A Lifetime of Service

Meet John Ewing: Dedicated to Omaha

With over four decades of unwavering commitment to public service, John Ewing’s extensive background in law enforcement and community involvement has profoundly impacted Omaha. His leadership as Douglas County Treasurer and his deep roots in local community service highlight his readiness to serve as your next Mayor.

OMAHA IS HOME

John with His Loved Ones

Honoring Excellence and Service

2021

Omaha Press Club Face on the Wall

2020

Nominated for County Official of the Year

2018

The Dean Hubert Locke Award for Excellence in Public Service UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service

2014

University of Omaha Alumni Association Citation for Career Achievement

2011

National Association of County Officials Award for the Treasurer’s Business Model

2010

College of Public Affairs and Community Service Excellence in Public Service Award

2010

NAACP Living Legend Award

2007

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living The Dream Award

2007

Midlands Chapter of the National Management Association Manager of the Year

2006

Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Purple Ribbon Award

JOHN IS A 43 YEAR PUBLIC SERVANT WITH PURPOSE

John W. Ewing, Jr.
A Lifetime of Service

REASONS
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Why You Should Vote for John Ewing Jr. for Omaha Mayor

John Ewing Jr. has a proven track record of service, leadership, and innovation. As a candidate for mayor, he brings nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement, 18 years of leadership as Douglas County Treasurer, and a deep commitment to the safety, well-being, and growth of our community. Here are 43 compelling reasons why John Ewing Jr. is the right choice for Omaha’s future:

 

1. Decades of Service

John Ewing Jr. served nearly 25 years in the Omaha Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Police Chief. He understands the importance of safety and effective leadership.

2. Neighborhood Safety Advocate

As a former police officer and a long-time public servant, John has always championed the cause of neighborhood safety, ensuring our communities are secure for everyone.

3. Experienced Treasurer

John has served as Douglas County Treasurer for 18 years, successfully managing the county’s finances with integrity and transparency.

4. Proven Fiscal Responsibility

He has kept his campaign promises, balancing the county’s budget to the penny each month, restoring fiscal integrity, and eliminating embezzlement within his office.

5. Technology for Efficiency

John has led the charge to implement technology that makes government services more accessible, like online property tax payments and phone payment options—free to the people of Douglas County.

6. Innovative Solutions

As Treasurer, John worked with state and local partners to introduce online vehicle registration and payment services, further streamlining processes and saving residents time and money.

7. Leadership in Victim Advocacy

As Commander of the Special Victims Unit, John spearheaded efforts to pass crucial legislation (LB 943) that improved protections for women and children in Nebraska.

8. Investment Expertise

John implemented an Investment Committee that generated millions of dollars for Douglas County, ensuring taxpayer dollars are working harder for the community.

9. Generating Revenue for the County

Through his creation of the Dealer Center, John has generated over $7 million annually in fees that directly benefit Douglas County.

10. Boosting County Income

His efforts have increased county revenues through smart investments, bank account management, and commissions, totaling more than $90 million per year.

11. Crime Prevention Leadership

As Deputy Chief, John co-chaired the Crime Prevention Covenant, which led to Omaha’s 360 Program—a groundbreaking initiative that has reduced gun violence by 70%.

12. National Recognition for Crime Reduction

Under John’s leadership, Omaha has been recognized as a Model Community by President Barack Obama’s Foundation for its efforts to reduce crime.

13. Empowerment Network Leadership

John has served as Board President and Vice-President of the Empowerment Network, helping shape policies that empower our community.

14. Community Servant

With over 70 board and committee memberships, including with Habitat for Humanity and the Charles Drew Health Center, John has demonstrated his commitment to improving Omaha’s quality of life.

15. Effective Fundraising

John chaired the Von Maur Victims Fund, a successful initiative that became a national model for victim assistance programs.

16. United Way Leadership

As Chair of the United Way’s Planning and Allocation Committee, John has led efforts to address Omaha’s most pressing needs.

17. Homeland Security Expertise

John led the Urban Area Security Initiative, securing $13 million in federal funding to protect Omaha and surrounding counties after 9/11.

18. Health Care Champion

As Chair of a Federally Qualified Health Center board, John has been a vocal advocate for healthcare as a fundamental right.

