McCook City Council Adopts 2026–2036 Comprehensive Plan, Receives Sports Complex Update

McCook, Neb. - The McCook City Council approved the City’s new 2026–2036 Comprehensive Plan following a public hearing during Monday night’s regular meeting.

The plan, developed over roughly two years with consultant firm Miller & Associates, is intended to guide future development decisions, land use, infrastructure planning, and growth strategy for the next decade and beyond.

City Attorney Nate Mustion entered five exhibits into the record during the public hearing, including the city manager report, public hearing notice, adoption resolution, the full comprehensive plan document, and recent Planning Commission meeting minutes.

Consultants Craig Bennett and Jason Combs of Miller & Associates presented highlights and recent updates to the plan, noting that several data tables, maps, and figures were updated in the past week to reflect current city limits and infrastructure changes.

They emphasized that the plan includes:

• Updated demographic and infrastructure data

• Existing and future land use maps

• Annexation planning scenarios

• Infrastructure and utility capacity analysis

• Community survey and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) results

• Long-range goals including housing, recreation, redevelopment, and brownfield opportunities

Consultants noted that McCook stands out regionally for having more daily inbound commuters than outbound, suggesting opportunity for residential growth if housing and amenities align with workforce needs.

City staff and council members said the document is used regularly when reviewing zoning requests, special exceptions, annexation questions, and development proposals.

Following the public hearing, council approved Resolution 2026-05 formally adopting the comprehensive plan.

City Manager Nate Schneider said the plan reflects extensive public input gathered through meetings, surveys, and steering committee work.

“This is more than just a book,” Bennett told council. “It’s a tool for decision-making over the next 10 years.”

Sports Complex Progress Update

Council also received an update on the youth sports complex project, with officials reporting continued progress on site development and infrastructure.

Recent activity includes:

• Ongoing sewer and water infrastructure work

• Design coordination on retail and development planning

• Site visits by Mammoth Sports Construction representatives

• A scheduled retail strategy meeting with Retail Coach consultants

• Adjustments to site layout for aesthetics, access, and maintenance needs

Officials said winter weather has allowed steady construction progress, and turf installation is expected this spring. The project is still targeting a summer opening, with timing dependent on remaining construction phases.

City staff encouraged residents to contact City Hall if they would like to tour the property and better understand development opportunities tied to the complex.

ACE Energy Program Funds Return to Community

Council also heard an update on the ACE energy aggregation program. The program will return $19,380 to McCook this year for local community projects. Officials reported the city now has approximately $61,000 available through the program, which has funded past projects including park improvements, public safety equipment, community events, and recreation upgrades. Residents will be able to select energy suppliers during the upcoming choice period from April 2–22.

Council members thanked residents who choose ACE suppliers, noting that ACE is currently the only participating supplier that returns funds directly to member communities.