Herald) - Nebraska’s ‘Brain Drain’ Deepens, Loss of College Grads Now Among Nation’s Worst
Community and Economic Development View our community and economic development research including digital equity, economic development, rural transit, rural youth and young professional surveys, and voter turnout.
	2025 6-13-25 - First Alert 6 - Report ranks Iowa’s economy worst in country, Nebraska close behind 5-2-25 - Silicon Prairie News - Young professionals’ survey highlights challenges and opportunities for Omaha employers 4-21-25 - yahoo! news (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Omaha area survey shows better pay, transit and housing options are keys to curbing ‘brain drain’ 4-21-25 - Nebraska Examiner - Omaha area survey shows better pay, transit and housing options are keys to curbing ‘brain drain’ 2-23-25 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - A western Nebraska village voted itself out of existence. Its remaining residents are OK with their fate. 2-23-25 - KNOP News 2 (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - A western Nebraska village voted itself out of existence. Its remaining residents are OK with their fate. 2-21-25 - News Channel Nebraska (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - A western Nebraska village voted itself out of existence. Its remaining residents are OK with their fate. 2-21-25 - Flatwater Free Press - A western Nebraska village voted itself out of existence. Its remaining residents are OK with their fate. 1-9-25 - McCook Gazette - Survey: Invite young people to return home 2024 11-4-24 - KBEAR 92.3 FM - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small – town living 10-17-24 - Gering Courier (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - Editorial: Rural survey is good news, but also a call to action 10-17-24 - Auburn Nemaha County Herald - Five Years of Nebraska Youth Survey Data Reveal Strong Preference For Rural Communities 10-16-24 - Wilber Republican (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small town living 10-16-24 - Milford Times (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small town living 10-16-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - Editorial: Rural survey is good news, but also a call to action (PDF of article) 10-16-24 - Friend Sentinel (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small town living 10-12-24 - York News-Times (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - Survey shows rural students want to stay in state 10-12-24 - Grand Island Independent (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - ‘Bright future for greater Nebraska’ Survey shows rural students want to stay in state 10-11-24 - Sioux City Journal (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - Survey shows rural students want to stay in state 10-11-24 - York News-Times (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - 'Bright future for greater Nebraska': Survey shows rural students want to stay in state 10-11-24 - Kearney Hub (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - Survey: Rural Students Want to Stay in State 10-11-24 - Grand Island Independent (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - 'Bright future for greater Nebraska': Survey shows rural students want to stay in state (PDF of article) 10-9-24 - York News-Times (originally published by Lincoln Journal Star) - ‘Bright future for greater Nebraska’: Survey shows rural students want to stay in state 10-9-24 - The Dodge Criterion - NE Youth Survey Data: A Strong Preference for Rural Communities 10-9-24 - Leigh World - Five Years of Nebraska Youth Survey Data Reveal Strong Preference for Rural Communities 10-9-24 - Hooper Rustler-Sentinel - Five years of Nebraska Youth Survey data reveal strong preference for rural communities 10-8-24 - Lexington Clipper-Herald - Survey: Rural students want to stay in state 10-8-24 - Lexington Clipper-Herald - Rural youths like small-town living 10-7-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - 'Bright future for greater Nebraska': Survey shows rural students want to stay in state (PDF of article) 10-3-24 - Pawnee Republican (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 10-3-24 - Niobrara Tribune - Foundation survey indicates youth desire to return home 10-3-24 - Knox County News - Survey reveals preference of rural towns 10-3-24 - Crofton Journal - Foundation survey indicates youth desire to return home 10-2-24 - Stanton Register - Nebraska Youth Survey reveals preferences for rural towns 10-2-24 - Springview Herald - Nebraska Youth reveal strong preference for rural areas 10-2-24 - Plainview News - Youth want to return 10-2-24 - North Bend Eagle - Survey shows small town preference 10-2-24 - Grant Tribune-Sentinel - Years of Nebraska Youth Survey data reveal strong preference for rural communities 10-2-24 - Albion News - Youth survey indicates desire to move home 10-1-24 - McCook Gazette - Youth Survey shows most prefer to return home — when they can 10-1-24 - North Platte Post (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 10-1-24 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - 'What they're wanting, what they're needing': The findings from a new survey that looks at young professionals in the metro 9-30-24 - The Columbus Telegram (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 9-30-24 - The North Platte Telegraph (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 9-30-24 - Kearney Hub (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 9-30-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Survey