Who We Are

The Panhandle Area Development District (PADD) is a regional organization serving 11 counties across the Nebraska Panhandle. We connect communities and businesses to the funding, know-how, and partnerships they need to thrive.

Our Mission

To empower the people of the Nebraska Panhandle to build vibrant communities, a strong economy, and a good life right where they are.

Here’s what that looks like day to day:

Securing project funding

Financing local businesses

Leading regional planning

Connecting people to the right resources

Who We Serve

Community leaders and volunteers working to improve their communities

Municipal officials managing tight budgets and big needs

Business owners looking to start, grow, or transition ownership

Residents who care about the future of where they live

We serve 37 member municipalities across 11 counties in the Nebraska Panhandle, a region of around 75,000 people.

Banner

Box Butte

Cheyenne

Dawes

Deuel

Garden

Kimbal

Morrill

Scotts Bluff

Sheridan

Sioux

What Makes Us Different?

The complicated becomes simple.

Communities get the results without navigating federal grants, state programs, and zoning codes on their own.

Every community matters.

Whether it’s a village of 50 or a city of 15,000, the Panhandle is stronger when everyone has what they need.

Accountability you can see.

Our work is transparent and trackable because this region deserves to know where its investment goes.

The right people, connected.

We bring together funding, partners, and expertise so no one has to figure it out alone.

Our History and Structure

PADD was created through an interlocal agreement by the 11 counties of the Nebraska Panhandle. We’re one of eight Economic Development Districts in the state.

We’re not a government agency, but we are publicly funded and publicly accountable. Our board is made up of members appointed by our member communities, along with at-large members.

The board meets on the second Thursday of each month at noon. Meetings are open to the public.

How We’re Funded

Our funding comes from a mix of sources.

State funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED)

Federal funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Local dues from member counties and communities

Earned income from administration fees built into grants, plus fees from communities on planning and project work

Partners

Learn more about NROC →

Learn more about EDA →

Learn more about DED →

Membership

PADD serves the entire 11-county region, but membership gives communities a direct seat at the table. Members get access to expanded services, discounted project rates, and eligibility for EDA funds.

Upcoming Meetings

  • PADD Board Meeting

    PADD Board Meeting
    Cirrus House Conference Room 1506 First Avenue, Scottsbluff, NE

    Stay informed, connect with regional leaders, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of Nebraska's Panhandle. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact the PADD team.

  • PADD Board Meeting

    PADD Board Meeting
    Cirrus House Conference Room 1506 First Avenue, Scottsbluff, NE

    Stay informed, connect with regional leaders, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of Nebraska's Panhandle. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact the PADD team.

  • PADD Board Meeting

    PADD Board Meeting
    Cirrus House Conference Room 1506 First Avenue, Scottsbluff, NE

    Stay informed, connect with regional leaders, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of Nebraska's Panhandle. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact the PADD team.

The board meets on the second Thursday of each month at noon. Meetings are open to the public.

See the calendar →

Elected Officials Directory

Meet the Team →

How We Work →

Our Strategy →