Report on the Resignation of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development Director

Introduction

Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development (DED) Director, K.C. Belitz, is scheduled to resign effective July 18, 2025, as announced by Governor Jim Pillen. This report outlines the key aspects of Belitz’s tenure, his contributions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the future leadership plans for the department.

Leadership Transition

• K.C. Belitz will step down as Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development on July 18, 2025.
• An interim director will be appointed, with a search for a permanent replacement to be announced at a later date.

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

During his tenure, K.C. Belitz spearheaded several initiatives that strongly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on economic growth, innovation, and sustainable communities.

1. Promotion of Inclusive Economic Growth (SDG 8):
   • Oversaw projects such as Read Nebraska and 6 Regions, One Nebraska, which aim to foster regional economic development and business growth.
   • Managed the Governor’s New Venture Competition, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
2. Reduction of Inequalities (SDG 10):
   • Directed the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants through state and local programs, with a focus on underserved areas such as North and South Omaha.
3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9):
   • Facilitated the attraction of companies in bioeconomy, manufacturing, and technology sectors, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
4. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11):
   • Supported community growth initiatives to enable families to thrive, build careers, and raise children within Nebraska.

Statements from Leadership

“K.C. is a committed public servant, whose entire career has been about growing local communities and growing Nebraska. Over the past two years, he has been a positive champion for bringing new business to the state and fostering relationships that will allow Nebraska to continue attracting companies involved in the bioeconomy, manufacturing, technology and other industries. I appreciate all that K.C. has done as director of DED and wish him the very best in all future endeavors.” – Governor Jim Pillen

“It has been a pleasure to serve Gov. Pillen and the people of Nebraska in this role. It has afforded me the chance to meet stakeholders across Nebraska who care deeply about their communities, making investments and creating opportunities so that families can raise their kids, have great careers, and thrive in their home state. That has been immensely satisfying, and I’m appreciative of those many relationships.” – K.C. Belitz

Conclusion

K.C. Belitz’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development. His leadership has contributed to advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable communities. The department will continue its mission under new leadership to maintain progress toward these global objectives.

Copyright 2025 WOWT. All rights reserved.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses economic development initiatives, business growth, and fostering new industries in Nebraska, which align with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The focus on attracting companies involved in bioeconomy, manufacturing, and technology supports building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions investments and grants in North and South Omaha, indicating efforts to develop sustainable and inclusive urban communities.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between state and local programs and stakeholders reflects the strengthening of partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Economic Growth and Employment Indicators
   • Number and value of grants issued through state and local programs (implied measure of investment in economic development).
   • Number of new businesses attracted or created in sectors like bioeconomy, manufacturing, and technology.
   • Employment rates or job creation statistics in Nebraska, particularly in North and South Omaha.
2. Innovation and Industrialization Indicators
   • Participation and outcomes of initiatives such as the Governor’s New Venture Competition (implying innovation and entrepreneurship).
   • Growth in technological capabilities and industrial sector performance.
3. Urban Development Indicators
   • Investment levels in urban areas like North and South Omaha.
   • Community development and stakeholder engagement metrics.
4. Partnership Indicators
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between state, local programs, and stakeholders.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wowt.com