Lincoln Campaign Raises Funds for Charter Amendment

The Good Government Lincoln group is seeking city council term limits and changes to municipal election timing.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy

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The Good Government Lincoln campaign has raised $1 million to push a city charter amendment that would impose council term limits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Good Government Lincoln campaign has raised nearly $1 million to promote a city charter amendment. The proposal aims to add city council term limits and align Lincoln municipal elections with statewide election cycles.

Why it matters

The campaign is using these funds to air television and radio advertisements to influence voters regarding changes to the city charter. These efforts reflect a significant investment in shaping the future structure of local governance in Lincoln.

The Good Government Lincoln campaign raised nearly $1 million in total funding for its initiative. Restore the Good Life contributed over $931,000 to these efforts, while the committee Forward Lincoln provided $470,000 for political advertisements.

The players

Daniel Bass

He serves as the treasurer for the political committee Forward Lincoln.

Tanner Lockhorn

He serves as the treasurer for the nonprofit organization Restore the Good Life.

Corben Waldron

He is an individual affiliated with the nonprofit organization Restore the Good Life.

Matt Schulte

He acted as a conduit for the campaign to purchase advertisements at reduced rates.

The details

Matt Schulte acted as a conduit for purchasing advertisements to secure lower rates for the campaign. Restore the Good Life, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, operates without the donor disclosure requirements typically seen in other campaign finance structures.

Timeline

  1. Tanner Lockhorn was appointed to a judicial nominating commission in 2021.

  2. Corben Waldron was listed in IRS filings in 2024.

  3. Corben Waldron remained on the Ricketts campaign payroll through 2025 and 2026.

  4. The campaign activity was recorded in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The campaign leverages the regulatory environment surrounding 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status to fund its advocacy efforts. This strategy highlights a broader trend where organizations utilize nonprofits to avoid the donor disclosure requirements mandated for standard political campaigns.

Residents in Lincoln may notice an increase in political advertising on local television and radio stations as the campaign utilizes its nearly $1 million war chest. Voters should expect to see these messages throughout the remainder of the election season.

The takeaway

Large-scale campaign spending by nonprofit entities can significantly amplify specific messaging regarding municipal policy. Voters should remain aware that advertisements funded by 501(c)(4) groups often originate from undisclosed private donors.

Further reading

Learn more about the influence of private donations in Lincoln Philanthropy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Nebraska Public Media.

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