(KLZA)-- The City of Tecumseh has been recognized for success in the Nebraska Leadership Certified Community Program.

Efforts by the city of Tecumseh to build local and state economic partnerships have resulted in business expansion, housing and downtown development efforts over the past five years according to a release from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

City leaders were recognized for their continuous success in the state's Leadership Certified Community program during a special presentation on February 7.

Over the past five years, Tecumseh developers have created steady and sustained growth through the City's Local Option Municipal Development Act Program. In the past two years the Tecumseh development Committee has loaned or granted more than $160 thousand in LB840 funds to improve or expand businesses.

In addition, LB840 funds have been utilized to assist in the removal of 48 dilapidated properties in the community with several of those now-vacant properties creating new housing opportunities.