Lincoln City Council approves parking changes, brewery liquor licenses

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved several measures at its January 12 meeting, including a controversial overhaul of parking enforcement and the approval of liquor licenses for a local craft brewery expanding to a second location.

The council split a comprehensive parking ordinance into two votes, with fee increases passing 6-1 and the remaining policy changes unanimously approved. The updated parking code modernizes payment platforms, expands enforcement zones and establishes clearer loading-zone rules. Long-term loading zones were newly established in the ordinance, allowing for parking of equipment or other vehicles for events, while parking in a loading zone will incur a $12 fine.

The council approved liquor licenses for White Elm Brewing Company, established in 2016 in Lincoln. The brewery received approval for both Class L and Class C liquor licenses at a new location on South 8th Street, with manager Kolby Wood also approved. The unanimous approvals suggest the brewery's expansion continues to be well-received in the community.

The council also advanced a partnership with the State of Nebraska on Highway 6 and Adams Street bridges over I-180. The municipality financial agreement paves the way for the bridge project, which recently received $15.6 million in federal funding to replace and repair bridges on the corridor. The improvements will address aging infrastructure and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.

In other actions, the council appointed Jose Soto to the Commission on Human Rights and reappointed several officials to various boards and commissions. The council approved $250,000 in appropriations from keno lottery funds for human services and accepted a consulting services agreement with SCS Engineers worth up to $1.19 million for environmental compliance services.

Jon Thober from the Human Resources Department received the Mayor's Award of Excellence in the category of Customer Service Excellence for October 2025.