“Sprawl: OKC’s Unique 621 Square Mile Permutation” is a free public meeting slated from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Grand Ballroom of the Oklahoma City Marriott, 3233 Northwest Expressway.

“OKC is virtually alone among cities in terms of attempting to provide municipal services to such a large geographic area,” said Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid in a statement. “Our current pattern of development is having an impact on every city department. Everyone has a stake as it is the taxpayer and our children who will be responsible for the increasing costs.”  

Oklahoma City ranks eighth among the top 10 U.S. cities by area, ahead of Houston and Phoenix.

SPRAWLING SUBJECTS
The event includes the following speakers and subjects:
• Blair Humphreys, executive director of the Institute for Quality Communities, defining sprawl
• OKC City Manager Jim Couch, OKC’s unique permutation
• Councilman Shadid, the impact of sprawl on public health
• Russell Claus, OKC planning director, sprawl and OKC’s Comprehensive Plan
• Fire Chief Keith Bryant, sprawl and the OKC Fire Department
• Police Chief Bill Citty, the impact of sprawl on the OKC Police Department
• Public Transportation and Parking Director Rick Cain, sprawl and the transit system
• Utilities Director Marsha Slaughter, the impact of sprawl on the Utilities Department
• MAPS Program Manager Eric Wenger, sprawl and the Public Works Department
• Development Services Director Bob Tener, the impact of sprawl on code enforcement

Shadid said he encourages maximum public participation at the event. For more information, call 297-2402.

Photo by Shannon Cornman