North Omaha state senator who drove grant process has ties to proposed $40 million recipient

Sen. Justin Wayne introduced and has been the driving force behind a bill that will soon deliver hundreds of millions of dollars to North Omaha and other neighborhoods of low income in the city and state – an unprecedented infusion of cash.

A few months before introducing the bill, Wayne filed paperwork for a nonprofit, Sankofa Development Corporation, which morphed last year into the Sankofa Innovation District, now led in part by Wayne’s friend and fraternity brother.

Sankofa Innovation District would receive $40 million – the single largest grant awarded – if the Legislature approves a plan . . .