June 25, 2025 City Council Meeting

Key Decisions & Votes

The City Council held a detailed discussion regarding a proposed contract with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC), which is transitioning from the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC). No vote was taken on the contract as presented, with council members expressing significant concerns and requesting further negotiation.

Key discussion points and concerns raised by the Council included:

• Transition and Scope: The CCEDC expands the focus from Norman to all of Cleveland County (including Lexington, Slaughterville, Noble, Moore, and South Oklahoma City). While recognizing the potential for broader job creation, council members questioned the value proposition for Norman, especially given its 30-year investment in NEDC.
• Contract Changes:
  • New language includes CCEDC serving in an advisory role and producing marketing materials for city assets.
  • The proposed contract removes a provision from the original NEDC agreement requiring quarterly activity and financial reports, as well as annual audits to be provided to the city.
  • The definition of "political activities" was narrowed, removing the prohibition against supporting or opposing "state or local questions."
• Council Concerns:
  • Lack of Accountability: Strong objections were raised regarding the omission of requirements for quarterly activity reports, quarterly financial reports, and annual audits. Council members emphasized the need for transparency and accountability for city funds.
  • Definition of Political Activities: Concerns were voiced about the ambiguous definition of "local questions" in the political activities clause and the potential for CCEDC to engage in activities that could be perceived as influencing local council decisions or ballot initiatives.
  • Board Representation: The proposed contract maintains a single board seat for the City Manager, which some council members felt was insufficient given Norman's historical investment and financial contribution, and raised concerns about public perception.
  • Equitable Transition: Council members questioned how Norman's 30 years of investment in NEDC (including land holdings and intellectual property like website recognition) would be valued and transitioned fairly as new communities join the coalition without similar historical contributions.
  • Incubator Project: Discussion highlighted the Norman-funded incubator project, raising questions about whether Norman-based entrepreneurs would receive preferential treatment for space over businesses from other Cleveland County cities that did not contribute to its funding.
  • Value for Money: Council members expressed concern about paying a higher amount ($1 per capita) for a service that would be less focused specifically on Norman, potentially leading to "less service" for "more money."
• Outcome of Discussion: Council members indicated that the proposed contract, as currently drafted, would not be approved and that further negotiations are required to address the significant concerns regarding transparency, accountability, political activity definitions, and equitable value for Norman's investment.

Financial Matters

💰 The proposed contract requires the city to invest $1 per capita, based on the latest census projections. For Norman, this amounts to $130,046 as of 📅 July 1, 2023.

• This represents an increase from the current appropriation of $125,000 in the adopted FY26 budget, leaving a $5,000 shortfall if the contract were approved as is.
• Funds for this contract would come from the city's general fund.
• Council members questioned the lack of audit and financial reporting requirements in the new contract, noting that previous NEDC contracts included such provisions and that other agencies receiving city funds (e.g., social and voluntary services) are often required to submit reports or certified financial statements.
• It was confirmed that Cleveland County is a paying member of the CCEDC, and the City of Moore is participating at a per capita rate of $63,000.

Agenda Summary Table