19. Economic Development Vision

John is committed to reinvigorating Omaha’s economic development plan, focusing on programs that create living-wage jobs and reduce poverty.

20. People Over Politics

John will prioritize the needs of Omaha’s residents over special interest groups, ensuring that the people of Omaha always come first.

21. Transparency in Government

John will provide transparency on major projects, ensuring citizens have a voice in decisions like the streetcar project.

22. Balanced Development

John will focus on increasing development opportunities through creative solutions, avoiding over-reliance on Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

23. Proven Experience in Public Safety

With extensive experience in recruiting and retaining police officers, John is committed to keeping Omaha’s neighborhoods safe. 

24. Innovative Government

John has consistently introduced new technologies and systems to make government more efficient and responsive.

25. Collaboration for Results

John’s history of building over 100 collaborative partnerships proves his ability to bring people together to achieve positive outcomes for the community.

26. Full-Time Commitment

As mayor, John is dedicated to being a full-time leader who lives and works in Omaha, always accessible to the people he serves.

27. Support for Women’s Rights

As a father, husband, and advocate for women, John will fight for women’s healthcare rights and equality in Omaha.

28. Pro-Immigrant Policies

John is committed to protecting and supporting Omaha’s immigrant community, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.

29. Pro-Family Advocate

John will implement policies that help working families thrive, ensuring that Omaha is a place where families can grow and prosper.

30. Inclusive Leadership

John is a champion for inclusion, acceptance, and diversity, ensuring that all people are valued and respected in our community.

31. Retaining Young Talent

John will create policies that help retain Omaha’s young people, focusing on keeping talented college graduates in the city.

32. Fighting Brain Drain

John will work to reduce the brain drain in Omaha, creating initiatives that encourage college graduates to stay and contribute to our community.

33. Mentorship and Youth Advocacy

John is a mentor and advocate for young people, committed to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

34. Focused on North and South Omaha

John will be the first mayor to intentionally focus on economic development and job creation in North and South Omaha, addressing long-standing disparities.

35. Small Business Champion

John recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and he will support initiatives that foster small business growth and job creation.

36. Reflecting Omaha’s Diversity

John will ensure that the diverse communities of Omaha are represented in the city’s boards and commissions, reflecting the city’s values and priorities.

37. Collaborative Economic Development

John will build coalitions that create sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen our local economy.

38. Commitment to Youth

John is dedicated to supporting the next generation by fostering an environment where young people can succeed and thrive in Omaha.

39. Community-Focused

John’s leadership has always been about the community—listening to residents and making decisions that reflect their needs and aspirations.

40. Proven Track Record of Results

John’s history of getting things done speaks for itself, from innovative public safety initiatives to improving fiscal management and increasing revenue for the county.

41. Transparency and Accountability

John will bring a level of transparency and accountability to city government that ensures the people of Omaha always know what is happening and have a say in the decisions that affect them.

42. Building a Better Future for Omaha

John’s vision for Omaha is one of opportunity, inclusivity, and growth—where everyone has a chance to succeed.

43. A Mayor Who Puts People First

Above all, John Ewing Jr. is committed to serving the people of Omaha, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met every day.

About John W. Ewing, Jr.

As a proud Omahan, born and raised in North Omaha, I bring over four decades of public service to my role. This includes a distinguished career in the Omaha Police Department, where I retired as Deputy Chief after nearly 25 years, and 18 years of service as your Douglas County Treasurer.

Beyond my professional life, I am an ordained minister at Salem Baptist Church, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a respected community leader deeply rooted in Omaha.

Douglas County Treasurer

During my tenure as Douglas County Treasurer, I oversaw the collection of over $1.7 billion in taxes for various governmental entities within the county. My responsibilities also included managing investments for the county and Sanitary Improvement Districts, as well as disbursing tax dollars to the appropriate entities. 

Deputy Chief of Police, Omaha Police Department • March 1982 – December 2006
I dedicated over 24 years to serving the citizens of Omaha as a member of the Omaha Police Department. As Deputy Chief of the Police Services Bureau, I oversaw the management of the police budget, Fleet and Facilities, the Detention Unit, Crime Lab, Research and Planning, the Customer Services Unit, the Air Support Unit, and other support services.

