Frequently Asked Questions

A public market operates as a permanent, year-round community hub while farmers markets are generally held seasonally. Public markets also often offer community kitchens, classes, and other public events. Public markets and farmers markets complement each other by serving different needs while boosting the local food economy.

A public market is a shared facility featuring independent, local vendors, while a grocery store is a single corporate retail business focused on centralized convenience. Grocery stores typically source products through national and global supply chains rather than directly from local producers.

Vendors have not yet been selected for the public market. You can sign up for updates here.

While we don't have any jobs currently posted, please send us a message through the contact form and let us know your interest.

Omaha's public market is an independent nonprofit orgnization. The market is adjacent to The RiverFront, but is not a part of The RiverFront organization operated by MECA.

Heritage Omaha is leading the project, raising the private donations needed to build and support the market, as well as overseeing construction. Project for Public Spaces, a global leader in placemaking, is working with Heritage Omaha on market design, business planning, and community engagement.

Omaha Market Trust is the nonprofit developed to oversee the development of the market. The organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors.

The market's location builds on the momentum of Omaha's revitalized RiverFront Parks and the nearly 3 million people who visit them each year. The site also has ample parking and is easily accessible via public transportation, with an ORBT bus stop and future Omaha Streetcar stop nearby.

Heritage Omaha is raising the private donations needed to build and support the market.

The market's location at 8th and Farnam streets in downtown Omaha is accessible to pedestrians and close to public transportation, including an ORBT bus stop and a planned 8th Street Omaha Streetcar stop. There is on-site parking and a City of Omaha parking garage adjacent to the site.

The three-story market will be approximately 50,000 square feet and include a bustling market floor with space for permanent and pop-up vendors, a kitchen classroom, and event spaces. Additional gathering places are planned outside the building.

Heritage Omaha and Project for Public Spaces gathered feedback from thousands of local people throughout the planning process, including existing and future food entrepreneurs, farmers, and makers. The planning committee also visited public markets in other cities and relied on Project for Public Spaces' placemaking expertise.

The market is expected to open in summer 2028.