shows Nebraska rural youths like their small-town living 9-30-24 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN Pure Nebraska - Five years of Nebraska Youth Survey data reveal strong preference for rural communities 9-26-24 - WJAG News Talk 780 AM/105.9 FM - Leadership is top challenge facing Northeast Nebraska 9-26-24 - KMTV 3 News Now - Young Professionals Survey: 88% are satisfied with overall quality of life in Omaha area 9-24-24 - Omaha World Herald - More transit, lower taxes and housing costs needed to prevent 'brain drain' in Omaha 9-8-24 - Nebraska Public Media (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - The perception is that smaller communities are dying. The reality: Many are growing, for one reason. Immigration 9-6-24 - KSNB Local 4 Hastings (originally published by Flatwater Free Press) - Nebraska Evolving: The perception is that smaller communities are dying. The reality: Many are growing, for one reason. Immigration. 9-6-24 - Flatwater Free Press - Nebraska Evolving: The perception is that Nebraska's smaller communities are dying. The reality is that many rural Nebraska counties are now growing for one reason. Immigration. 8-23-24 - North Platte Post (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska’s new $3M, regional approach to spurring economic development is off and running 8-23-24 - KMTV 3 News Now - Will climate action keep young people in Omaha? This activist thinks so 8-22-24 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska’s new $3M, regional approach to spurring economic development is off and running 8-21-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska's new $3M, regional approach to spurring economic development is off and running 8-7-24 - Aurora News-Register - Aurora, county shine when looking at regional data 8-6-24 - WJAG News Talk 780 AM/105.9 FM - Northeast region kicks off "Six Regions, One Nebraska" campaign 8-6-24 - Norfolk Daily News - Regional leaders gather for inaugural 6 Regions, One Nebraska conference in Norfolk 7-17-24 - Aurora News-Register - ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ campaign begins 7-15-24 - KSNB Local 4 Hastings - ‘Six Regions, One Nebraska Initiative’ to benefit the Tri-Cities 7-11-24 - Grand Island Independent - Grand Island event highlights economic development initiative launched in Central Nebraska 7-11-24 - Hastings Tribune - Leaders from region gather for new economic development work 6-24-24 - News Channel Nebraska Southeast - 6 Regions One Nebraska Initiative encourages whole-state view 6-24-24 - News Channel Nebraska Panhandle - 6 Regions One Nebraska Initiative encourages whole-state view 6-24-24 - KNEB 960 AM/100.3 FM - Area ‘6 Regions, 1 Nebraska’ economic development effort starts in Gering 6-24-24 - Scottsbluff Star-Herald - 'Together, we can': '6 Regions, One Nebraska' initiative launches in western Nebraska 6-21-24 - Nebraska Public Media - State of Nebraska launches regional economic development initiative 6-21-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - State implements 6 Regions, One Nebraska to help spur economic development 6-21-24 - Chadron Radio - Governor’s Office, DED, and Nebraska Chamber Kick Off “6 Regions, One Nebraska” in the Southeast Community College Region 6-18-24 - FedCommunities - Data on anchor institutions help inform decisions at local, regional, and state levels 6-3-24 - WJAG News Talk 780 AM/105.9 FM/106 KIX KQKX/97.5 KEXL (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Omaha business chamber hopes survey project will promote ‘brain gain’ 6-1-24 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Omaha business chamber hopes survey project will promote ‘brain gain’ 6-1-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Omaha business chamber hopes survey project will promote ‘brain gain’ 5-23-24 - KNOP News 2 - ‘6 Regions 1 Nebraska’ aims to help improve Nebraska communities 5-20-24 - Omaha World Herald (originally published by the North Platte Telegraph) - ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ effort links economic development to community colleges 5-20-24 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN (originally published by Nebraska Examiner) - Nebraska ‘exurbs’ outshine suburbs in latest population growth figures 5-20-24 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska ‘exurbs’ outshine suburbs in latest population growth figures 5-17-24 - Lincoln Journal Star - Lincoln gets population boost in latest Census figures 5-16-24 - First Alert 6 - Census Bureau 2023 estimates show Omaha-area city population declining as counties rise 5-15-24 - KRVN 880 Rural Radio - Governor’s Office, DED, and Nebraska Chamber Launch “6 Regions, One Nebraska” Initiative 5-15-24 - North Platte Post - Governor’s Office, DED, and State Chamber Launch “6 Regions, One Nebraska” Initiative 5-14-24 - North Platte Telegraph - Pillen kicks off ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ in North Platte 5-14-24 - Chadron Radio - Governor’s Office, DED, and Nebraska Chamber Launch “6 Regions, One Nebraska” Initiative 5-14-24 - Lincoln Journal Star (originally published by the North Platte Telegraph) - Pillen kicks off ‘6 Regions, One Nebraska’ in North Platte 5-14-24 - McCook Gazette - Officials launch 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative 5-14-24 - KNOP News 2 - Governor Jim Pillen visits North Platte to discuss new economic initiative 3-15-24 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - Developer reaffirms commitment to bring a grocery store to downtown Omaha

