November 26, 2025 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• The City Council conference meeting was held on 📅 Tuesday, November 25th.

Key Discussions

Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC) Contract Discussion

The Council discussed a proposed contract with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC), which is an expansion of the former Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC).

• Background:
  • The City of Norman has contributed over $3 million to NEDC since its inception in 1996.
  • In 2022, the Council approved $1 million in ARPA funding for NEDC's incubator program (Startup 405), located at the old Copelands site, with conditions for minority-owned businesses and qualified census tracts.
  • CCEDC's mission is broader, aiming to elevate the economy of Cleveland County as a whole, not just Norman.
• Proposed Contract Terms:
  • The contract term would run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with automatic renewal subject to fund appropriation.
  • The City would have a 90-day option to terminate before the fiscal year-end.
  • The City Manager or a professional designate would serve on the CCEDC board and nominating committee.
  • Funding: Norman's proposed annual contribution is $130,046 ($1 per capita as of July 1, 2023).
• Council Concerns & CCEDC's Response:
  • Lack of Financial Documentation: Council members expressed a strong desire for annual audits and quarterly reports for transparency and accountability, as was required in the original NEDC contract. The CCEDC director stated they are not open to providing annual budgets or audits to the city, believing board presentation is sufficient, and also do not agree to be subject to the Open Meeting Act and Open Records Act regarding public funding.
  • Funding Equity: Concerns were raised about Norman's significant historical investment compared to new participants, and the weight of Norman's vote.
  • Incubator Funding: Questions arose about the expanded scope of the Startup 405 incubator, which Norman largely funded with ARPA dollars, and whether other cities should contribute if their residents benefit. Startup 405 will prioritize women, minorities, Native Americans, and veteran-owned startups, and provide space for students.
  • Political Activity: The proposed contract's provision on political activity was noted as less restrictive than the city's standard, which prohibits public funds from influencing ballot measures. The CCEDC director is not open to changing this provision.
• Council Discussion:
  • Some council members emphasized the importance of accountability and contractual obligations, particularly regarding the provision of audits and financial reports.
  • Others argued for the necessity of investing in economic development to improve Norman's median income and overall economic health, citing lower per capita spending compared to neighboring cities like Broken Arrow and Edmond.
  • The City Manager clarified that no action was taken at this meeting, and the discussion was to gather direction from the Council for future consideration. Norman currently does not have a contract with CCEDC.

Agenda Summary Table