News

Downtown to undergo 180 degree makeover

Downtown Oklahoma City is getting a makeover. A massive renovation project of more than 180 acres in downtown Oklahoma City is slated to begin in May 2010. The initiative, named Project 180, is a three year, $140 million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas to improve appearance and make the central core more pedestrian friendly. More

Mayor presents 2010 State of the City

Each January, the Mayor presents a look back on recent accomplisments, current devlopments and looks ahead to the future. Mayor Cornett delivered the eleventh State of the City message on January 13. More

Thanks OKC for continuing the momentum!

Your vote of approval for MAPS ensures that our city will continue to grow and prosper. Unofficial election results put MAPS passing with a 54% Yes vote. MAPS 3 is a seven-year, nine-month one-cent sales tax. Collection of the sales tax will commence on April 1, 2010, the day after the conclusion of the sports facilities sales tax collection that voters approved in March, 2008. More

Mayor and Council are now accepting resumes

On December 8, 2009, the voters of Oklahoma City approved Ordinance No. 23,942, which provided for the creation of a Citizens Capital Improvements Sales Tax Advisory Board. As stated in the ordinance, the “Board’s function shall be to review any such proposed project and submit recommendations to the City Council regarding the project." More

Sidewalks not included in stimulus funds

Oklahoma City is using federal stimulus money to resurface roads and construct new sidewalk ramps along 40 miles of arterial City streets. Unfortunately, there is no federal funding to build the sidewalks connecting the ramps.

The Federal Highway Administration requires sidewalk ramps be constructed when federal stimulus funds are used for street resurfacing or construction in areas that “pedestrian facilities” appear. More

City’s new billing system changes utility bill account numbers

Did you notice a new 12-digit account number on your Oklahoma City utility bill? Most customers need to do nothing because new numbers are already in the system. But have no fear. If an old number is used, the new billing system will recognize it and properly post the payment. However, if you pay through an online banking service offered by your bank or credit union, it’s a good idea to update your payee list. For example, if you move at a later date, the system will give you a new account number and will no longer recognize the old one.

Oklahoma City residents rate the quality of City services well above national averages

Oklahoma City Council received good news today from the national survey firm, ETC Institute. Eight out of ten Oklahoma City residents who responded to a citizen satisfaction survey distributed in June think Oklahoma City is not only moving in the right direction but is also a good place to live, raise children and work.
More | Download 2009 Survey (pdf)

City offering Utility eBilling options

Sign up for eBilling to receive, view, pay and print utility bills online. Each month, you’ll receive an email message when your bill is ready to pay and an electronic copy of City News. You must already have an account or will need to create one on the Utility Customer Service Web site.

Comprehensive water supply study

A  comprehensive water supply study has identified water sources that could offer  a sustainable supply to about one-third of Oklahoma citizens for the next 50  years. The study evaluated options for purchasing water storage rights and raw  water from southeastern Oklahoma and determined how much water is needed to  meet future demands.  The study  findings are explained in a video at: Regional Raw Water Supply Study (WMV)

City Council approves FY 09-10 budget

City Council approved an $839,624,833 total budget for the City’s fiscal year 2009-2010 that includes a General Fund budget of $350,351,044. The budget began July 1. More | Download FY 09-10 budget (PDF)

Housing Assistance for Oklahoma City Residents

View a presentation from a Housing Assistance Forum presented on April 28, 2009. Our Housing Assistance Programs are designed to help lower income and elderly residents maintain and acquire a home.  For details, contact Teresa Smith at teresa.smith@okc.gov or 297-2380. Download presentation (PDF)

Walkability study presented to Council

National planning and design expert Jeff Speck was hired by the City to evaluate the walkability of the area between NW 13th Street, Interstate-40, Lincoln Blvd and Western. During his presentation to Council, Speck recommended strategies on where and how to improve pedestrian activity downtown.

• Watch Presentation
  
• Jeff Speck's final report

Make a difference, start "GreeningOKC"

Oklahoma City’s future isn’t just bright – it’s green!
By making a few simple changes in our lives we can make Oklahoma City healthier, cleaner and more sustainable for future generations. Vist the GreeningOKC Web site.

Mayor Cornett presents 2009 State of the City

Every January, the Mayor speaks to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce on the State of the City. The State of the City message looks back on accomplishments, reviews current developments and looks ahead to the future.

• Read the 2009 State of the City Address
• Watch the 2009 State of the City Address

City looking for small and disadvantaged contractors

In an effort to keep our local economy healthy and flourishing, the City is compiling a registry of local small and disadvantaged contractors and businesses that want to subcontract on City construction projects. The new program encourages general and prime contractors of City construction projects to use local subcontractors. More

What if my sewer backs up?

Sewer backups are usually unexpected and always create a mess. At best the backup requires unpleasant cleanup and sometimes expensive damage. When this happens, our customers have questions. More

Report potholes by phone

If you see potholes in City streets, give us a call on the Pothole Hotline at 405 631-1111. Or call *OKC on your cellular phone.

"This City is Going on a Diet"

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has an ambitious New Year’s resolution for Oklahoma City. He is asking residents to collectively lose one million pounds in an effort to create a healthier City. An interactive Web site has been created to track the city’s weight loss progress.

At the heart of the program is a Web site that is being launched on New Year’s Eve: www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com. The Web site is designed as a one-stop resource for people intending to lose weight. More

Registration is now closed for the Great OKC Tree Give-Away. If you have signed up for a tree, you should receive confirmation notification the week of April 13. If you have additional program questions, please contact us at 297-2283 or trees@okc.gov.

Learn more about ReleafOKC.

Oklahoma City voters pass 2007 Bond Program

Oklahoma City voters said yes to a $835.5 million G.O. Bond Issue to improve or replace our city’s infrastructure.
Projects include the repair of 750 miles of residential and arterial streets, repairing bridges, improving parks, addressing drainage systems, constructing sidewalks and trails, building new police and fire stations, replacing busses, updating libraries and providing incentives for economic development.
Thanks to citizens who voted in the election despite the frigid temperatures and unfavorable driving conditions. More

• 2007 Bond Program Election Results

City Council Issues, Strategic Priorities & Key Results

City Council met to identify the major issues confronting the City over the next two to five years, and establish Strategic Priorities and Key Results that the City needs to achieve in order to successfully address the issues identified. More

Five-Year economic forecast - FY 2010-14

The Five Year Financial forecast, FY 2010-14, was presented to City Council in March, 2009. The purpose of this document is to evaluate the City's financial condition as a view of the economic, financial and operational outlook for the City.

2009 news items