This article was updated at 3:32 p.m. May 14 to include two counties not previously stated as part of the Central Oklahoma Transit Plan.
Norman City Council heard updates on the Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan, proclaimed May as “Small Business Month” in Norman and approved the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan at its meeting Tuesday.
Central Oklahoma Transit Plan
The news: John Sharp, Deputy Director of the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, and Chip Nolen, Planning Manager at EMBARKOK, presented updates on the Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan.
According to its website, the Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan outlines a plan to improve transit networks across Central Oklahoma in response to planned high-capacity regional transit investments. High-capacity transit includes any form of public transit that has transit priority to make travel as congestion-proof as possible, according to the website.
According to the presentation, Central Oklahoma — including Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, McClain, Logan and Oklahoma counties — houses 1.3 million residents, 600,000 jobs and 36 towns. Goals listed in the presentation include providing communities with access to transit, offering competitive service options and utilizing resources effectively.
Sharp and Nolen announced a virtual town hall Wednesday, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to hear community feedback on the Central Oklahoma transit plan.
Small Business Month
The news: Council unanimously voted to recognize May as “Small Business Month.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are vital to Norman’s unique character, driving innovation and creating jobs,” Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila said.
What they’re saying: Heikkila recognized Johnathan Stapleton and Trae Carson, co-owners of 405 Brewing.
“On behalf of the small businesses of Norman, I’d like to thank the city, and the city council for proclaiming May as Small Business Month,” Stapleton said.
2025-2029 Consolidated Plan
The news: Council unanimously approved the proposed 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and one-year Action Plan for the 51 year Norman Community Development Block Grant application.
According to a staff report, the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan helps identify and address the needs of low-to-moderate income residents in Norman. The plan includes goals related to housing, homelessness, community development and public and assisted housing needs.
According to the staff report, the one-year Action Plan for Norman’s Community Development Block Grant program includes the proposed use of funds with references to the five-year Consolidated Plan Objectives and expected performance outcomes and totals $1,334,879.
The major sections of the Consolidated Plan include a housing market analysis, housing and homeless needs assessment, 5-year strategic plan, a 1-year action plan, and consultation and citizen participation, with accompanying documentation relating to public comment, according to the draft plan.
What they’re saying: According to Lisa Krieg, the CDBG Grants Manager, the total budget for the 2025-2026 CDBG program is estimated at $944,814, with $506,312 going to housing rehabilitation.
The vote: Council unanimously approved the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and one-year Action Plan for the 51 year Norman Community Development Block Grant application.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour.
