Progress 2024

Sunday, July 28, 2024

THE NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

The Norman Transcript

DD1

Sunday, July 28, 2024

University Of Oklahoma enters SEC City focuses on affordable housing Norman Regional relocates Norman Public Schools tout new programs Chamber promotes tourism Visit Norman boosts city Boyd Street Ventures funds start-ups

Photo by Tiger Melon Photography

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PROGRESS

Norman Public Schools growing, expanding ARCHIEBALD BROWNE T R A N S C R I P T S TA F F R E P O R T E R

PROJECT RENDERINGS OF FOOTBALL AND ATHLETIC STADIUM

Norman Public Schools will begin construction projects and implement multiple new programs for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PROVISION NPS will participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program to provide nearly 5,000 students with free breakfast or lunch, regardless of income.

Starting this upcoming school year, 10 schools will offer the CEP program. The entire student body at a participating school is eligible for the program based on the ratio of families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid Free, Temporary Assistance for Need Families or those students who are identified as a foster, homeless, migrant or runaway child.

NPS will review the program’s success and costs before considering an expansion to other schools.

“We’re thrilled to kick off this school year with such a game-changing program,” NPS Superintendent Nick Migliorino said. “It’s exciting to think that when the bell rings this fall, every child at these schools can start their day with a healthy breakfast and recharge at lunch, completely free of charge. This program is going to make a real difference right away, lifting a huge weight off our families’ shoulders and letting our students focus on what really matters — learning and growing.”

SOLAR INITIATIVE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM NPS saw an acceleration in renewable energy project development due to years of preparation and collaboration.

In December 2023 the Irving Middle School Outdoor Solar Classroom installation started producing energy. NPS then put in a 488-panel rooftop solar installation on Norman North High School funded by a third party owner through the Brightwell Group in April.

There are plans to expand the installation at Irving with funds See SCHOOLS on D5

Smart Tech

• Improving efficiency and property management—Gone are the days of triplicate carbon copies or a ring full of keys. Level M alleviates the need to manage property access on-site: Owners can now control everything via app or desktop and provide managers and workers an access code. Where a maintenance worker once had to make multiple trips to address a single trouble ticket, now WKH\ FDQ DFFHVV DQ DSDUWPHQW DW D VSHFLÀHG WLPH WKURXJK DQ DSS

In The Multifamily Industry

• Avoiding unexpected expenses for owners—The average leak can cost an owner as much as $35k, and with insurance premiums and deductibles on the rise, it’s never been more important to mitigate the impact of leaks. Enter 6PDUW 7HFK /HDN 'HWHFWLRQ /HDNV ZLOO WULJJHU DQ DSS RU SRUWDO QRWLÀFDWLRQ through a device placed on water heaters and pipes underneath sinks (some insurance companies offer a discount for leak protection). In addition, smart thermoVWDWV DQG OLJKWLQJ V\VWHPV UHGXFH HQHUJ\ FRQVXPSWLRQ DQG OHDG WR VLJQLÀFDQW FRVW savings for both owners and residents.

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t’s nearly impossible not to notice the changing landscape in Norman with the continued proliferation of new construction, much of which is in the extremely competitive multi-dwelling unit (MDU) sector. A 2024 survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council found that 87% of renters demand robust connectivity from the properties they live in—and, according to Rent.com, they’re willing to pay $38 more each month to have it. More choices for savvy renters means property owners and managers are challenged to manage rising operating costs while offering the latest and greatest tech to attract prospective residents and retain those they already have.

Enter Cox Communities, a division of Cox Communications, whose continued investment in smart technology is helping address the needs of all stakeholders. While the latest technology must be added to older MDU properties to help them stay competitive, it’s often installed in new builds, which means our work also happens, quite literally, at ground level through long-standing relationships with local builders.

WHAT IS THEE IN NTEERNEET OFF TH HINGS S

• Making move-in a breeze for everyone—The revolutionary smart-building connectivity of IoT translates to unmatched reliability, affordabilLW\ DQG ÁH[LELOLW\ *RQH DUH WKH GD\V RI VFKHGXOLQJ DQG WKHQ ZDLWLQJ WZR ZHHNV for a cable installer. With Cox’s pre-installed internet program, residents can be connected within minutes of move-in and enjoy fast, reliable internet—and a suite of smart apartment amenities—so they can be online on move-in day.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the many ways smart apartment technologies impact the growing MDU market, and more change is coming. The HYROXWLRQ DQG LQWHJUDWLRQ RI DUWLÀFLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH DQG YLUWXDO UHDOLW\ ZLWK H[LVWLQJ infrastructure holds endless promise of what’s possible when it comes to supporting the extremely competitive housing industry. As developers shift to affordable single-family “build-to-rent” communities with the latest technology, Cox is helping owners of existing properties update their technology. Upgrading older properties with the latest Smart Tech enables them to remain relevant as a viable choice for renters and be a positive contributor in growing communities.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers, at its essence, to a network of physical devices—phones, sensors, and cameras, for example— connected to one another and which help owners and residents manage their experience from the curb to the couch. If you’ve rented a storage unit recently, you’re likely able to open the entrance gate through an app on your phone. In an apartment building or complex, you may use an app to access entry to a property, a garage, or even an elevator. With IoT, nearly everything is at your ÀQJHUWLSV Cox Communities has partnered with Level M, a provider of next-generation smart tech solutions for multifamily customers, to provide the most cutting-edge technology solutions, which OHYHUDJH &R[·V ÀEHU SRZHUHG QHWZRUN DQG PRUH WKDQ years of experience in the multifamily space. Level M partners with Cox to support the multifamily industry including: • Offering comfort, convenience, and control to residents—With a single app, residents can do everything from enter through a main gate, enter a hallway ZLWK D VHFXUHG GRRU DFFHVV D SDUWLFXODU ÁRRU LQ WKH HOHYDWRU and enter their apartment. Residents can also control their thermostat and lights, reducing their utility bills. Safety, security, and convenience are in the palm of their hand from the start.

Norman is growing, and the Smart Tech that feeds our multifamily homes is enhancing the rental experience across the board. As a partner, Cox Communities will continue to innovate while providing robust services, best-in-class connectivity, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to build a better future for all.

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Chamber of Commerce touts tourism efforts KYLE PHILLIPS THE TRANSCRIPT

Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott Martin is excited about the future of Norman; and he wants to put that excitement to work to make Norman a destination.

As the landscape changes and more amenities and people visit from out of town, Martin says the city is in a great spot to capitalize by capturing those tax dollars.

