OU's Institute for Quality Communities and the Oklahoma Municipal League awarded the City of Cushing one of the 2017-2018 OML Community Development grants. Cushing was awarded the grant in an effort to assist with the revitalization of the downtown area from not only earthquake damage, but to be more pedestrian and business friendly. The City of Cushing continues to recover from the November 2016 5.0 magnitude earthquake that caused serious damage to the downtown Cushing area. Continue Reading

Last week, OML Research Director Daniel McClure attended the Earth, Wind, and Fire Exercise at the at the Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM) Emergency Operations Center. For approximately 8 hours, representatives from state, county, municipal, and tribal governments were presented crisis situations and collaborated with participants in simulated response scenarios. The opportunity allowed participants to identify their strengths and opportunities for growth in emergency response operations. Daniel said, "Our communities have outstanding emergency response professionals throughout Oklahoma. As a state, we are truly blessed to have the talented men and women working day in and out on our behalf".  The League's purpose at this event was to better understand how OML can provide training's and expertise to municipal officials as well as develop an internal system serving as a bridge to connect state and municipal governments in emergency situations. In the coming weeks the League will be disseminating information on the new OML Emergency Response Program, keep an eye out for the announcement.

This Thursday, November 16th, OML will host the final Newly Elected Officials Institute (NOI) of the year in McAlester at Eastern Oklahoma State College. This institute is an intensive educational program specifically geared towards newly elected and appointed officials who want to keep in the know on current municipal issues. Attendees have the opportunity to hear from municipal professionals with over 100 years of municipal knowledge and experience with topics such as Open Records and Open Meetings. Our first NOI of 2018 will be Saturday, February 3rd, in Stillwater at the OSU Alumni Center. For more information or to register for your spot, visit our  NOI information page, or call (405) 528-7515.

The Oklahoma Municipal League has named former Executive Director of the Oklahoma Community Institute as the Legislative Affairs Director for the statewide organization. OML Executive Director Mike Fina said, "Jodi brings an immense passion and tremendous amount of municipal knowledge to the League. We are fortunate to have her as a member of the OML team." Previously, Mrs. Lewis was elected to the Piedmont City Council, and was the youngest person in history to do so. Graduating from Oklahoma State University, and being a native from Bristow, Mrs. Lewis Oklahoma roots run deep. Jodi developed her passion for Oklahoma cities and towns while traveling the state speaking to local FFA chapters as a former State FFA Officer. Lewis serves in various leadership roles on multiple non-profit boards and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma. In 2007, Jodi was named one of Oklahoma Cities Business "Forty Under Forty".  Welcome to OML, Jodi!

OML is hosting a Practical Guide to Everyday Municipal Issues Workshop on December 15th at Rose State College in Midwest City. Come hear about topics such as Meeting Decorum and Open Meetings and Records Acts. Have any questions about this workshop? Contact  Cheryl Adams  or call (405) 528-7515 for more information. To register, please visit our  registration page!

If you have not completed your 2017-2018 Salary Survey, and would like a complimentary copy, you're in luck! OML is currently accepting surveys. Students from the University of Oklahoma will be calling you to clarify the information given or ask any follow up questions. If you have any questions, please email  Daniel McClure.

OML Directory Changes for this week  available here.