Regional Attributes
With approximately 250,000 people, the city of Lincoln combines the friendly ambiance of a small town with the amenities of a major metropolitan area. A stable business environment coupled with a Midwestern work-ethic, access to efficient transportation and myriad cultural, educational and recreational amenities make Lincoln an attractive destination for families and business.
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#1 Best State in Overall Tax Climate for New Business and R&D
by Tax Foundation
#3 Transportation Infrastructure Performance
by US Chamber of Commerce
#5 Significant Economic Development Projects in the Region
by Site Selection Magazine
Well-Educated and Sizable Workforce
Lincoln boasts a high standard of education, ranking 31st in the nation out of 200 cities by Forbes magazine. The city is home to the largest university in Nebraska with over 24,000 students producing well-qualified engineers, while providing a source for temporary workers for product assembly, packaging, warehouse operations or call centers. The University of Nebraska produces world-class research in agriculture, food processing and technology with a new innovation campus underway. US Census Bureau; Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.
Competitive Wages
Lincoln wage levels are competitive with comparable locations and the national average.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment and Wage Estimates – May 2014
Affordable Cost of Living
Lincoln's overall cost of living is 6% below the national average.
Sterling's Best Places 2014
Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers
Reasonable Utilities
Nebraska is the nation’s only completely public power state allowing Nebraska’s electrical utilities to focus on providing low-cost power rather than increasing shareholder profits. Nebraska’s utilities are financed through tax-exempt revenue bonds resulting in lower interest rates on borrowed funds. Lincoln’s electrics costs and natural gas prices are competitive with those of surrounding states.
Lincoln Electric System Regional Utility Rate Comparison (2013) and Energy Information Administration (Latest Year 2012)
Competitive Construction Costs
Construction costs in Lincoln are 13% below the national average. Construction cost index includes site infrastructure and equipment to building finishing costs.
Financial Support
The Lincoln Airport Authority has a demonstrated history of working with potential tenants to structure long-term agreements beneficial to all parties. Tenants in Enterprise Park many be exempt from both property taxes and impact fees. Additional resources may be available for infrastructure-related projects and workforce training through the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED).
Foreign Trade Zone Status
Tracts 13, 16 and 17 and parts of 14 and 15 are included in Foreign Trade Zone #59 designated by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. FTZ status allows businesses to defer duty payment on imports until they are released for use in the United States. Goods re-exported avoid paying duty fees altogether. Full FTZ coverage for tracts 14 and 15 can be easily obtained.