“There are things that I think really highlight the unique areas that Norman has to offer and provides an attraction and a draw,” Martin said. “There are some really exciting things that are on the horizon, big and small, and they all work together.”

The most exciting thing on that list, Martin says, is OU changing conferences from the Big 12 and moving to the SEC. Something he says is good for everyone involved.

“That move certainly has been monumental for the community,” Martin said, “The University reached out to us early on and said ‘Hey this is way bigger than just what happens on the court or the field. It’s really going impact the entire community, particularly our businesses.’”

Martin knows the conference move will bring more out-of-town visitors to Norman, and that means more money for local businesses and tax dollars for the city.

“What we have learned is that they travel well,” Martin said. “Even if they don’t come to the game, they still want to be a part of the festivities. We have tried and continue to work on how we can promote and make known to those out-of-town visitors our great local businesses that we have.”

Martin says OU sports isn’t the only way Norman can bring visitors to the City. He emphasized that sports tourism is on the rise and Norman can be a landmark destination.

“Sports tourism is a big deal, and it’s a big economic driver,” Martin said. “It is a natural fit in Norman because you have OU athletics, but then you have all of these families that have their kids in leagues.”

Martin says Norman Forward helped put the city in a good position to capture those sports tourism dollars. Norman For ward is a resident-initiated proposal to renovate, expand, construct and fund quality-of-life projects, such as multiple recreational facilities, libraries, parks, athletic venues, public art, trails, swim complexes and other quality-of-life projects throughout Norman.

“We’ve had the Optimist gym forever, and Griffin Park and Reaves Park have been around for a long time. We wanted to upgrade those and then make them more of a yearround attraction. All of them have been really well done, and we are seeing the fruits of that labor.”

Martin says the Young Family Athletic Center is one of the projects that has made a big impact on bringing visitors to Norman.

“By all accounts the YFAC has been more successful than people thought it would be. There were high expectations, but I think it has outpaced those,” Martin said. “You see a lot of teams from around the region that are coming to Norman and they are staying at a hotel, eating at a restaurant. So that is out-of-town money that is being invested in our community.”

With more people wanting to experience more in their own town without having to travel, Martin says some of these initiatives will give people a way to keep their money in Norman.

“People are looking for experiences; they are looking for live, work, play,” Martin said, “They want to

Kyle Phillips | For The Transcript, file photos

Pictured is the Young Family Athletic Center, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The 122,000-square-foot facility, opened on February 20, 2024, and is operated by the City of Norman.

Campus Corner

“We are big enough where we can have multiple districts that are all thriving at the same time. Part of the Chamber’s mission is to work to support all of our businesses, so I am looking forward to see where we are going as a community.”

SCOTT MARTIN Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

Shown is a Campus Corner Aerial. The district has more than 75 options for dining, retail and drinks. shop and do things where they live.”

Martin says he sees the proposed entertainment district playing a big part in changing the landscape of Norman, not just commercially and residentially.

“That’s one reason this proposed

entertainment development is so exciting for us,” Martin said. “It’s because we see this as a major comprehensive development. It’s not just new houses, it’s not just retail, it’s not just this huge entertainment venue and new offices. It’s all of that

together and you often don’t see that, so we’re excited about that.”

Martin says the Chamber is also always looking for ways to support locally owned and managed businesses.

“We regularly are targeting opportunities that allow us to support our homegrown businesses,” Martin said. “We just got off a really

aggressive campaign from early July for restaurant week. It was blown up bigger than we normally do because of the move to the SEC and that added to the excitement and added to the activities going on.”

During the campaign, shoppers who spent $50 at participating local businesses received a $10 gift card back to that business. Martin says it was a great incentive for shoppers and businesses alike.

“Not only did you support a local business initially, but then were gonna give you a little gift card,” Martin said. “So now you can go back and support them again in the future. It’s my intention that we would do something like that again. ” And while Martin says it might not seem like much, it’s programs like that that help promote those local businesses.

“It’s a small investment from the Chambers prospective,” Martin said. “But I think it means a lot to our members and general businesses that we are providing some attention and incentive for people to shop local and emphasize how impotent that is.”

And it’s those investments that help local businesses stay af loat during the slow season. Martin says Sumner can be especially hard on local small businesses.

“It’s a time when a lot of OU student are not here and so a lot of businesses struggle to bridge the gap between the end of one semester and the start of another,” Martin said. “So we want to do everything we can to support them. So our efforts we have implemented are up-to-date, and I am really excited about expanding on that.”

Despite some of those struggles, Martin is excited about the future of Norman and hopes that the next year will bring positive changes to the community.

“We are big enough where we can have multiple districts that are all thriving at the same time,” Martin said. “Part of the Chamber’s mission is to work to support all of our businesses, so I am looking forward to see where we are going as a community.”

Cox’s ISP service achieves broadband milestone Cox achieved a milestone this year in its ISP service, being named the fastest broadband provider in the U.S.

by HighSpeedInternet.com In its 2024 annual review, HighSpeedInternet.com gave Cox the top rating based on average download speeds for all of 2023.

According to a press release, Cox claimed the top spot by delivering average year-long download speeds of 238 Mbps across the country. The press release stated that Cox average speeds were10 Mbps ahead of its nearest competitor.

“As consumers continue to introduce more connected device in their homes, the need for fast fiber-powered broadband becomes increasingly

important,” said Roger Ramseyer, market vice president for Cox. “Validating our capabilities with a respected third-party partner reinforces our message to customers that we can deliver the fiber-powered reliable speeds they need now and well into the future.”

Cox, said in the news release, it has invested nearly $12B in network upgrades over the past 10 years (2014-2023). The company said it will continue making multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investments over the next several years.

“All Cox markets are powered by fiber today and we continue to expand fiber-to-the-home across our footprint in the coming years. Today,

all Cox customers have access to gig speeds and approximately half have access to multi-gig speeds,” the news release stated.

Cox said in the statement that it increased download speeds for the majority of our customers in 2023, doubling the speed of its most popular tier from 250 to 500 Mbps, and nearly 70% of our customers now have speeds of half a gig or more.

According to the news release, “Internet users seeking to measure the speed of their connected devices while at home can do so via HSI’s website tool or by downloading the speed testing app, available via the Apple App Store and Google Play.”

“Our Speed Test sets the standard

for millions of Americans seeking greater insight into their internet connection.

“With millions of tests conducted in our 2024 Annual Review, HighSpeedInternet.com has the unique capability to examine speeds for internet users from coast to coast,” said Manuel Delgado, managing director at HighSpeedInternet.com.

