Mayor Proposes New Funding for PACE

(April 25, 2024)

Nearly a year after city funding to the PACE athletic program was suspended, Mayor Jean Stothert is proposing to reinstate financial support to Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE), the nonprofit youth sports program.

Mayor Stothert discontinued funding after former PACE Executive Director Rich Gonzalez was arrested and convicted on federal charges. Gonzalez is now serving a federal prison sentence, along with former Omaha City Councilmember Vinny Palermo and retired police officer Johnny Palermo. A fourth person, hired to raise money for PACE, will go on trial this year.

In a letter to the PACE Board of Directors, and the Omaha Sports Commission, which has assumed management of PACE, Mayor Stothert invited the organization to apply for funding up to $100,000 for the 2025 budget year. She is also asking the Omaha City Council to approve an additional $50,000 now so PACE can offer summer sports programs.

"Since the arrest and conviction of PACE's former executive director and others associated with this organization, I have had strong concerns about providing them with taxpayer funds. It was unfortunate that these bad actors abused this program and the money provided to them by the City," said Mayor Stothert. "I have met with PACE's board for several months to address the City's concerns before funding could resume. I am now in a position where I am comfortable with the steps PACE has taken to avoid the issues that created this problem. I am asking the City Council to approve this funding so that PACE can resume and enhance the work they do for the children who rely on this program."

The City Council will consider the funding request at the April 30^th meeting.

Mayor Stothert has also pledged to continue agreements with PACE that allow teams to use City sports fields and facilities at no charge.

Following the recent resignations of several PACE board members, Mayor Stothert said, "Along with Chief Schmaderer, I look forward to re-building this program to serve the youth of Omaha, restore community trust and the confidence of donors."