Cass County Community Development Workshop
Friday, June 13, 2025 – Weeping Water, NE — A recent visit to Weeping Water for the Cass County Community Development Workshop brought fresh focus to the aging yet historically significant buildings that define many of Nebraska’s Main Streets. Local community leaders and professionals gathered to explore both the challenges these structures face and the opportunities they present.
The workshop, held at the Weeping Water Community Building, was led by Josh Charvat, Executive Director of the Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council. Aly Ramage, Executive Director of the Nebraska Main Street Network, served as the featured subject matter expert, offering resources, solutions, and real-world examples to guide attendees.
Lively and constructive discussions centered around the condition of downtown buildings and the broader vision for revitalizing historic business districts. Participants shared stories from their own communities, voiced concerns about deterioration, and proposed ideas for restoring and repurposing buildings in their downtown cores.
Key issues discussed included:
- Access to funding and grants
- Vacant properties
- Effective use of ground-floor space
- Challenges with absentee property owners
A tailored list of resources was compiled and shared with attendees to help address their specific community needs.
“Workshops like these show that community leaders are not alone in trying to revitalize their Main Streets,” said Aly Ramage. “Many towns are facing similar challenges—limited funding, vacancies, absentee owners. It’s important for local champions to know they are part of a larger network of people working toward the same goals. That’s the power of being involved in the Nebraska Main Street Network—we connect communities with people and tools to help them succeed.”
The event closed with a renewed sense of purpose and momentum. Josh Charvat announced plans to host additional workshops aimed at equipping local leaders with knowledge and encouragement. Recommended next steps for attendees include forming a stakeholder working group, applying for available assistance programs, and developing a formal Main Street revitalization plan.
