Same pothole repair goal, decrease in Pavement Maintenance Program funding in proposed Omaha budget

Omaha's 2027 budget proposal lists the same pothole repair time goal as 2025 and 2026. KETV is looking into the details of Public Works Department funding.

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2027 Omaha budget proposal: Same pothole repair goal, decrease in Pavement Maintenance Program funding

OMAHA, Neb. —

Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.’s 2027 budget proposal lists no change in the Public Works Department’s repair rate.

The proposal includes a nearly 8% increase in public works funding, though the Pavement Maintenance Organization is set to face an about 8% decrease in funding, amounting to about $3 million.

The Pavement Maintenance Organization is responsible for maintaining concrete and asphalt road surfaces, crack sealing, mud jacking, and guardrail maintenance. In 2025, $40.6 million was spent in the program. This year, $36.4 million is allotted. The 2027 proposal allots $33.4 million.

Parks and public safety, not Public Works, were the focus of the mayor’s budget presentation to the council on Tuesday.

The Public Works Department said it received all the funding it requested this year. The division overseeing street maintenance, Street Capital Construction and Maintenance, is expected to see a slight decrease in its allotted funding.

Mayor Ewing addressed Omaha’s streets during a budget briefing with media on Tuesday.

“I think the Public Works Department has been very responsive,” Ewing said. “They’ve been working overtime and other things to make sure they get the potholes done as they’re reported.”

Ewing expressed confidence in the overall condition of Omaha’s streets.

“I think the quality of streets in Omaha are pretty good,” he said. “They could be better, of course, especially right after winter when you have the major issues with potholes. But if you really look at the streets in the city of Omaha, they are in pretty good condition.”

A Public Works Department spokesperson said a response to KETV’s follow-up questions was not possible on Tuesday afternoon.

Millions of dollars in bond-supported work to replace Omaha streets are conducted annually. Ewing also noted that the city has received additional funding for state-owned roads within Omaha and is seeking a stronger partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

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