The OML Podcast

This week’s episode of the OML podcast features a one-on-one conversation with Pryor Mayor Zac Doyle, who spoke about his journey to becoming mayor, what he loves most about his town, and advice for cities dealing with data center projects, something they know a lot about in Pryor.

Oklahoma was the first state to collect sales tax and municipal finance has never been the same. Mike and Dave discuss the ins and outs and how some cities and towns get 60 to 80 percent of their general funds from sales tax.

On this return episode of The OML Podcast, hosts Mike Fina, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, and Dave Andren, the Research Director of OML, discuss ad valorem taxes (property taxes) and the misconceptions about how municipalities can and can’t use them. Mike and Dave also talk about why it’s so difficult for cities and towns in Oklahoma to pass GO bonds.

On this return episode of The OML Podcast, hosts Mike Fina, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, and Dave Andren, the Research Director of OML, discussed the challenges and strategies for municipal funding in Oklahoma. highlighting Oklahoma's near-last ranking in overall state funding for cities and towns. They also emphasized the need for diversified funding sources and the impact of aging infrastructure, rising public safety costs, and the regressive nature of sales tax, which Oklahoma cities and towns exclusively rely on. The conversation also touched on the historical context of municipal funding and the importance of educating the public and legislators.

OML Executive Director Mike Fina discusses the unique challenge Oklahoma cities and towns face when it comes to funding their budgets and what an effort to reform the state’s system could look like in the months to come. 

Mike Fina talks with Christian Rinehart, OML's associate general counsel, about the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to cities and towns.

Nikki Lloyd, the mayor of Bethany, visits with OML Executive Director Mike Fina about her first year in office, new developments in Bethany, and navigating the challenges faced by most Oklahoma mayors.

OML executive director Mike Fina talks with Christopher Bruehl, Director of Appointments at Office of Gov. Kevin Stitt, about his job in the administration and how he goes about selecting appointment recommendations for the governor.

Billions of dollars in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are coming to Oklahoma. We discuss when city leaders can expect this round of funding to be available, how they will go about ensuring their cut, and what the money can be spent on.

Ben and Mike discuss the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, a $550 billion package that would be the largest investment in infrastructure in history, replacing lead water pipes in our schools, connecting more homes to high-speed internet and introducing additional communities to reliable passenger rail.