Donald D. Bown became the City Manager on February 19, 1991, resuming a position he had previously held on an interim basis in 1986. Through his seven years as City Manager, Bown led the city through the highs and lows of the ‘90s.

Bown’s diligent work for the City resulted in great success in development. In December, 1993, citizens approved the Metropolitan Area Projects, also known as MAPS, which would construct nine projects in an effort to revive downtown Oklahoma City. Bown’s term would also see the passing of two of the largest bond issues ever for improvement of streets, drainage, and parks.

On April 19, 1995 the City was devastated as the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was decimated by a bomb. After the tragedy, Bown determinedly coordinated rescue and aftermath relief efforts. Bown helped Oklahoma City through one of its darkest hours and allowed it to grow stronger because of it.