Economic Development
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A Great Place to Live and Work!
Cambridge is more than just the rural standard when it comes to economic growth. Working in Cambridge also brings the best aspects of living in a small town: zero commute, a low cost of living, plus a warm sense of community and high civic engagement.
Staff & Board Members
Staff Member
Melissa Jackson
Executive Director, Economic Development
(308) 697-3711
edcity@swnebr.net
City of Cambridge
722 Patterson Street
Cambridge, NE 69022
Econ Dev Meeting Minutes
| Date | Minutes |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2025 | Minutes |
| Date | Minutes |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2024 | Minutes |
| November 13, 2024 | Minutes |
| October 9, 2024 | Minutes |
| September 11, 2024 | Minutes |
| August 14, 2024 | Minutes |
| July 10, 2024 | Minutes |
| June 12, 2024 | Minutes |
| May 15, 2024 | Minutes |
| April 10, 2024 | Minutes |
| March 13, 2024 | Minutes |
| February 14, 2024 | Minutes |
| January 10, 2024 | Minutes |
| Date | Minutes |
|---|---|
| December 13, 2023 | Minutes |
| November 8, 2023 | Minutes |
| October 11, 2023 | Minutes |
| September 13, 2023 | Minutes |
| August 16, 2023 | Minutes |
| July 12, 2023 | Minutes |
| June 14, 2023 | Minutes |
| May 17, 2023 | Minutes |
| April 12, 2023 | Minutes |
| March 8, 2023 | Minutes |
| February 8, 2023 | Minutes |
| January 11, 2023 | Minutes |
Board Members
Tom Shoemaker
President
Darcy Johnson
Vice President
Jan tenBensel
Treasurer
Derek Downer
Board Member
Jarod Albers
Board Member
Lori Harding
Board Member
Randy Heitmann
Board Member
Judy Jackson
Board Member
Jason Weiss
Board Member
Annual Reports
Housing Resources
One major advantage of living in Cambridge is the low cost of housing compared with nearly every other location in the U.S.
Here, we will provide you with housing information outlining the types of housing available in Cambridge, whether you’re looking for a rental home, to purchase an existing home, or to build a new one. Just peruse the categories in the left column to see what’s available.
Or if you are interested in fixing up a home in Cambridge, refer to the Housing Rehab Program.
Of course, if you have questions, contact the executive director of economic development at (308) 697-3711.
Additional Resources
Free Lots in Harvest Meadows
Secure a FREE lot in Harvest Meadows, an expanding commercial and housing neighborhood on the east end of the city.
This neighborhood is located just off Highway 6/34, is right next to Cross Creek Golf Links, has water and sewer mains installed on each lot, as well as fiber to the homes. If you decide to build in Harvest Meadows, you agree to sign a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) contract that diverts the county’s share of your property taxes to the city for 15 years, to cover the costs of public improvements in place on the lots. Sign a Statement of Interest and deliver it to the City office to get started.
Down-Payment Assistance
0% Down Payment Assistance Loans
The Economic Development Board applies for grants to help Cambridge residents bridge the gap to building a new home—the down payment! The Board uses these funds to work with your home lender to give your a 0% down-payment loan.
Purpose
To provide financial assistance to individuals who would qualify for a mortgage loan at a financial institution if they had sufficient down payment. Download information and an application for assistance purchasing a new home or an existing home.
Guidelines
- For individuals buying or building a primary residence—not for speculative projects
- $200 application fee
- Subject to availability of funds, loans are limited to 15% of purchase price with a maximum of $15,000 for those purchasing an existing home; or $30,000 for those building a new home, including one in Harvest Meadows.
- CED needs a full, complete application, employment verification and lender pre-approval letter prior to a regularly scheduled Board meeting the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Applications will be reviewed at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. No exceptions.
- Residence must be within the city limits of Cambridge
- Existing Residence: 0% fixed rate loan with a 10-year maturity and deferred payments for 6 months after closing
- New Build: 0% fixed rate loan with a 10-year maturity and deferred payments for 6 months on first $15,000, 2% on amount loaned beyond that and up to $30,000
- Borrower must own and reside in home for the length of the loan or repay the balance in full upon sale of the home
- Borrow must provide proof of insurance with Cambridge Economic Development (CED) listed as a loss payee (second on mortgage)
- Borrower must provide proof of property taxes being paid
- Your loan payment will be added to your monthly utility bill
- CED will file a secondary lien on the property which will not be released until loan has been paid in full
- Borrower must have approval from a financial institution to fund the purchase with a down payment and a letter stating such will be provided to CED.
- Funds will be wire transferred to closing agent/lender on closing date
- Your loan payment will be ACH through Waypoint Bank to the City at no additional charge
- All applications must be approved by the CED before funding
- If lender is out of the area, it still must be approved by CED
- If borrower is building a new home, it must be complete within 18 months of the closing date, or loan must be paid in full.
