Beatrice Mayoral Candidates Discuss Key Issues at Forum

Candidates address Sixth Street development and other priorities for the city.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:29pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of blue, green, and yellow, depicting a city street scene with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes, conveying a sense of dynamic change and competing priorities for the future of Beatrice.The mayoral candidates' competing visions for Beatrice's development and infrastructure were on full display at the candidate forum.Beatrice Today

The three candidates for mayor of Beatrice, Nebraska - Ted Fairbanks, Duane Ruh, and Tyson Parks - participated in a forum hosted by the Gage Development Coalition on Thursday evening. The candidates answered questions on topics including the future of Sixth Street and broader development plans for the city.

Why it matters

The mayoral election in Beatrice is an important local race that will shape the city's priorities and direction over the next several years. Residents are closely watching how the candidates approach key issues like infrastructure, economic development, and community growth.

The details

During the forum, the mayoral candidates discussed their visions for the future of Sixth Street, a major commercial corridor in Beatrice. They also addressed broader development plans and priorities for the city, including attracting new businesses, improving public spaces, and managing growth. The forum provided an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates and assess their platforms ahead of the upcoming election.

  • The candidate forum took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Ted Fairbanks

One of the three candidates running for mayor of Beatrice.

Duane Ruh

One of the three candidates running for mayor of Beatrice.

Tyson Parks

One of the three candidates running for mayor of Beatrice.

Gage Development Coalition

The organization that hosted the mayoral candidate forum in Beatrice.

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What they’re saying

“Revitalizing Sixth Street is a top priority for me. We need to attract new businesses and investment to that corridor to drive economic growth in Beatrice.”

— Ted Fairbanks, Mayoral Candidate

“Managing growth and development in a sustainable way is crucial for Beatrice. We have to balance new opportunities with preserving the character of our community.”

— Duane Ruh, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

Voters in Beatrice will head to the polls on May 6, 2026 to elect the city's next mayor.

The takeaway

The mayoral forum highlighted the key issues and priorities that will shape the future of Beatrice, as the candidates outlined their visions for the city's development, infrastructure, and community character.