Pillen defends contract as police inquiry remains active

Contract investigation

Gov. Jim Pillen is defending a no-bid contract while the Lincoln Police Department continues investigating its award by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The department awarded the contract to Global Sustainability Developers LLC, led by consultant Julie Bushell, in May 2024. Pillen says the department, not the governor’s office, was responsible for the award. He has also said an emergency process was needed to pursue federal funding before the Biden administration ended.

State Auditor Mike Foley issued a January 2026 report alleging signs of favoritism. Foley said the department left blank the emergency justification section of a procurement form required for contracts exceeding without competitive bidding. He also alleged that the agency backdated a report to make it appear that it had met a legislative deadline.

Foley referred his findings to the Nebraska State Patrol and attorney general in February. The patrol transferred the case to Lincoln police in March to avoid a conflict because the patrol reports to the governor. The investigation remained active in August. Police have not interviewed Pillen.

The state ended the contract in February 2025, shortly after the auditor began seeking agency records.

Election and debates

Pillen, the incumbent governor, has declined to debate his three opponents before the Nov. 3 election.

Lynne Walz, a Democrat and former state senator, is challenging Pillen.

Brett Lindstrom, an independent and former Republican state senator, is challenging Pillen.

Rick Beard, the Legal Marijuana NOW candidate, is challenging Pillen.