Additionally, I served as Unit Commander of the Special Victims Unit, where I investigated crimes against women and children. I also drafted legislation to better address these crimes and testified before the Omaha City Council and the Nebraska State Legislature. As a result of this work, ten new state statutes protecting our citizens became law in the summer of 2004.
Associate Minister, Salem Baptist Church • January 2002 – Present
My responsibilities as Associate Minister include assisting the Pastor with leading worship services, counseling members, and visiting the sick. I also fill in for the Pastor as needed, leading Sunday services, Bible studies, programs, and special occasions. Additional duties include developing minister training and educational opportunities, teaching the Adult New Members class.

I have also led other ministry areas, such as working with program ministries to plan, coordinate, and implement educational tasks and programs. I also served as an instructor for adult and youth Vacation Bible School and currently serve as an instructor for Life Development (Sunday School).

John’s Vision for Omaha​

“As your future Mayor, I am resolute in my commitment to advancing key initiatives that will enhance the lives of all Omaha residents. With a wealth of experience in public service, government administration, and executive leadership, I have the vision to propel the city forward and the unwavering dedication to ensure Omaha addresses the issues that our current mayor has neglected.”

Experienced Leadership Matters

I will use my experience in leadership, financial expertise, management of government departments, law enforcement, community, and economic development to the table. As mayor I will support funding city services such as police, fire, street maintenance, and snow removal. I will also find innovative ways to expand our housing options for all residents and create and expand living wage jobs in our community. I will also use my expertise and experience to reduce government inefficiencies and reduce costs.

A True Public Safety Mayor for Omaha

As a 25-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department, including my tenure as Deputy Police Chief, I have an unwavering commitment to the safety of our community. I am deeply concerned by the department’s recent struggles with recruitment and retention. During my time with the Omaha Police Department, I successfully doubled the number of qualified and diverse recruits, and I am eager to apply this experience to address the current staffing challenges.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies that will ensure the safety of our city. These strategies include a focus on community policing, proper officer training, and clear accountability standards that protect both officers and the public. I firmly believe that these measures will create a safer Omaha for all residents.

Budding Economic Development

My administration is committed to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for all. We will actively work to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and invest in infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic development and job creation.

To achieve these goals, we will partner with the business community, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, educational institutions, and school districts to improve our workforce. We recognize the educational challenges facing our city, with its diverse population speaking over 100 languages. We are committed to addressing these challenges collaboratively to ensure a brighter future for all the people of Omaha.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Housing

My administration is committed to improving the quality of our city’s infrastructure and addressing the urgent housing crisis.

To ensure our streets are paved to the highest standard, we will engage experts who specialize in concrete mix design for our specific climate. We will support our Public Works staff by providing them with the resources and expertise necessary to effectively maintain our streets, with a focus on equitable distribution of repairs throughout Omaha.

Additionally, we recognize the critical shortage of high-density affordable housing. My administration will prioritize the addition of at least 1,500 affordable housing units to our housing stock. This initiative will not only address the immediate housing shortage but also create living-wage jobs.

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility

I have a deep understanding of the critical importance of sound financial management. As Mayor, I will be dedicated to working closely with government department leaders and staff to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently, while maintaining the highest standards of accountability across all areas of city government.

Increasing Government Transparency and Accountability

As an elected official I value an open and transparent government. My administration will implement measures to enhance transparency and make it easier for residents to access information about city operations, budgets, and the decision-making processes. I will ensure that major decisions impacting the financial future of our city are put to a vote of the electorate.

Retaining Our Youth

I am committed to fostering a thriving community that attracts and retains young professionals and families. My administration will prioritize initiatives that support education, workforce development, and affordable housing to achieve this goal. We will leverage the pipeline created by the Nebraska University System’s all-expense paid scholarships for high-achieving students and build strong partnerships with local educational institutions, including UNO, Heider College, UNMC, Clarkson, and Methodist Schools of Nursing. By collaborating with these institutions, we can ensure that our city’s best and brightest choose to stay and contribute to our community.

Improving Omaha’s Reputation

My substantial involvement in economic development and community service organizations reflects my dedication to improving Omaha’s reputation and quality of life. I firmly believe that Omaha’s reputation will be significantly enhanced by addressing key areas such as street maintenance, housing availability, and economic development opportunities.