“As technologies and ISP infrastructures improve, it is impressive to see Cox emerge as the fastest broadband provider in the U.S. this year in our comprehensive analysis.”

— Submitted

“As technologies and ISP infrastructures improve, it is impressive to see Cox emerge as the fastest broadband provider in the U.S. this year in our comprehensive analysis.”

MANUEL DELGADO Managing director at HighSpeedInternet.com

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PROGRESS

Youth health programs progressing MINDY WOOD THE TRANSCRIPT

Submitted by Norman Regional Health Systems

Norman Regional is providing a transformative leap in rehabilitation care as we welcome Oklahoma’s first-ever Aretech Zero-G Gait & Balance System.

Norman Regional Health System on the move ARCHIEBALD BROWNE T R A N S C R I P T S TA F F REPORTER

The Nor man Regiona l Health System says it is focused on how to provide health care to the community now and far into the future while the city continues to grow.

Since initiating its Inspire Health plan in 2019, NRHS has opened Norman Regional Nine, Behavioral Health Porter Village, revamped the system’s Porter campus and recently completed a hospital expansion.

The expansions come with new technology to better aid doctors and nurses in caring for patients.

HEALTHPLEX EXPANSION Every aspect of the new Healthplex location, to soon be called Norman Regional Hospital, will continue to focus on the patient’s best possible outcomes. ”This initiative overall, it was about designing a facility and processes that had Travis Caperton | University of Oklahoma one thing in mind, and that was the best possible patient Richie Splitt, Dr. Richard Lofgren, Dr. Robert Mannel and Karalisa Duncan, OU Regent Rick Nagel and Robert J. care” Richie Splitt, president Ross and OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. pose for a photo after the Topping Off ceremony for the new OU Health and CEO of NRHS previously Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional Healthplex campus on June 25. told the Transcript. “So everyand orthopedic injury. thing that we have done, has The system allows physibeen hyper focused on what’s cal therapists to work using best for the patient.” a reduced gravity-like enviNRHS is moving patients ronment, giving patients the from the Porter location to ability to move without fear. the new Healthplex.

The hospital system is “If we want to offer our moving acute care services, patients the best available including the emergency care, we have to get them department, intensive care walking faster and further. unit, surgery services and A tool like the ZeroG ensures inpatient care to the Norman we can do this safely,” said Regional Healthplex.

Ben Vandaveer, a physical The expansion grows Northerapist and manager of the man Regional Hospital to Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit more than 770,000 square at Norman Regional. feet, according to a release.

New spaces include an addiBEHAVIORAL HEALTH tional critical care tower, an CENTER expanded emergency departNR H A par tnered w ith ment, 14 operating rooms and Oceans Healthcare to open a 700-space, multi-level parkthe Behavioral Health Cening garage. ter at Porter Health Village “We are opening our newly Kyle Phillips | The Transcript in June, providing inpatient expanded hospital ... and treatment to patients 18 and embarking on an exciting new An aerial view of the Norman Regional HealthPlex expansion. older and dedicated care to chapter of service, growth seniors over 55.

Another and innovation,” Splitt said in The facility, located at 506 look at the a statement. “Our employees, Wellness Way, increases who we call healers, are enerNorman access to care in south-cengized and ready to provide Regional personalized, compassionate HealthPlex tral Oklahoma and more than care in this new state-of-theExpansion doubles Norman Regional Health System’s current inpaart environment.” project.

The Por ter Emergency tient capacity.

Department is becoming an More than 53 percent of Kyle Phillips | Urgent Care clinic and will adults living with a menTranscript no longer provide emergency ta l hea lt h cond it ion in medical treatment. The locaOklahoma went untreated tion on Porter will continue to last year, according to the have the Cancer Management 2023 Mental Health AmerCenter open until the compleica report. Approximately tion of the OU Stephenson 222,000 adults in the state Cancer Center at the new also reported facing issues Norman Regional Hospital when seeking help. campus in 2025. easily during lumpectomy nology positively impacted Operating Room for a second “The Behavioral Health procedures. the care of my patient,” Center at Porter Health Vilsurgery”.

NEW TECHNOLOGY NRHS Breast Oncologic Chance said in a release.

“She lage is the culmination of NRHS is the first in OklaThe new hospital carries new health care technol- Surgeon John Chace advo- had a known small invasive homa to offer the ZeroG a shared v ision of highogy, some of which will be cated for the Clarix Imaging cancer that we had localized. robotic body-weight support quality, accessible care, and With the Clarix imaging of system. we’re proud to see it come the first in the state. Some system.

The Nor man Regiona l the specimen, I could see an It aids patients’ physical to fruition,” Bill Southwick, include a ZeroG robotic bodyweight support system to help Health Foundation invested area trailing away from it up therapy through strength hospital administrator, previpatients walk and the Clarix in the new technology on to the margin. This prompted and mobility for those who ously said. “We’re eager to see Imaging CT (3D) breast spec- behalf of the health system me to take additional tissue. have experienced stroke, its impact and hope it allows The additional margin traumatic brain injury, spinal more individuals in need imen imaging system, which to improve patient outcomes.

“The very first time I used was negative and prevented cord injury, cerebral palsy, to take the first step toward will help breast cancer surgeons identify tumors more the Clarix System, this tech- her from having to return to multiple sclerosis, amputees healing.”

Programs to encourage youth to make healthy food choices is proving to be popular at the Well with two more years’ of funding left to keep it going.

The programs entice youth to join educational activities at the Well in exchange for free produce and some fun.

Tara McClain oversees health programming at the Well, 210 James Garner Ave., and says the response from the public has her looking to other grants to extend health initiatives made possible with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

T h e We l l ’s r e c e n t l y launched, Walk, Bike and Skate program was a hit, McClain said.

“So far we’ve had amazing attendance,” she said of the exercise and produce program. “It’s great to see people get out here without the use of motorized vehicles and get the benefit from that.”

The first 30 participants can cash in $20 in produce bucks available through the Well from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

McClain said the bucks are usually gone within the first two hours, so those who want to take advantage should plan to arrive within that time.

A second program, the Power of Produce Club, held Tuesdays during Farm Market hours, invites children to taste new foods and join in a produce related activity. They also receive $5 in produce bucks. So far, more than 250 children have attended the club night.

“We try to find something that’s a little bit unique that somebody has at the market,” McClain said. “They get two bites, so they just have to basically try it.”

Following the closure of the Tuesday Farm Market for the season, McClain plans to continue the event once per month.