2023 Media Mentions

12-31-23 - Omaha World Herald - Nebraska’s ‘Brain Drain’ Deepens, Loss of College Grads Now Among Nation’s Worst
12-21-23 - Kearney Hub - Capitol View: No more work from home?
12-21-23 - McCook Gazette - Our Opinion: Time to Plug Our State’s Brain Drain
12-21-23 - Successful Farming - ‘Brain Drain’ Persists in Much of America’s Heartland
12-18-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska ‘brain drain’ persists, plus another alarm is raised by new census data
12-5-23 - Midwest Messenger - Welcome to our town: Revitalizing rural America
11-16-23 - First Alert 6 - Omaha Performing Arts working to keep talent in Nebraska
10-18-23 - KETV Newswatch 7 - 'Made their lives easier': UNO researchers evaluate Do Space Tech Pack Program
10-18-23 - Nebraska Examiner - UNL launches partnership to help Nebraska prepare for growing demand in tech careers
10-12-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Survey: Housing surpasses jobs as top reason Nebraskans moved away
9-30-23 - The Columbus Telegram - Invite young Nebraskans to build community with us
9-21-23 - Flatwater Free Press - Remote reality: Agreeable bosses, speedy internet remaking work in Sandhills
8-16-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska ranks 37th for rate of labor force that works from home
8-10-23 - 10/11 NOW KOLN/KGIN Pure Nebraska - 2023 Greater Nebraska Youth Survey Results
8-10-23 - The Columbus Telegram - Voices of the future: Survey finds Nebraska youth like smaller communities, want to stay close to home
8-9-23 - The North Platte Telegraph - Greater Nebraska Youth Survey reveals students prefer small towns, desire safety
8-8-23 - Kearney Hub (originally published by Omaha World Herald) - Nebraska youth survey shows students prefer small towns, don't feel included in community
8-8-23 - Norfolk Daily News - Survey reveals students prefer small towns, desire safety
8-7-23 - KLKN-TV Channel 8 - Nebraska survey reveals majority of rural students want to stay in small towns
8-7-23 - Omaha World Herald - Nebraska youth survey shows students prefer small towns, don't feel included in community
6-28-23 - Silicon Prairie News - Using data to grow Nebraska’s tech workforce
6-11-23 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - Chronicle: Workforce retention in Omaha
5-22-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Foreign-born Huskers contribute 8% of state economic input, report says
5-15-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Report puts Nebraska near bottom of the pack for female business ownership
4-24-23 - KIOS Omaha Public Radio Riverside Chats - Brain Drain: UNO Researcher Josie Schafer Explains Why Young, Educated Nebraskans Are Leaving, and What That Means for the Workforce
4-15-23 - Lincoln Journal Star - Editorial 4/16: Fighting brain drain about more than tax rates
4-14-23 - 13 News WIBW - City of Manhattan set to put out 2023 community survey next week
3-29-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Job opportunities, not taxes, top of mind when people migrate, UNO researcher says
3-7-23 - The Daily Nebraskan - NE brain drain is growing despite increase in high-skill, high-wage jobs
3-7-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Brain gain starts with nurturing a desire for purpose
2-14-23 - First Alert 6 - Brain drain: A deeper look into why Nebraskans are leaving the state
2-13-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska’s shifting workforce demands amid ‘brain drain’ should sound alarm, researcher says
2-11-23 - Lincoln Journal Star - NU looking to reverse trend of Nebraska losing college graduates to other states
1-6-23 - Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska ‘housing council’ launches with plan for 35,000 new affordable dwellings

2022 Notable Media Mentions

2-3-22 - Nebraska Public Media - Nebraska Focused: Building Our Future
1-9-22 - KETV NewsWatch 7 - Shifting occupations, aging population and leaving Nebraska all reasons for tightening workforce, shortages

2021 Notable Media Mentions

7-20-21 - Silicon Prairie News - Do remote workers benefit the economies where they live?
4-6-21 - Omaha World Herald - UNO centers drive, measure economic impact across Nebraska amid pandemic

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