Abstract
Nebraska has developed a unique approach to the problem of urban growth in the form of Sanitary and Improvement Districts. Ordinarily, areas surrounding cities are developed by private investors to provide housing and commercial services for persons working in the city. Growth is sporatic and, even when regulated by zoning ordinances, largely uncontrolled. | Sanitary and Improvement Districts (S.I.D.) allow formation of a corporate political subdivision for the purpose of constructing public Improvements such as paving, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, sewage disposal facilities, water, parks or playgrounds, underground wiring and swimming pools. S.I.D.s have the power to issue bonds, levy assessments and tax by mill levy to fund the improvements. | This paper will examine some of the financial risk factors attending S.I.D.s and will develop the hypothesis that S.I.D. financing has provided a useful tool for the orderly growth of real estate developments adjacent to municipalities in the State of Nebraska and, more particularly. The growth of Omaha and its suburbs.