Oklahoma City – Earlier this month, Sen. Christi Gillespie (R– Broken Arrow) and Sen. 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,” Gillespie said. She added that small and midsized 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.”
The study‘s goals include:
•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.
The study‘s report is expected by October 31, ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
More information on interim studies can be found at oklegislature.gov.