Stothert also said the relief might come from the state level.

“For years, the Legislature has studied the state’s tax structure but has not taken any action to address it,” she said. “Now, taxpayers have to deal with the consequences.”

In an interview, Stothert said generally she would like to see the state remove some sales tax exemptions — though she specified she would not want to see the tax apply to food.

That would allow the state to lower taxes in other areas, like income taxes.

Stothert listed some areas of Omaha that are scheduled for major developments, including a parking lot west of the CenturyLink Center, the Civic Auditorium site and a planned development near Boys Town.

Stothert also said a new bus rapid transit system is on schedule to begin operation next year, connecting downtown to west Omaha. And the mayor said she wants to see a modern streetcar line in place as early as four years from now.

“The vitality of our downtown and midtown depends on it,” Stothert said.

She also bade goodbye to longtime City Clerk Buster Brown, who plans to retire in a few months, and City Council members Franklin Thompson and Garry Gernandt, who are not running for re-election.