During the 2nd Friday Artwalk, another health program is themed with a book to go along with activities. In July the theme was Dragons Love Tacos and August it will be the Little Mermaid; in September, Little Red Riding Hood.

Children fed tacos to a costumed dragon, enjoyed live music and a taco truck.

It’s all part of a goal to provide youth programming, something that McClain is passionate about and plans to increase.

“I felt like one of the things lacking at the Well was youth programming,” she said. “I’m really trying to fill the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. hour every single day as some sort of youth activity like art classes, youth athletic classes, and that’s my push going forward.”

McClain also said she plans to seek grant funding to keep the programs going after the ARPA funds are expended.

The funds also paid for acoustic panels in the Well to reduce echo and improve sound quality for the hard of hearing.

“I felt like one of the things lacking at the Well was youth programming. I’m really trying to fill the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. hour every single day as some sort of youth activity like art classes, youth athletic classes, and that’s my push going forward.”

TARA McCLAIN

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PROGRESS SCHOOLS CONTINUED FROM D2

collected by the school’s Students for Solar Club. With the addition of the 2MW solar farm in partnership with Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, the district has three completed solar installations.

NPS entered a five-year contract with Cenergistic, an energy conservation consultant to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent. The plan is to reach the goal by reassessing Building Automated Systems, analyzing utility data, developing energy setbacks over long breaks and closely monitoring HVAC equipment.

“By integrating solar installations across multiple campuses and implementing comprehensive energy conservation measures, NPS is not only reducing operational costs but also providing invaluable realworld learning experiences for our students,” Justin Milner, Associate Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of NPS said. “These projects are more than just infrastructure improvements – they’re investments in our future. They represent a commitment to fiscal responsibility, environmental consciousness and innovative education.”

Provided Renderings

Construction on the Oklahoma Aviation Academy is expected to begin in spring 2024, according to a Norman Public Schools official.

Aviation and aerospace is the second largest industry in Oklahoma, and Norman Public Schools hopes to streamline students into the field by expanding its Oklahoma Aviation Academy. These renderings show what the new facility would look like.

“We’re not just building a stadium — we’re creating a home for our athletes, a gathering place for our community, and a symbol of our commitment to excellence in athletics and education.”

TD O’HARA NPS Director of Athletics

CENTER FOR ARTS AND LEARNING

our community’s commitment to innovative education and the bright futures of our students. We can’t wait to see the first shovel hit the ground and watch our vision take flight.”

One of NPS’ newest facilities, the Center for Arts and Learning, is set to open this fall. The district purchased the former Journey Church at 3801 Journey Parkway and repurposed it as part of a voter-approved 2023 bond initiative.

“It will be an exceptional venue for fine arts performances, 5th grade graduations, and a wide array of community events and celebrations,” Evelyn Kwanza, Director of Fine Arts for NPS, said. “It has the potential to positively influence our students and community for decades.”

The 60,000 square foot facility will feature a 1,600 seat auditorium.

NORMAN NORTH STADIUM

OKLAHOMA AVIATION ACADEMY NPS will break ground this fall on the new Oklahoma Aviation Academy facility. The $32 million project, which is part of a larger $354 million bond for district wide improvements, aims to create a learning environment designed to accommodate up to 600 students.

This upcoming school year, 229 students are enrolled in aviation classes, up from 170 last year, with an additional 55 students in the OAA Pre-engineering program.

Photo provided

Norman North High School is now operated entirely by its 488-panel solar power plant on the south end of the roof.

The new facility will adhere to the academy’s comprehensive curriculum, which includes specialized courses for each grade level. Students in grades 11 and 12 will have access to advanced programs such as the Tango Flight class, where students will build a Vans RV-12 airplane over two

years. The campus design features a two-story main building with flight simulator rooms, science labs, and collaborative spaces. It also includes a College and Careers Center and a twostory storm shelter meeting ICC 500 standards. The design allows room for future expansion.

“The groundbreaking at the Oklahoma Aviation Academy isn’t just about turning soil; it’s about laying the foundation for the future of aviation education in Norman,” Migliorino said. “Our enrollment numbers are soaring, and the new facility will stand as a reminder of

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BossTax (Stamford, CT) is a female/minorityowned FinTech that helps solo entrepreneurs and independent contractors organize and maintain business documents for tax preparation.

BPEndo (Norman, OK) has developed an add-on device that solves the ÆďĮĴăř ĨīďÅăÐĉ ďå ­ðī ďī ŦķðÌ incontinence while allowing full freedom of movement for the endoscope during colonoscopies.

Cadenza Bio (Oklahoma City, OK) is a female-owned ťīĉ Ĵì­Ĵ ĮÐÐĮ ­ ÆăЭī opportunity for MS and other neurodegenerative disease patients to halt and reverse disease progression.

Exum Instruments (Denver, CO) builds instruments and software ecosystems to increase the speed of development and discovery, offering easy access to highperformance at a low cost.

HeartCloud (Oklahoma City, OK) has a unique capability to compile and report data from remote patient monitoring devices to improve patient health and drive revenue for providers.

IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) is the world’s leading sports education brand focused on developing the next generation of student athletes and sending them to top colleges.

IV Ensure (Guthrie, OK) has developed a solution to the 50%+ hospital readmission rates resulting from nonadherence to home infusion treatment plans.

Lumata Health (Oklahoma ðĴřș ZNȨ ðĮ ĴìÐ ťīĮĴ ĨīďŒðÌÐī of care coordination and counseling for people suffering from chronic eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Luna (Rocklin, CA) has created a referral network for at-home or at-work physical therapy organized by a mobile application to meet patient needs most hospitals cannot.

Moat Biotechnology (Oklahoma City, OK) is focused on novel second-generation SC-AdVax for the development of nasal/oral vaccines for multiple infectious diseases and cancer.

Myri Health (Norman, OK) is a female/minority-owned healthcare business that addresses society’s dearth of support for post partum mothers with an app and multiple forms of support.

VesprSolar (Somerville, MA) designs and markets innovative attachment and structural solutions for the PV solar market, making panel installation faster, cheaper and more reliable.

VinSense (Norman, OK) has breakthrough technology enabling growers and producers to reduce resource use and operating costs while increasing crop volume and quality.

Watkins-Conti (Edmond, OK) is a female-owned developer of an easy, nonsurgical solution for the stress urinary incontinence (SUI) experienced by 75% of women.

Wheeler Bio (Oklahoma City, OK) brings biologics drug innovators, discovery CROs and CDMOs together to solve an outdated industry bottleneck and reduce time-to-market.

