Key takeaways
- Nebraska state government spent $18.5 billion in fiscal 2024, the 40th most of any state.
- Statewide purchasing runs through the State Purchasing Bureau, and vendors register and find bids in Bidding opportunities and vendor registration.
- The fiscal year starts July 1; the governor's FY2028-29 budget proposal usually comes Jan. 15.
- The 2027 legislative session convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn June 1.
Nebraska government at a glance
| Fact | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| State spending, FY 2024 | $18.5 billion (40th of 50) |
| Fiscal year starts | July 1 |
| Next budget | FY2028-29 · proposal usually Jan. 15 |
| 2027 legislative session | Jan. 6 to June 1 (147 days) |
| Central procurement office | State Purchasing Bureau |
| Bid and vendor portal | Bidding opportunities and vendor registration |
| State CIO | Matthew McCarville, State Chief Information Officer |
| Local governments | 2,541 total, including 1,303 special districts and 267 school districts |
| Public power and co-op utilities | 140 public power utilities and 10 electric co-ops |
| State prison population | 5,931 (end of 2023) |
How Nebraska buys
- Central purchasing. The State Purchasing Bureau handles statewide contracts and purchasing rules for state agencies.
- Where bids are posted. Bidding opportunities and vendor registration is where vendors register and find state solicitations.
- Registering as a vendor. Our Nebraska vendor registration guide walks through the steps, fees and documents.
- Agencies and local buyers. Many agencies, universities, cities, counties and school districts buy on their own or through cooperative contracts; see our cooperative purchasing guide.
Budget and legislative calendar
- Fiscal year. Nebraska's fiscal year starts July 1. The next budget covers FY2028-29.
- Governor's proposal. Usually released Jan. 15. Status as of Nov. 8, 2026: not yet released. Track it in our governor budget proposals tracker.
- 2027 session. Convenes Jan. 6 and is scheduled to adjourn June 1. Tentative calendar. See the 2027 legislative session calendar.
Technology and AI
- State CIO. Matthew McCarville, State Chief Information Officer, leads the Office of the Chief Information Officer. See the full state CIO directory.
- AI policy. Our tracker counts no executive orders, no laws and 1 agency policy on government AI use. See the state AI policy tracker.
- How IT buying works. See how state agencies buy technology.
Largest public buyers in Nebraska
The biggest Nebraska entities on our national rankings. Each one runs its own budget and, in most cases, its own purchasing.
| Buyer | Type | Size | National rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | City | 488,797 residents (2025) | 42 of 100 largest cities |
| Lincoln | City | 301,522 residents (2025) | 72 of 100 largest cities |
| Omaha | School district | 51,626 students (fall 2021) | 79 of 100 largest districts |
| Eppley Airfield | Airport | 2,565,135 passengers boarded (2025) | 61 of 100 busiest |
| Metropolitan Utilities District | Water utility | 600,000 people served | 54 of 208 largest |
| Lincoln Transportation and Utilities | Water utility | 292,000 people served | 123 of 208 largest |
| Omaha Public Power District | Public power utility | 413,414 electric customers (2024) | 12 of 50 largest |
| Lincoln Electric System | Public power utility | 153,069 electric customers (2024) | 23 of 50 largest |
| Omaha (NE) Police | Police department | 848 sworn officers (2016) | 48 of 50 largest |
Sources: KSG rankings of the largest cities, counties, school districts, public universities, transit agencies, airports, water utilities, public power utilities, police departments and other lists. Figures are from each list's source year.
Local government and utilities
- 2,541 local governments. That includes 1,303 special districts and 267 school districts. See special districts by state.
- Utilities. 140 public power utilities and 10 electric cooperatives serve 1,131,497 customers, 100% of the state. See Nebraska utilities.
- Budget cycles. Cities, counties and school districts set their own fiscal years; see city and county budget calendars.
Nebraska state holidays in 2027
Besides the 11 federal holidays, Nebraska state offices close on these days in 2027:
- Arbor Day: Friday, April 30
See the full 2027 federal and state holiday calendar.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We research Nebraska buyers, time outreach to state and local budget cycles and get you in front of the people who own the problem you solve. See how our state and local sales development works.
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