Senators Christi Gillespie & Mark Mann Launch Interim Study to Stabilize Municipal Funding

Oklahoma City – Today, Senator Christi Gillespie (R–Broken Arrow) and Senator Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City) announced the launch of a bipartisan interim study on “Municipal Funding Stabilization,” approved by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton for the 2025 Legislative Interim and assigned to the Local & County Government Committee.

“As a former city councilor and vice mayor, I’ve seen firsthand the constant struggle cities face to maintain vital services like EMS, public safety, and infrastructure. This study is about giving local leaders the stable funding tools they need to keep communities safe and resilient,” said Senator Gillespie. She added that small and mid-sized municipalities across Oklahoma face budget shortfalls, putting critical services and infrastructure at risk.

According to Mann, the study will explore how the state can support municipalities facing volatile revenues and rising costs.

“We want to explore several options, including revenue-sharing models, grants, and structural reforms to help local governments stabilize their finances,” Mann said. “The stronger our communities are, the stronger Oklahoma is.”

Study goals and timeline:

• Scope: Evaluate funding challenges for EMS, public safety, infrastructure (including stormwater and water/sewer systems), and roadway maintenance.

• Engagement: Hear testimony from municipal officials, emergency services, county leaders, utility providers, and financial experts.

• Objective: Identify policy options to ensure sustainable and equitable funding solutions for Oklahoma’s cities and towns.

• Completion Deadline: Report by October 31, ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Next steps:

Committee hearings will be scheduled through the Senate portal. The process will be transparent, open to public input, and livestreamed. The results will inform draft legislation aimed at relieving municipal funding pressures.

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