Photo: Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and DED Interim Director Maureen Larsen receive a tour of Garfield County Frontier Fairgrounds in Burwell, home to Nebraska’s Big Rodeo.
Investments in childcare, housing, tourism, and downtown revitalization earn Leadership Certified Community designation
BURWELL, NE (October 16, 2025) – The City of Burwell has been recognized as Nebraska’s newest Leadership Certified Community (LCC) by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and DED Interim Director Maureen Larsen presented the designation during a ceremony in Burwell, highlighting the community’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its local economy and enhance quality of life for residents.
“Burwell’s investments in homebuilding, childcare, and downtown revitalization have positioned the community for growth,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. “Additionally, it has been inspiring to see Burwell persevere through storms to host Nebraska’s Big Rodeo—one of the state’s top tourism events. In doing so, the community has showcased the resilience and tenacity that define our state.”
Burwell, with a population of 1,019, becomes the 29th community to achieve the LCC designation since the program’s creation in 2011. The certification recognizes municipalities that demonstrate long-term strategic planning, technological readiness, and proactive community development. To qualify, LCCs must maintain updated online marketing efforts and implement measurable plans for business expansion, housing, and infrastructure.
Over the past several years, Burwell has made significant strides in multiple development areas:
- Tourism & Infrastructure: Following the 2022 derecho storm that caused extensive damage to the Garfield County Frontier Fairgrounds, home of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, local leaders rebuilt the north grandstand using steel and pre-cast concrete. Through the DED-administered Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Tourism Development Program, additional improvements included a new east grandstand, ADA-compliant restrooms, and upgraded concession areas. When storms again struck in June 2025, community volunteers mobilized quickly to prepare the facility for that summer’s rodeo.
- Planning & Growth: In 2024, Burwell’s City Council adopted a strategic and capital improvement plan, comprehensive plan, and zoning regulations to guide future development. Priority areas include wastewater system updates, accessibility enhancements, and continued downtown revitalization, which has supported improvements at nearly half of Burwell’s downtown businesses.
- Housing Development: With assistance from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF), Burwell secured $520,650 in 2022 for the construction of two new single-family homes, with plans for three additional homes in 2026.
- Childcare Expansion: The community celebrated the opening of a new childcare center in 2024, addressing a critical need for local families. Future plans include expanded childcare capacity, new housing projects, park improvements, and continued infrastructure upgrades.
“The City of Burwell and Burwell Economic Development have taken intentional steps to create thoughtful plans for our community and, most importantly, to put those plans into practice,” said Mayor James Petersen. “Transitioning into the role of Mayor has been both smooth and rewarding because of the strong foundation of leadership already in place here in Burwell.”
Mayor Petersen added that the LCC designation will help guide Burwell’s ongoing efforts to build a thriving, resilient, and inclusive community. “Having the opportunity to lead with this toolbox of resources, strategies, and community cooperation has allowed me to step into the mayoral position with confidence,” he said. “It has been an impactful experience both personally and professionally, and I am honored to continue working alongside our residents and partners to move Burwell forward.”
For more information about the Leadership Certified Community Program, contact Kelly Gewecke at kelly.gewecke@nebraska.gov or 308-627-3151, or visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/lcc/.
