Oklahoma City’s new city manager is receiving a welcome that is remarkably similar to the farewell given to his predecessor. Newly selected city manager Craig Freeman has received roughly the same level of approval and praise that city employees and Oklahoma City Council gave to Jim Couch in September, when Couch announced his plans to […]
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Help wanted
Since city manager Jim Couch announced his retirement on Sept. 17, Oklahoma City Council has addressed the issue of finding a replacement in each of its public meetings. The discussions could be done in private Ward 2 councilman Ed Shadid said. An opinion issued by Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Mike Hunter, however, suggests that all hiring […]
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News briefs: BikePedOKC, city budget proposed and more
BikePed plan Last week’s Livable Streets Summit highlighted the demand in Oklahoma City for more bikeable and walkable streets and open and safe public spaces. The city has made some effort in recent years to expand its cycling infrastructure and is in the beginning stages of a bike/pedestrian master plan called BikePedOKC. “This plan will […]
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An independent organization not beholden to open record laws and operating with a public relations firm rather than a public information officer, unlike other city departments, manages the city’s use of tax incentives and urban redevelopment.
An independent organization not beholden to open record laws and operating with a public relations firm rather than a public information officer, unlike other city departments, manages the city’s use of tax incentives and urban redevelopment.
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Unfinished business
In addition, City Council this week asked that state Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones investigate some city employees connected with the beleaguered project. That request was prompted by a complaint from an Oklahoma City police captain who alleges that the city manager’s office failed to order an investigation or audit after officials were told of […]
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Great times for OKC
Having been active in establishing the Alliance for Cultural Facilities in 1989, consisting of 120 members from all areas of OKC, there was lengthy discussion of improving the park along with renovation of Civic Center Music Hall. MAPS provided money for the Civic Center, but not enough for a complete makeover of the park. After […]
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Sprawled out
Around 675 people showed up, according to event organizers, filling the Grand Ballroom of the Oklahoma City Marriott Hotel. Speakers included city officials — Shadid, City Manager Jim Couch, Police Chief Bill Citty, Fire Chief Keith Bryant, Planning Director Russell Claus, Public Works Director Eric Wenger, Public Transportation and Parking Director Rick Cain and Utilities […]
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Experts: OKC in good shape for continued economic recovery
Council members attended their annual budget workshop Tuesday, where they heard from economists — as well as city finance and budget officials — on projections on the economy and the fiscal state of the city. People paying for damage from last spring’s hailstorm has been one of the major driving forces that has kept sales […]