Construction for the new Norman North High School Stadium begins in August. The $24 million project was approved in the 2023 bond and includes upgrades to other sports facilities and expansions.

The project will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase starting next month, focusing on the new track and practice football field.

The project represents a large investment in the school’s athletic facilities, enhancing the experience for students, athletes and spectators.

“We’re not just building a stadium — we’re creating a home for our athletes, a gathering place for our community, and a symbol of our commitment to excellence in athletics and education,” TD O’Hara, NPS Director of Athletics, said. “We’re excited to see how this new stadium will inspire the next generation of Timberwolves to reach even greater heights.”

The stadium is scheduled for completion in August 2025.

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PROGRESS

As City begins new fiscal year, officials reflect on progress ANDREA HANCOCK NORMAN TRANSCRIPT

The Norman Transcript’s “Progress” edition drops every year right around an important time for the City of Norman: The beginning of the City’s new fiscal year.

The fiscal year began July 1, and in Fiscal Year 2024 the City of Norman tackled everything from affordable housing to infrastructure improvements.

Mayor Larry Heikkila and Councilmember Stephen Tyler Holman — the longest-tenured member of the council, with 11 years under his belt — both listed the passage of the 2023 passage of a new bridge bond among the council’s biggest accomplishments.

In July 2023, the council adopted a resolution setting a $50 million, 10-year bond to repair or replace 18 bridges throughout Norman to an election. In October, the residents of Norman passed the bond with 57.61% of the vote.

“Now that voters have already approved it, in the future, renewing it doesn’t require any tax increase.

That’s been one of the more popu la r pa r t s of st re et maintenance bond that was approved in 2006, and again in 2011, 2016, and 2021,” Holman said.

The bridge repairs will be paid for through a property tax increase: roughly $2.44 more for a $100,000 home $5.10 for a $200,000 home and $7.75 for a $300,000 home.

The council approved a bid to begin work on the first round of repairs in February: A bridge on 60th Avenue NE over Rock Creek and a bridge near the intersection of Lindsey Street and Classen Boulevard.

Both of these bridges have a very low sufficiency rating which makes them in need of immediate attention.

According to City engineers, the bridge at 60th Avenue is rated at 27.2 out of 100 and the bridge at Lindsey Street is rated at 53.7 out of 100.

“The City’s had to work with

Photo provided by Shevaun Williams of City of Norman

Top row, from left to right: Stephen T. Holman (Ward 7), Michael Nash (Ward 5), Elizabeth Foreman (Ward 6), Matt Peacock (Ward 8), Austin Ball (Ward 1). Front row: Lauren Schueler (Ward 2), Larry Heikkila (mayor), Helen Grant (Ward 4), Bree Montoya (Ward 3). the property owners next to it on acquiring enough right-ofway on the frontage to build the new bridge,” Holman said of the bridge on 60th Avenue.

“It should be under construction by the end of the year.”

In March, the council voted unanimously in favor of a new ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units, a small step in addressing affordable housing needs in Norman.

Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, are sma ll, secondar y dwelling units on properties that already have an existing residential unit. ADUs can be detached from the main dwelling unit (i.e., a small guesthouse) or attached (i.e., a garage refurbished into an

apartment).

Holman said the the City has considered allowing ADUs for several years, but began seriously exploring a new ordinance after participating in a 24-month program with Strong Towns, a national nonprofit dedicated to creating growth and development strategies for specific cities.

“The ADU is one of the recommendations from Strong Tow ns as a low-impac t, incremental way to deal with growth without completely overwhelming an existing neighborhood by tearing everything down and building big apartments,” Holman said.

To the end of further developing affordable housing opportunities, Holman listed

work on a new housing edition called Crimson Flats among the council’s biggest accomplishments last year.

Crimson Flats will feature 75 housing units for people with low incomes, especially those with disabilities or Section 8 housing vouchers.

The residencies will include rent caps based on median incomes.

The council initia lly approved the purchase of five acres at the intersection of Imhoff Road and Oakhurst Avenue in January 2023. The purchase cost $525,000 and was paid through American Rescue Plan Act funds. The council approved further development plans on the site in November.

“It’s the biggest step the City of Norman government has ever taken to try to expand affordable housing in Norman,” Holman said. “I think it really showed how the council can work together to get stuff done.”

The council’s ability to work with other City entities — along with the councilmembers’ abilities to work with each other — was put to the test last fall when the council had to negotiate with both Norman Public Schools and the Norman Police Department to determine the future of four school resource officer positions.

“You’re talking about nine City Councilmembers and the mayor, and then five school

board members, different administrative staff, all that.

So getting everybody on the same page, in the same room, sometimes can be a challenge,” Holman said.

Passed by residents back in 2014, the second iteration of the Public Safety Sales Tax called for 13 school resource officers to be placed in Norman’s public schools. The council’s job last fall was two approve funding for the final four positions to fulfil that commitment. And according to Heikkila, ultimately, over budget concerns, that’s what it came down to: commitment.

“I held that out. We had promised it. We had them as positions in the budget, but not funded them. And they’re ver y expensive, cops are pretty expensive — actually, all employees are expensive — but what we went and did was basically we agreed that we had promised this 10 years ago,” Heikkila said. “Now it was time to deliver.”

“We have an obligation to implement it,” Holman agreed.

The council initially postponed a decision on the final four positions in September, but when the item made it back onto their agenda in November, councilmembers approved the item 7-2.

A more fun venture for the City Council was to officially certify Norman as a “filmfriendly” city.

The “film-friendly” program is administered by the State Office of Film and Music and helps communities get in contact with and prepare for production crews. VisitNorman will serve as the primary point-of-contact with producers, but the certification is only possible through ordinance changes from the City Council.

In March, Norman City Council voted unanimously to classify film and television production events as special events, a designation previously given to festivals, concerts and similar activities. The Council also voted to create a new See REFLECT on D10

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PROGRESS

Boyd Street Ventures aims to help fund startups PAXSON HAWS A S S I S TA N T E D I TO R

In Apr i l, Boyd St reet Ventures announced a partnership with the Norman Economic Development Coalition to create a $2 million Cleveland County Centurions Growth Fund to invest in and provide guidance to Cleveland County startups.

“The purpose of it is to support Cleveland County entrepreneurs that, in other ways, haven’t been getting the attention,” said John Pohl, Marketing & Investor Relations for Boyd Street Ventures.

