The OML Podcast

Dave flies solo (no Mike) at the OML conference, joined by Suzie Paulson, Associate General Counsel at the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), and Micah Gaudet, a national expert on AI in local government. The three discussed artificial intelligence in municipal government, including how to use it to its fullest while also implementing important safeguards.

Live from the OML conference in Tulsa, Mike and Dave spoke with Claremore City Manager John Feary about what's happening in his city. They also talked about economic development, retaining young talent in cities and towns, investments in core services, data centers, the constitutional convention and more.

From the center of the OML Conference, Mike and Dave spoke with Jorge Jonas and Trevor Davenport about the Oklahoma Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (CLASS), an investment pool option for Oklahoma cities and towns.

With the OML Conference one week away, Mike and Dave welcome Sarah Lingenfelter, Director of Education and Programs, and Leslie Blair, Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications, to discuss final preparations ahead of OML’s biggest week of the year.

The conversation covered the conference’s mobile app, where attendees can view session descriptions and build their schedule, session highlights, including deep dives into AI and data centers, and many other events.

Inflation is normal, but the recent increase in costs feels like another level. Just look at the rising cost of fire trucks. In this episode, Mike and Dave are joined by Christian Rinehart, general counsel of OML, and Matt Sill, with the law firm Fulmer Sill. Matt discussed his research into market manipulation within the fire equipment industry, along with a current lawsuit he is leading and how it could impact cities and towns.

In a brief but big-news podcast, Mike and Dave discuss exciting changes at OML.

Logan Holt, legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, joined the podcast gang to discuss Community Project Funding (CPF) — historically known as earmarks — and how cities and towns can apply. Holt dived into what every mayor or city manager should know before applying, and why small towns and cities that feel outnumbered by cities with lobbyists and grant writers should still pursue federal funds. “It’s absolutely the case that Congresswoman Bice wants to prioritize the underresourced cities … I would encourage them to apply,” Holt said.

Mike and Dave are joined by Sarah Lingenfelter, education director and also conference and programs manager at the Oklahoma Municipal League. Sarah discussed how the OML annual conference comes together and what to expect from this year’s conference in September. “This is the perfect opportunity to hear from your peers,” Sarah said. “No matter what your job title is, there is something new for you.”

Another episode from the City Management Association of Oklahoma Summer Conference in Enid, as Mike and Dave were joined by Justin Battles, assistant city manager in Mustang and the outgoing president of the CMAO, who talked about mental health in the city manager job. The podcast also welcomed the incoming CMAO president, Chuck Ralls from the city of Collinsville, who discussed his goals for the coming year.

Mike and Dave continued recording from Enid and were joined by the city’s mayor, David Mason, who talked about the city's growth, how they navigated a recent tornado, and other challenges faced by cities and towns across the state.