Meeting Summary
The city council discussed the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, including presentations from the Planning, Airports, and Police Departments. Key discussions revolved around federal grant uncertainties impacting planning and homelessness services, airport capital projects and passenger forecasts, and the police department's budget adjustments, wellness programs, and community engagement efforts. Public comments largely advocated for a participatory budget process and increased funding for community resources over policing, with specific concerns raised about public transportation cuts.
Upcoming Community Events
Affordable Housing Forum
To gather further input for plan implementation and program development.
Developer Roundtables
To gather further input for plan implementation and program development.
Capitol Hill Plaza and Trail Groundbreaking
Public plaza set to open in Fall 2025.
Financial Matters
Planning Department Operating Budget
General fund portion supporting all programs and employees except housing and community development.
Housing and Community Development Federal HUD Grants
Federal HUD grants supporting staff and programs in the housing and community development division.
Planning Department Special Purpose Fund
Includes 1% for arts, code update funding, remodel funding, and CIP funds for the Key to Home program.
Airports Department City Budget
Funds personnel services and cross charges from the city.
Oklahoma City Airport Trust Budget
Overall budget for the three airports, with a majority allocated to capital and construction projects.
Passenger Boarding Bridge Replacement
Capital project utilizing FA grant funds for the replacement of aging passenger boarding bridges at the terminal.
New 3-Bay Hangar Construction (AAR)
Portion of a $40 million project for a new 80,000 sq ft hangar, expected to wrap up by end of 2025/early 2026.
Wiley Post Airport Control Tower Replacement
Design phase for replacing the old control tower, pursuing federal FA grant funds for construction.
FY26 Airport Capital Programs
Total capital programs allocated across OKC Will Rogers, Wiley Post, and Clarence Page airports for various projects.
Police Department Operating Budget
Supports daily operations, patrol, and core functions of the police department.
Police Department Capital and Non-Operating Expenses
Covers special equipment, major facilities, and major repairs to facilities for the police department.
Police Department Total Proposed Budget
Total proposed budget for the police department after transfers to other city funds.
Police Department General Fund Allocation
Primarily pays for personnel expenditures and some services and equipment for the police department.
Police Sales Tax Fund Allocation
Helps fund personnel expenditures, equipment, and services for the police department.
MAPS 4 Use Tax Fund Allocation (Police)
Helps fund fleet replacement for the police department.
911 Communication Center Allocation
Primarily pays for personnel expenditures for the 911 Communication Center.
Freezing Police Officer Positions
20 police officer positions frozen as part of a 1.5% cut to the general fund base budget.
Deleting Polygraph Examiner Position
One vacant polygraph examiner position deleted as part of budget adjustments.
Public Comments
A total of 29 comments were received, with 10 residents speaking in person and 19 submitted online. Public input largely advocated for a participatory budget process and increased investment in community resources such as parks, public transportation, affordable housing, mental health services, and education programs, while calling for a reduction in the police department's budget. Concerns were also raised about the accessibility of current budget processes, the impact of policing on marginalized communities, and the financial efficiency of certain public services. Some comments expressed concern over cuts to specific programs like the Northwest Optimist Performing Arts Center and bus routes, while others supported police funding or suggested alternative revenue streams.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Budget scheduled for adoption on June 3rd
Watch For
- Federal government decisions on grants impacting Brownfield and housing programs
- Affordable housing forum in the fall
- Developer roundtables in the fall
- Recruitment for Housing Affordability Strategy Manager position
- Completion of zoning code for the core of the city
- Completion of new zoning code for all other areas of the city
- Federal government information on Classen Corridor Transit Oriented Development Plan
- Selection of consultant and contract for Downtown Strategic Development Plan
- Discussions with county and other cities regarding Route 19 funding and microtransit options
- Future bond package discussions including funding for speed cushions
- World Cup of softball in 2026
- FIFA involvement (potential)
- Olympics in 2028
Announcements
- Pastor Tommy Merritt with Southern Hills Baptist Church led the invocation.
- The city's contribution per employee to the pension fund increases 1% in July 2025 due to Senate Bill 102.
- The DOJ consent decree regarding the Oklahoma City Police Department was dropped/closed, with the department commended for its handling of behavioral health disabilities.
- The Norman bus route will continue its 5:50 AM start time from the OKC transit center, though the mid-day section of the route is still proposed for elimination.
- The City Manager recommended adjusting funding to ensure Route 19 public transportation continues for one year, temporarily reducing fleet replacement funding, to allow time for further evaluation and partnership discussions.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation led by Pastor Tommy Merritt and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Presentations and Discussion of Fiscal Year 26 Proposed Budget
Detailed presentations and discussions on the proposed budgets for the Planning Department, Airports Department, and Police Department.
Planning Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the Planning Department's mission, budget summary, and activities across its five divisions, including housing, community development, homelessness services, and code updates.
Airports Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the city and trust budgets for the three airports, highlighting capital projects, revenue forecasts, and passenger activity.
Police Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the Police Department's mission, budget overview, major changes (including freezing 20 officer positions), and activities across its lines of business, such as wellness, investigations, and community outreach.
Citizens to be Heard
Public comments from residents on various city issues, primarily focusing on the proposed budget, policing, and public transportation.