Startups looking to be considered for the Cleveland County Centurions Growth Fund will have to participate in Startup 405, an incubator started by NEDC. Once in Startup 405, businesses will get help in a variety of areas, depending on what the business needs according to Pohl.

“Every company is going to be different,” he said.

“So whatever they’re lacking in terms of experience or knowledge, it could be in accounting, it could be some legal issues, it could be with helping getting their product refined, testing their product but whatever it might be, they can, they’ll get help from the incubator.”

The pla n i s to i nve st $50,000 to 200,000 in 10 to 15 startup companies from Cleveland County over two years.

Once businesses are ready to hit the market or have already gone to the market and are ready to expand, the business can apply to BSV for additional funding.

“If it’s going well and it looks like it’s going to be a smart investment for us and they need more money, Boyd Street Ventures will make an additional investment,” Pohl said.

“We have something called the Venture Studio by BSV that will be there to provide additional, even more advanced guidance to them, depending, again, on what

Provided by Boyd Street Ventures

James Spann, founder of Boyd Street Ventures. they need.”

Boyd Street Ventures was started by James Spann in 2021. Spann attended the University of Oklahoma on a Navy ROTC scholarship and played soccer.

He served six years as a captain in the U.S. Marines before leaving the service and having a 30-year career as an executive in the Life Sciences industry, working in C-suite roles in such market leaders as AmerisourceBergen, Aramark and Medline.

In 2005, the OU’s Navy ROTC program was on the verge of being shut down due to outdated facilities and a lack of student involvement, according to Spann.

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“The purpose of it is to support Cleveland County entrepreneurs that, in other ways, haven’t been getting the attention.”

JOHN POHL Marketing & Investor Relations for Boyd Street Ventures

He and other alums led a fundraising effort that ultimately generated over $25 million and restored the program to its former glory, according to a press release.

Spann was named Vice Chairman of the Board of Advisors for OU’s Stevenson School of Biomedical Engineering in 5 and observed numerous startups created in the OU ecosystem failing to

get to market for one primary reason: the lack of venture capital funding in Oklahoma.

Spann decided he would found a venture capital firm in Norman following his retirement.

He spent the final three years of his corporate career studying VC and retired in 2018.

Spann launched his venture capital in 2021, locating it on

Boyd Street near OU’s campus.

He and co-founder Jeff Moore, a McKinsey alum and Executive Director of OU’s Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth, worked with a team of OU students to come up with a name for the company.

The winner: Boyd Street Ventures.

The firm launched its Fund I in March of 2022 and BSV has raised nearly $25M from several anchor investors — including Bank of America, Gateway Bank, the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and the OG&E Energy Corp.

Foundation.

BSV’s investment thesis is to pursue high returns by investing in small or unknown companies at prices that have not been bid up by the large East and West Coast investors.

It also seeks to provide derisking guidance that allows the companies to avoid costly mista kes, get to market sooner, grow and exit earlier and be more profitable.

The Fund has invested in 16 companies — all with an Oklahoma connection and most in the Life Science area.

It has also made 14 follow-on investments. BSV is currently targeting $25 million in additional funding for Fund I, which will close on Dec. 31.

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PROGRESS

Photos by Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

At left, Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila helps youth baseball players cut the ribbon opening the new baseball fields during the ribbon cutting for the Reaves Park renovation, Saturday. The $10.2 million Norman Forward Project included construction of four new fields, restrooms and concessions, more parking and a pond. Eleven other baseball and softball fields also were renovated. At right, Jason Olsen unveils a street sign that will sit at the entrance to the soccer fields during the Griffin Park Renovation Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Griffin Park. Through a series of phases, the project has added new soccer fields, renovated existing ones, improved parking facilities, and upgraded road infrastructure.The renovations were part of Norman Forward.

MOVING NORMAN FORWARD Quality-of-life initiative upgrading city’s parks TARIK MASRI T R A N S C R I P T S P O R T S E D I TO R

Since it was passed by voters in 2015, the Norman Forward initiative, aimed at developing quality of life projects has completed nine projects across the city.

The initiative is funded by a 0.5% sales tax over 15 years, though over 90% of the projects have already been completed.

Some of the projects Norman Forward has already developed are the Westwood Family Aquatic Center, the Young Family Athletic Center, two libraries, the Westwood Indoor Tennis Facility and the Adult Wellness and Education Center.

Many of those projects focused on renovating and expanding Norman’s parks.

Norman Forward added 11 soccer fields to Griffin Park with plans to add three more and unveiled a new art installation this past July.

Sonoma Park, Oakhurst Park, Prairie Creek Park and Songbird Park each received upgraded playground equipment and constructed or renovated basketball courts, soccer fields, walking paths and signage.

A master plan for renovating Reaves Park was unveiled in 2017 and an official dedication ceremony was held in March of 2023.

With an estimated cost of $10 million, the Reaves Park renovation was one of several Norman Forward projects with a budget over eight figures. The library was the largest project at $39 million.

The City of Norman chipped in $32 million of the $43 million it cost to build the Young Family Athletic Center and The Adult Wellness and Education Center was $12.4 million.

In total nine Norman Forward projects had a budget of $10 million or more. The parks project includes seven different projects with a total budget of $26.5 million.

With the majority of the projects nearing completion, the city has already started to turn its attention towards a second phase of Norman Forward. Currently the only projects still under construction are the parks projects and traffic improvements. Those are expected to continue through 2027.

The current sales tax won’t end until 2030, but Norman mayor Larry Heikkilla stressed the importance of looking towards the future at the opening of the Adult Wellness and Education Center last October. Norman could choose to continue funding these projects by supporting a renewal of Norman Forward.

“There are several of us that have been plotting about what the next projects are,” Heikkila told the Transcript. “But that is just a few of us that are doing it. We need the whole community to say, ‘What do we want next? What do we need?’”

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com

Mechan 14 — a public artwork by Tyler FuQua Creations-sits in Reaves Park, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Mechan 14 is the sixth piece of public art made possible by the Norman Forward 1% for Art program. TFC has created a number of robot sculptures (called Mechans) that dot the country and have also been seen at events like Burning Man.

“There are several of us that have been plotting about what the next projects are. But that is just a few of us that are doing it.

We need the whole community to say, ‘What do we want next? What do we need?’” LARRY HEIKKILLA, Norman mayor

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PROGRESS

Visit Norman looks to boost city PAXSON HAWS A S S I S TA N T E D I TO R

Visit Norman is focused on encouraging growth in Norman, promoting tourism to bring in visitors while working to keep them in town for longer periods.

