Omaha Joins 14-City Bloomberg Philanthropies Program to Expand Granny Flats

Omaha is one of 14 U.S. cities selected for a Bloomberg Philanthropies program to expand accessory dwelling unit construction, with up to $750,000 in grant funding. The Yahoo report said the city aims to at least double its annual ADU production.

Omaha's ADU Push With Bloomberg Philanthropies

Accessory dwelling units, also called granny flats or in-law suites, are second or smaller homes on the same lot as a primary house. Omaha chose ADUs as its focus and will work with and adapt Austin's model to local demands and rules, said Eric Englund, deputy city planning director, who will spearhead the city's role.

"We're excited for the opportunity," Englund said Friday. "We think we can make some great improvements in helping to increase production of ADU units."

Omaha changed its zoning code in 2024 to expand ADU development, but officials said production has not been sufficient, likely because of a lack of builders specializing in the ADU model and barriers from lending institutions. Englund said 30 to 35 ADUs have been built or approved since the code loosened. "It's an increase, but it's not substantial," he said.

Grant funding is to go toward engaging architects to draft permit-ready ADU plans and adding technology to streamline the permit process. Travel expenses would be covered by Bloomberg separately from the grant, Bloomberg representatives said. Mayor John Ewing Jr. called the initiative "another critical tool toward achieving that goal."

Bloomberg Philanthropies points to San Diego's digitized permitting process, Atlanta's housing strike force teams and an ADU increase in Austin. Austin amended its city code in 2015, partly by reducing the minimum lot size for an ADU, and in 2023 and 2024 legalized up to three homes on most single-family lots. ADU permits issued from 2015 to 2024 grew to 260 per year, up from an average of 37 annually in the previous decade.

"We looked at cities that had already made a commitment to zoning reform, softening the ground for supply," said Bloomberg's James Anderson.

Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, said in a press release that cities have been taking action to ease the housing shortage that is driving up rents and pushing homeownership out of reach. "As local governments address this issue, we have a great opportunity to spread the best ideas across the country," he said.

Bloomberg Philanthropies' Housing Funding Record

According to akta.pro company records, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $4.3 billion globally in 2025 and invests in 150 countries. The organization's lifetime giving from Mike Bloomberg reached $25.4 billion as of 2025. In June 2026, it announced a $90 million National Skilled Trades Initiative to accelerate about 15,000 U.S. high school students into Registered Apprenticeships across 9 regions, with Ford Motor Company as a co-investor for an automotive technician pipeline.

Earlier Bloomberg Housing Selections

On October 19, 2026, HousingWire reported that Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a housing initiative to expand three city-led models from Atlanta, Austin and San Diego to up to 30 municipalities, with selected cities receiving $450,000 to $750,000 each for technology pilots and operational support. On October 17, 2026, Yahoo reported that Columbia, South Carolina, was selected as one of 15 U.S. cities to join the initiative, expecting results within two years. On October 21, 2026, American City Business Journals reported that Louisville was selected as one of 15 cities in the first round of the program.

What Comes Next for Omaha

Potential exists for 16 additional cities to join the program later, and other cities across Nebraska and the nation will have access to strategies and outcomes on Bloomberg's Idea Exchange site. Participation also positions Omaha for federal incentives under the ROAD to Housing Act, organizers said.