College of Architecture, Extension helping shape Ogallala’s future

In Ogallala and other Nebraska towns, local leaders are teaming up with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Architecture and Nebraska Extension to shape practical, community-driven solutions for long-term growth and resilience.

Offered through the college’s Community and Regional Planning program, the collaborations aim to encourage growth or recovery in communities to ensure a promising future for all Nebraskans. The CRP program — which works with communities based on needs, timing and availability — chose Ogallala due to its need to establish a 20-year vision.

“This program gives Ogallala the opportunity to think about how the community can be more sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly for the future,” said Zhenghong Tang, professor of community and regional planning and associate dean for research and innovation in the College of Architecture.

The Community and Regional Planning program reaches various parts of Nebraska by leveraging Nebraska Extension’s network of stakeholders and communities and then utilizes the College of Architecture’s breadth of knowledge in community planning and design to benefit rural and urban communities.

The real-world case studies allow the students to apply classroom lessons to provide communities with tailored strategies.

Karlie Gerlach | IANR Media

Throughout the spring semester, students conducted stakeholder interviews and community surveys, and hosted an open house to help Ogallala create its next 20-year vision. 

“Student-led initiatives can translate a youthful vision back to rural Nebraska that can revitalize those communities,” said Kevin Wilkins, Ogallala’s city manager. 

At the open house, key aspects of the plan were presented in such areas as quality of life, human services, housing and redevelopment, energy conservation, transportation, land use and the built environment. 

Sharing these concepts with Ogallala residents prepared students for the next step: documenting the voices of the public to shape a better plan.

Wilkins said now is the right time to plan for Ogallala’s future, with current transportation improvements, lake developments, and a comprehensive planning process underway in Keith County.

The primary goal is to increase Ogallala’s population to at least 5,000 people to be considered a growing regional hub. The students’ planning process will solidify the vision to reach that mark.

Wilkins said it is crucial for towns to take advantage of economic opportunities and inspire growth in their communities.

“The collaboration in this project is a translation of how the University of Nebraska supports its citizens in greater Nebraska,” he said. 

Learn more about the Community and Regional Planning program.