Over the past year, Visit Norman has focused on several areas to continue its mission, including the Norman Sports Commission, the University of Oklahoma’s transition into the Southeastern Conference and its influence on the city, looking for new avenues to draw visitors.

SPORTS COMMISSION Dan Schemm, president and CEO of Visit Norman, said residents voted Brian D. King | The Transcript to increase the guest tax from 5 percent to 8 percent in May 2023. A The Young Family Athletic Center will open in January, and portion of the revenue from the tax A confetti canon goes off as the ribbon is cut at the Young Family Athletic it will serve as the home for Norman’s new youth basketball went to the Arts Council and the league.

Center, Monday, Feb. 20, 2024. remainder was used to create the Norman Sports commission.

“We’ve always known that youth sports were recession-proof, but we found out during the pandemic that they were also pandemic-proof,” Schemm said.

Schemm said with the 14 baseball diamonds at the Reeves complex, the Young Family Athletic Center with basketball, volleyball and a pool facility, it was the perfect time to come online with Norman Sports.

Norman Sports went live in July 2023 and hosted the National Beep Baseball World Series, a baseball championship for the blind and visually impaired.

“If you’ve not heard of it or seen it, it is absolutely amazing,” Schemm said. “It’s blind baseball players. The ball beeps and they’re able to hit it. I can’t hit a softball when I can see it, and they’re able to do this. So, it’s just super inspiring and to have that happen in Norman, Oklahoma, as kind of the first Norman sports event was really satisfying. It was something we had been working on since 2017.”

Schemm said sports in general was a big focus for Visit Norman over the past year and had a recording-breaking year with over 20,000 hotel bookings generated from sporting events. He expects this number to keep growing with more facilities and events coming online, as they book years out.

With the Young Family Athletic Center, Norman has hosted several Photos by Kyle Phillips | The Transcript Adidas tournaments, including one with over 200 teams. It also noted Brandon Chesser connects with the ball Thursday during the Beep Ball National Championship at Griffin Park. the Adidas 3SSB tournament featuring the most talented female high Trae Young school basketball players. Schemm watches as said there were over 400 college the cover is coaches in town for the tournament pulled off a to scout prospective athletes. street sign The City has also hosted events from Puma, Mid America Youth Basduring a ketball, NXT Pro, the Perfect Game dedication which is an OKC softball challenge ceremony and more. Next month, Norman will for Trae host a United Flag Football League Young Drive, event at the Gillis-Rother Soccer Sunday, Nov. Complex.

8, 2023. at “(We’re) really excited about all the Young of those things and the interest in Family what’s happening out at all of these Athletic venues only continuing to grow,” Schemm said.

Center. The 122,000 SEC square foot The University of Oklahoma joined facility will the Southeastern Conference on July open to the 1 and Norman and the university public in have been preparing for the move early 2024. over the past years.

To prepare for the move, Schemm and Visit Norman spoke with similar organizations in Lexington, Kentucky, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama to see what they were doing.

One of the easier projects Visit Norman could complete was a beautification project.

“If you’ve driven down Main Street or been to Campus Corner, you may have noticed the light pole banners that are up now,” he said.

“So, Visit Norman and the OU Athletic Department partnered to put those banners up to just make Main Street, Lindsay Street, and Campus Corner a more welcoming environment for the visitors that are coming.”

OU has also recently announced changes to its tailgating policy and Visit Norman is looking at ways it can make an impact on that front.

“This is our only chance to make a first impression on many of these SEC fans,” Schemm said.

Visit Norman has worked on marketing campaigns to “push out and ornament” the visitors to what is available to do while in Norman.

Schemm said Norman is more At left, Visit Norman Executive Director Dan Schemm leads the monthly meeting Wednesday. The bureau discussed a hotel and motel tax unique in terms of location com- increase and upgrade to mountain bike trails at Lake Thunderbird. At right, Jeff Dell goes after the ball Thursday during the Beep Ball National pared to other Sec cities since Championship at Griffin Park.

Oklahoma City is next door.

“They’re the big dog and people MUSEUMS AND to be used to enhance those trails brings in events from all over the lake, but also enhancing the quality come and stay there. Our visitors can and make it a better experience for world,” Schemm said. of life for our citizens,” he said. “So, ATTRACTIONS come and go to other cities to spend those writers,” Schemm said. “So, “We see a niche there of maybe getting two things accomplished at With Norman Forward, a resitheir money pretty easy,” he said. supplementing what they do build- once.” that’s exciting.”

“We’re looking to try and market dent-initiated proposal to renovate, Visit Norman and Norman For- ing off of their name recognition and Visit Norman is working on a variexpand and construct various qualNorman and all of the great resward also looked at a study for a bringing in smaller regional national ety of other projects throughout the taurants, shops, attractions and ity-of-life projects, Visit Norman city and university, including capitalamenities that we have. So, all of co-funded a feasibility study to look larger National Weather Museum, events.”

Schemm said they are in the izing on NIL deals with OU athletes. those new SEC fans come experi- at place-making and quality-of-life which Scheem said has the potential to be funded as a Norman Forward process of wrapping up an overall The organization has already partence what Norman has to offer and studies. master plan for Lake Thunderbird, nered with several OU athletes to do A study on the revamping of project. don’t go other places to spend their An equestrian venue has also been separate from the mountain bike Instagram takeovers. mountain bike trails at Lake Thunmoney.”

“That’s something that we’re kind Visit Norman is also serving on derbird was looked at and Schemm in consideration since Oklahoma trails, to give visitors more options of leading the way on and have been a committee looking at installing a said that the project isn’t far from City is the “quarter-horse capital of while at the Lake.

“Providing our visitors something excited about how that has increased the world.” monumental entryway sign along completion.

“While we will never compete with to do giving them more options to engagement with our social chan“Cleveland County Commission Interstate 35 and other entry points along Highway 9. authorized a million dollars of funds them… they are a mega facility that spend money while they’re out at the nels,” Schemm said.

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PROGRESS

OU move to SEC nets a ‘bigger stage’ TARIK MASRI TRANSCRIPT S P O R T S E D I TO R

In a statement back in 2021, follow ing the announcement that the University of Oklahoma had accepted an invitation to join the Southeastern Conference, OU Board of Regents chair Michael A. Cawley expressed a sentiment about the school that has been repeated since at least the early 1950’s. “ The ent ire universit y thrives when our athletics program thrives,” he said.

Oklahoma has often been able to leverage its success on the football field into success in other areas of the university.

Football and the revenue that it generates was the driving force behind the university’s decision to move conferences for the first time in nearly three decades. The SEC has the most lucrative television rights deal in college sports, earning $300 million per year through 2034.

