INTEGRITY. EXPERIENCE. A FRESH PERSPECTIVE.
MAKAYLA DANNER for Douglas County Attorney
“I’ve dedicated my career to public service because I believe in a justice system that is fair, accessible, and effective for everyone. After more than two decades as a prosecutor, I know what works and what doesn’t. My goal is to build a coalition that will bring a new, forward thinking approach to the County Attorney’s Office.”
Born and raised in Omaha, toughness and grit was a mainstay of my childhood. Although times were tough with obstacles and setbacks, I remained confident and determined to get a great education and commit to giving back to the community. I attended Omaha Public Schools, received my undergraduate degree from Creighton University and graduated from one of the top law schools in the nation. I am incredibly blessed to be a wife and mom of a wonderfully blended family of five amazing kiddos and two crazy dogs.
For the past 20 plus years, I have dedicated my career to serving the Douglas County community. I have been an active volunteer in my neighborhood association, my church, and my kids’ school PTA. I am also a youth sports coach, mentor, and school board member with Buffet Middle School and Board President of St. Cecilia Cathedral School. I am proud to be a part of the University Nebraska System where I am an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and humbled to provide volunteer legal support and consultation to many community organizations.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the Douglas County community with over 20 years as a City of Omaha Prosecutor.”
Real Change, Real Justice
Pillars of A New County Attorney's Office
Smart Justice, Not Soft Justice — Public safety is job ONE. Makayla will prioritize the prosecution of violent criminals while expanding diversion programming for appropriate non-violent offenders, including those impacted by mental illness, trauma, or youth-related developmental factors. She supports strengthened drug courts, mental-health diversion, and co-response crisis models pairing law enforcement with clinical professionals that keep our community safe.
Partnership as a Principle — Makayla believes justice extends beyond the courthouse. Her administration will collaborate closely with law enforcement, educators, advocates, service providers, faith leaders, and residents – ensuring the County Attorney’s Office is engaged, accessible, and responsive to the community it serves.
Responsible Juvenile Justice — Makayla supports a disciplined, evidence-based approach to juvenile justice that breaks cycles of crime. She will assign experienced prosecutors – not novices – to juvenile cases and expand diversion and early-intervention programs that ensure accountability while preventing lifelong system involvement.
Protecting Survivors, Preventing Violence — Makayla will make domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and exploitation top prosecutorial priorities – supported by trauma-informed practices, expanded victim advocacy, and strong partnerships with shelters, hospitals, schools, and culturally specific organizations. Prevention will focus on early intervention, enforcement, and target monitoring of high-risk offenders.
Restoring Trust Through Transparency — Makayla will rebuild trust through modernizing case management and publishing prosecution data. As County Attorney, she will investigative findings, require documentation for declined cases, implement comprehensive ethics training, improve efficiencies, and hold regular public forums in order to strengthen accountability, cooperation, and community safety.
COME FORWARD
