Omaha kids summer sports programs at PACE may get city boost [Video]

Omaha city officials are discussing restarting city funding to revive the financially strapped Police Athletics for Community Engagement, which has long provided summer sports to kids.

City Council President Pete Festersen proposed Wednesday that the city allocate $100,000 this summer to support the free programs.

Mayor Jean Stothert also sent a letter to PACE’s new management team and board Wednesday inviting them to apply for up to $100,000 in the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget. Her letter said that the city is prepared to allow the organization to continue using city athletic fields and facilities and that Police Chief Todd Schmaderer is willing to allow police officers to continue as PACE volunteers.

Though critical of Festersen’s proposal, Stothert told The World-Herald the city may be able to provide some money to help keep PACE going this summer. She said Wednesday that her office was “already working on a corrective action …