Crete, NE, earns Certified Welcoming designation for its commitment to inclusion and belonging

Crete, NEBRASKA — Welcoming America is proud to announce that the City of Crete has earned the 2-star Certified Welcoming designation, affirming its commitment to ensuring that all residents—regardless of where they were born—have the opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to the community. This rigorous certification process evaluates local policies and programs to ensure they reflect action on the city’s values of inclusion, welcoming, and belonging.

Tom Ourada, City Administrator of Crete, said: “Crete is proud to be a Certified Welcoming community. This certification validates our mission to provide tools and opportunities for success to anyone wishing to make Crete their home. We have community members from all walks of life contributing to Crete’s success and the fact that Welcoming America recognized this collective effort stands out as a distinction that it is advantageous to reside in Crete and we are open for business.”

The official announcement was made on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Crete Public Library during the Welcoming City Celebration. City leaders and community partners delivered remarks, emphasizing the powerful role of welcoming policies in driving Crete’s economic growth and strengthening community bonds. The event brought together various city departments and local organizations, engaging residents in interactive activities designed to foster connection and celebrate this important milestone.

Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “Crete is a shining example of how communities can create an environment where everyone belongs. Through leadership development and strong community partnerships, Crete shows how local governments can take concrete action to create a welcoming and prosperous community for all.”

Crete’s Commitment to a Welcoming Future

Crete has long prioritized policies and programs that foster inclusion, strengthen community trust, and promote civic engagement. Through partnerships across Nebraska, the city has developed initiatives that support leadership development, workforce opportunities, and public safety measures that emphasize relationship-building between law enforcement and the community.

The Office of Community Assistance, which led Crete’s certification efforts, plays a key role in ensuring that the city remains responsive to the needs of its growing population. By working across government departments, local organizations, and individual residents, the office helps implement best practices that make Crete a more connected and engaged place to live.

With this certification, Crete joins a distinguished network of 26 Certified Welcoming communities across the country that are setting the highest bar for inclusion through the Welcoming Standard. The 2-star designation affirms Crete’s leadership in creating policies that are not only welcoming but also contribute to a stronger, more prosperous future for all residents.

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About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

About Certified Welcoming

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.

Media Contacts

Welcoming America: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, [email protected]

City of Crete: Marilyn Schacht, [email protected]