Courtesy of Connoisseur Media Lincoln.LINCOLN–(News Release Apr. 17)–Thursday,  the Lancaster County Board (“County Board”) approved the allocation of $12 million in Visitors Improvement funding to support local organizations’ efforts to expand and enhance their visitor attractions.  Thi s allocation of tourism grant funds advances a long-term objective under the Lancaster County Board’s Community Economic Prosperity strategic priority; specifically, to invest in tourism infrastructure and strategic partnerships to expand visitor experiences, strengthen the local economy, and generate revenue to reinvest in facilities, programs, and future growth. The Visitors Improvement Fund, derived from a portion of Lancaster County’s 4% lodging tax, is used to promote, encourage, and attract visitors to come to Lancaster County and use the travel and tourism facilities within our community.  The Fund is critical to updating and revitalizing our local facilities and assets to ensure Lancaster County remains a premier tourist destination. For the 2026 Visitors Improvement Fund Grant cycle, the Visitors Promotion Committee and Lancaster County received more than $32 million worth of requests for 17 proposed projects within Lancaster County. The 2026 cycle’s awards include the following organizations and allocations: Meadowlane Pool – $400,000 Lincoln Parks Foundation – MRO – $330,000 Star City Optimist Foundation – $750,000 DLA – Old City Hall – $250,000 Museum of American Speed – $500,000 Lincoln Youth Football – $750,000 Sheldon Museum – $1,000,000 Lincoln Sports Foundation – $1,000,000 Lincoln Children’s Zoo – $2,520,000 Lincoln Children’s Museum – $300,000 UNSM – Elephant Hall – $1,000,000 Sandhills Youth Complex – $2,000,000 Lied Center – $1,200,000 Christa Yoakum, Lancaster County Board Chair, stated, “We are very fortunate in Lancaster County to have so many local organizations striving for what makes our community a great place to live and visit.  I am pleased that our tourism grant funds will support both the enhancement of beloved local attractions and innovative new projects, such as a fully accessible pool and girls’ flag football program.  Through our strategic allocations, we were able to support arts, athletics, and family-friendly venues, catering to a wide range of interests.  These investments bolster Lancaster County’s reputation as a robust and attractive tourist destination.” Jeff Maul, Executive Director of Visit Lincoln, commented, “It is great to see the role our County Board of Commissioners plays in creating a positive economic impact through its investment in tourism attractions. Through the work of Visit Lincoln and the members of the Visitors Promotion Committee, tourism remains a vital engine in driving sales and lodging tax revenues by contributing to a growing tourism skyline that enhances opportunities for visitors and residents alike.” Established in 1859, Lancaster County is Nebraska’s second most populated county. Home to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lancaster County is a growing and dynamic community. In collaboration with the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County provides a variety of services for residents and has been nationally recognized for its cooperation and progressive attitude in service to residents. The mission of the Lancaster County Board is to provide innovative, sustainable governmental services for a healthy, safe, diverse, and vibrant community. For more information about Lancaster County please visit the website at www.lancaster.ne.gov or call 402-441-7447. ...read more read less