“We are confident that by taking control of our own destiny and joining the SEC, OU will be in the best possible position to continue advancing our institution’s overall mission,” Cawley said.

During the 2021-22 fiscal year the SEC distributed an average of $51.3 million to all of its 14 schools. The Big 12 gave each of its 10 longest-standing members $44 million this year, which is fourth among power conferences behind the Big Ten, SEC and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

That revenue is needed to keep up with the growing costs of competing in today’s world of major college football. College athletic departments are facing new challenges like name, image and likeness collectives, to massive recruiting departments, to players now being able to earn money directly from schools according to a ruling from the Supreme Court.

“This decision today allows us to ensure we’re doing all we can to further OU’s longstanding record of athletics excellence; attracting top student-athletes from across the country and giving this institution the exposure it deserves,” OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said in the statement in 2021. “The special history, energy and character OU will bring to the SEC will only make us, and our new conference, stronger.”

Still, the university’s leaders are confident that the move will bring many positive changes to the university and the community of Norman.

A long-term goal for the university under president Joseph Harroz Jr. has been to earn one of the top accreditations a public university can obtain. The American Association of Universities has 71 total members consisting of the top research universities in the country.

“The board’s action today is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions in our more than a century of athletics and is of true importance to the broader university,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “We believe that joining the SEC will sustain our tradition of national-caliber athletics excellence, strengthen our flagship university as a whole and serve the wider interests of the state of Oklahoma.”

A AU members account for 64% of all competitively awarded federal funding in academic research.

The SEC has five schools with A AU accreditation — Missouri, Florida, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and now Texas.

In 2023 Oklahoma saw a 33% increase in research

REFLECT CONTINUED FROM D6

film permit and allow film and production crews to request temporary street closures to create closed sets.

“There wasn’t much convincing to Council to get it done,” Heikkila said.

With those ordinances in place, the Office of Film and Music officially designated Norman as one of 32 filmfriendly communities in the state.

The city received another designation particularly close to Heikkila’s heart: Norman is now a Purple Heart City.

Heikkila, who served in the

Jeffrey McWhorter | AP Photo James D. Smith | SEC

Oklahoma Football head coach Brent Venables speaks to the media at the 2024 SEC Football Kickoff, Tuesday, July 16, at the Omni Dallas Hotel in Dallas, TX.

Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold speaks during Southeastern Conference football Media Days Tuesday in Dallas.

Photos by Kyle Phillips | The Transcript

OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione speaks during the Party at the Palace, Monday, July 1, at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

OU fans pack Owen Field during the Party at the Palace, Monday, July 1, at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

An OU fan gives the “horns down” hand sign during the Party at the Palace, Monday, July 1, at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

funding to $210 million. Harroz said the school has seen a 16% total increase. The SEC has several programs aimed to help its member schools collaborate on academics and the school hopes that the move will bring it closer to meeting

the requirements to earn AAU status.

Enrollment at the school continues to rise and the Sooners’ changing conferences could cause it to rise even higher. The move will expand the Sooners’ brand to

a new part of the country and will be on national television more often under the SEC’s media rights deal with ESPN. It’s no secret that success in college sports can lead to more interest in the school from prospective students. Alabama’s enrollment increased by over 50% in the 17 years that Nick Saban led the football team.

When Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2011, it saw out-of-state students from other states in the conference skyrocket. Around 158 Tennesseans have enrolled

U.S. Navy for 26 years, signed a proclamation in September announcing Norman was officially a Purple Heart City.

The designation, given by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, formally recognizes municipalities that honor military veterans killed or wounded in combat.

“It’s a big deal, because that’s people we left behind,” Heikkila said.

The City Council also swore in two new councilmembers, Joshua Hinkle of Ward 6 and Scott Dixon of Ward 8, while Helen Grant was re-elected to Ward 4 and Matt Peacock moved from Ward 8 to Ward 2. Next year, the odd-numbered wards and mayoral seat

will be up for election.

While elections loom, so do serious decisions for the council. Among them are exploring options for a permanent homeless shelter and sobering center and continuing negotiations with the University of Oklahoma regarding a potential new arena.

Initial plans for the arena, which would be funded in part through a tax increment financing district that would redirect sales tax revenues around the arena towards its financing, were presented to the City last September.

Private developers said they intended to invest several hundred thousand dollars into retail, office and residen-

tial space around the arena in between 24th Avenue NW. and Interstate 35. But the plans were met with pushback from residents, many of whom demanded a public vote over the plans to fund the arena through a tax increment district.

The Council approved a public vote for Aug. 27, but the vote was then shut down by a district court.

The same week as District Judge Thad Balkman stopped the Aug. 27 vote, a leaked memo from City Attorney Kathryn Walker suggested the City was encountering road blocks in finalizing plans with the district’s private developers.

“The special history, energy and character OU will bring to the SEC will only make us, and our new conference, stronger.”

JOE CASTIGLIONE OU athletic director

at Missouri every year since 2011, a 61% increase from their Big 12 days according to a review of the school’s enrollment by the Columbia Missourian.

Oklahoma’s freshman class increased by 11% from 2023 to 2024 and Harroz is expecting another double-digit jump next year.

It’s unclear exactly how much the SEC transition will increase enrollment, but the school and the city are preparing for some big changes.

In Apr il the school announced it secured $36.5 million in federal funding for improvements to Max Westheimer Airport. Harroz said it was essential that the airport prepare for more traffic and larger planes following the school’s move to the SEC. The conference is known

Now, the plans for the tax increment financing district are up in the air, with no councilmember willing to predict when they might make a decision on approving or rejecting it.

It’s just one of many projects the council has to consider over the next year.

The council will leave for its annual retreat shortly, which Holman says is always a great opportunity to outline priorities for the year.

“That’s really what it’s been like the whole 11 years on Council: Check one thing off, then there’s another big thing to go after,” Holman said.

“That’s just the nature of the city.”

for having the most passionate fans in college sports and plenty will converge on Norman during Saturday’s starting this fall.

OU was forced to increase its visitor seat allotments to comply with SEC rules. Conference opponents will get at least 5,000 seats with 2,000 going in the lower bowl.

“When you look at it, the analysis is crystal clear,” Harroz said at a press conference on July 1. “Those 14 schools bring over $100 billion in impact to their states, and they travel, and they get engaged and it gives us a bigger stage.”

Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports.

You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com

SU N DAY, J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 4 • T H E NOR M A N T R A N SC R I P T

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