- For individuals buying or building a primary residence—not for speculative projects
- $200 application fee
- Subject to availability of funds, loans are limited to 15% of purchase price with a maximum of $15,000 for those purchasing an existing home; or $30,000 for those building a new home, including one in Harvest Meadows.
- CED needs a full, complete application, employment verification and lender pre-approval letter prior to a regularly scheduled Board meeting the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Applications will be reviewed at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. No exceptions.
- Residence must be within the city limits of Cambridge
- Existing Residence: 0% fixed rate loan with a 10-year maturity and deferred payments for 6 months after closing
- New Build: 0% fixed rate loan with a 10-year maturity and deferred payments for 6 months on first $15,000, 2% on amount loaned beyond that and up to $30,000
- Borrower must own and reside in home for the length of the loan or repay the balance in full upon sale of the home
- Borrow must provide proof of insurance with Cambridge Economic Development (CED) listed as a loss payee (second on mortgage)
- Borrower must provide proof of property taxes being paid
- Your loan payment will be added to your monthly utility bill
- CED will file a secondary lien on the property which will not be released until loan has been paid in full
- Borrower must have approval from a financial institution to fund the purchase with a down payment and a letter stating such will be provided to CED.
- Funds will be wire transferred to closing agent/lender on closing date
- Your loan payment will be ACH through Waypoint Bank to the City at no additional charge
- All applications must be approved by the CED before funding
- If lender is out of the area, it still must be approved by CED
- If borrower is building a new home, it must be complete within 18 months of the closing date, or loan must be paid in full.
Low Income Housing
Residents in Cambridge have two options for low-income housing. That means homes wherein a resident’s income determines the level of monthly payment due:
Parkside Manor
Cambridge Housing Authority
209 Nelson Street
Cambridge, NE 69022
(308) 697-3819
cambhous@swnebr.net
This complex of 33 ground-level air-conditioned one-bedroom apartments is right across the street from McKinley Park and just a block from downtown Cambridge. Onsite mail delivery and laundry facilities are available and yard upkeep and utilities are included, except for phone and cable TV service. No age restrictions and rent based on income and allowances. This is Equal Opportunity Housing.
Get the latest income requirements and other details at Cambridge Housing Authority.
Medicine Creek Apartments
Paxton & Neville Streets
Cambridge, NE 69022
(308) 697-3595
This is a complex of 16 ground-level 2- and 3-bedroom apartments with private entrances. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer are included, as is a single car attached garage. Onsite mail delivery available, and ground maintenance included. Some of the units are income-restricted so potential renters must meet income qualifications, while some of them are not restricted by income.
Call (308) 697-3595 to get an application.
Senior Living
Heritage Plaza
For seniors who are ready to escape the responsibility of home ownership and live life in a more relaxed way, Heritage Plaza offers an independent and secure alternative in Cambridge.
This attractive facility features efficiency, one and two-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchenette for preparing light meals and entertaining if you choose to. Three full meals are served daily in a beautiful and spacious dining room that is also the scene of many social activities. You’ll and your guests will also have access to recreation and craft rooms as well scheduled social activities. Heritage Plaza also offers:
- Garages
- Internet and email service
- Personal mailboxes
- Coin-operated laundry
- Chapel and worship services
- Beauty and barber shop
For more information or to book a tour, please contact Joyce Deaver at (308) 697-1164.
Assisted Living
Tri Valley Assisted Living
Tri Valley Health System offers a complete range of options in senior living accommodations. For those in need of fulltime skilled care, there is Cambridge Manor, which offers modern, attractive Assisted Living units.
Assisted Living residents have the comfort of knowing that a Medication Aide is on duty 24 hours a day to provide assistance in an emergency, and to help with everyday tasks. Those who live in the Assisted Living apartments also enjoy the convenience of three meals per day, housekeeping, and convenient laundry facilities.
Both efficiency suites and one-bedroom apartments are available in the 20-unit Assisted Living area. The apartments are located one block north of Cambridge Memorial Hospital, convenient to Tri Valley Health System’s Cambridge campus.
For information, call Deanna Weaver at Tri Valley Assisted Living at (308) 697-4423. You are also welcome to call the administrator, Joyce Deaver, at (308) 697-1164.
Nursing Home
Cambridge Manor Nursing Home
The goal of Cambridge Manor is to help each resident meet their spiritual, social and physical needs in an atmosphere of love and support.
The Manor is a licensed nursing facility, providing a home for those who are in need of supervised living. The scope of care ranges from minimal assistance to total care, including bathing, dressing and assistance at meals.
Cambridge Manor is devoted to providing a safe, clean, comfortable, home-like environment and encourages use of personal belongings when possible. It is also comforting to know that the Manor is attached to Cambridge Memorial Hospital, providing immediate access to medical services.
For more information about Cambridge Manor, call Joyce Deaver at (308) 697-1164.