Statement from Lincoln Chamber President & CEO Jason Ball

The following is a statement from Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jason Ball, regarding a recent report by the state auditor’s office about business incentives.

“We respectfully disagree with Auditor Foley’s characterization of Nebraska’s business incentive programs,” said Jason Ball, President & CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Performance-based incentives are not giveaways — they are strategic, results-driven tools designed to generate measurable job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic growth across our state.

“Nebraska’s key incentive programs, including the Nebraska Advantage Act and the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, are structured to ensure accountability and return on investment. Companies must meet clearly defined job creation, wage, and capital investment thresholds before earning any benefits. Under ImagiNE Nebraska, businesses have a multi-year window to reach those benchmarks, and tax credits are awarded only after commitments are fulfilled and new jobs are created in Nebraska communities.

“Both programs include statutory claw back provisions to protect taxpayers and hold companies accountable if they fail to meet their obligations. These safeguards demonstrate that Nebraska’s incentive framework is built on performance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

“Nebraska competes every day with other states that aggressively utilize performance-based incentives to attract and retain employers. To remain competitive from an incentive standpoint, our state must maintain strong, modern economic development tools that align with today’s site selection realities. Weakening or mischaracterizing these programs diminishes Nebraska’s ability to compete nationally and globally for investment and jobs. 

“The Lincoln Chamber welcomes thoughtful review and continuous improvement of our economic development strategies. At the same time, any evaluation must fully account for the expanded tax base, increased payroll, private capital investment, and community growth these programs have helped generate.

“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and its members remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen our workforce, support community vitality, and ensure Nebraska remains competitive for long-term job and wage growth.”