Several cities in the Platte Valley have formed a new organization that one official says should provide “a stronger and more cohesive voice … and clearer, productive communication with legislators.”

The official is Kearney City Manager Mike Morgan. He says the group’s purpose includes collaborating on legislative issues and sharing best practices “to improve the delivery of services to our citizens.”

The Greater Nebraska Cities will monitor, evaluate and respond to legislative issues of mutual concern in a timely manner and with a unified voice.  The cooperative effort will provide a strong voice representing over 144,000 citizens of Central Nebraska.

In addition to Kearney, its members are Grand Island, Hastings, Holdrege, Lexington and North Platte.