Regional Development Initiative Program - Navigator Phase

Nebraska LB1412 (2024) appropriated $3 million in SLFRF to the Department of Economic Development (“DED”) for regional workforce development initiatives within each of the six community college areas as defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 85-1504 (the “6 Regions”). DED will deploy the $3 million in two phases: the Navigator Phase and the Initiatives Phase. In the Navigator Phase, the RDI program provides $1.8 million for the selected subrecipient to employ Regional Navigators for each of the 6 Regions. The Navigators will host regional meetings with a variety of interested local leaders, identify and plan responses to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and propose regional COVID-responsive initiatives to be considered for funding during the Initiatives Phase.

For program guidelines, please refer to: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/rdi/

A qualified nonprofit organization means an entity that has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt status that: (a) Has a presence in all six Community College Regions within the State of Nebraska; (b) Is able to hire Part-Time to Full-Time Equivalent Employees (Regional Navigators) in each of the six Community College Regions before July 31, 2024 and employ through September 30, 2026; (c) Capable of providing ongoing support to the Regional Navigators for each of the six community college regions.

Resources: General and Program specific user guides and videos can be found at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/amplifund/. Statewide Relay System: Individuals, who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TTY, may contact the Department through the Statewide Relay System by calling (800) 833-7352 (TTY) or (800) 833-0920 (voice). The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505 or (402) 471-3111.