Also, because of that, it is a big reason OKC is 621 square miles. The need to compete with other cities to capture the sales tax adds just a *few more lane miles to maintain, respond to and serve.

* a hell of a lot

Some context in the world of municipal funding and finances. Oklahoma is the only state in the nation that doesn't allow cities and towns to tap property taxes for day-to-day operations. These voter-approved bonds are one of the only ways to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.

Back atch(a)….ison.

In the past, I would be embarrassed by the words, but these aren’t normal times. I’m only able to do my job and be trusted because of good relationships with the media and public and similar mindsets and values throughout the org. Do we get it right all the time, no, but we try.

I often tell people that one of the reasons I’m still where I’m at is because of the transparency, ethics and the trust people, both internal and external, have in the City and our public servants.

Their rhetoric, demonizing of media and spin, I hate that word but that is what it is, does nothing to make our communities and state a better place for all people.

People like Dan, Carly and Matt, paid by public dollars, should not only be held accountable but serve at the pleasure of the people regardless of political parties.

The dwindling of trust in both of our institutions, caused by hedge funds, lies and mis/disinformation, is one of the big reasons we are in this pickle.

Appreciate that Paul. One of the reasons I get so angry about people like them is that they are serving politicians rather than the people. This includes access to information, records and advocating for local media.

💯

Tulsa’s surveillance gamble Police credit Flock cameras with reducing violent crime. But after millions spent, the data tells a murkier story — and the system may violate the law.

Nearly three years after its rollout, there is little evidence that the system has helped prevent and solve crime in Tulsa, according to crime data and interviews with experts. Recent academic studies suggest license plate readers offer few benefits, even for less serious crimes.

🇹🇷 Istanbul

OK needs your help to make it a great place to live – but you can start small | Opinion We all have the opportunity to participate and help shape the future direction of our community. Your input is more important than ever.

Do you want to get involved with your community? Start here. | Opinion

We all have the opportunity to participate and help shape the future direction of our community. Your input is more important than ever.
www.oklahoman.com/story/opinio...

Fitting to close the thread with City Hall’s attic. Yes, we store holiday decorations up there.

Floor plans, electrical docs and maps of where things go after the flush.

A similar door in @cityofokc.bsky.social’s City Hall was left opened recently.

Mayor Michelle Wu's Opening Statement to the United States House Committee on Oversight YouTube video by City of Boston

To every one of my neighbors back in Boston, know this: You belong here. This is your home. Boston es tu hogar. Boston se lakay ou. 這是你的家.

This is our city.

We are the safest major city in the nation because we are safe for everyone.

#Boston #Congress #CongressionalHearing #Immigration

Birthday Rant: Lack of public comment fosters ‘failure to communicate’ with citizens Birthday Rant: Most boards and commissions of state agencies don’t include a section for public comment on their agendas.

#foioklahoma Commentary by Michael McNutt, nondoc.com: What would be wrong in allowing citizens to speak during public meetings?

Scratch “be prepared, not scared.”

❗️FEDERAL CUTS/ FUNDING PAUSE HIT OKC BEAUTIFUL BY $1.1 MILLION -
OKC Beautiful says they must halt plans to plant 7,500 trees in OKC over the next few years as USDA Forest Service canceled its contract with the Arbor Day Foundation... 🧵 (1/3)

It has been up for a few months. We were going to announce it but found a few problems at the last minute that would have made it hard for our Action Center staff to manage with a large number of submissions.

Yes, they are there but we haven’t officially shared the links because we are fixing a few issues with the connection to our internal CRM. You can still use it.

Hey Shawn, it hasn’t been released yet. I’ll make sure I get that old link removed.

City of Baltimore Sues to Stop Dismantling of Nation’s Financial Watchdog Agency Read more here.

NEW: The city of Baltimore and an economic justice group, represented by @democracyforward.bsky.social, sue to block the Trump administration from dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, arguing the actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act.

👋

Our last night in Colombia was election night. A horrible way to end a wonderful trip. Conversations with Colombians that stuck with me - the 🤯 amount of exports and the human rights violations by U.S. companies. Think about that as you’re paying more for your bananas, coffee and V-Day flowers.

“Loser” “talentless hack” … I have thick skin and it is part of it, lived through agenda 21, 15 min city, black masses, first term, pandemic, the mis/disinformation and all the zoning and policy decisions in between. I welcome debate, different perspectives and opinions but, man, rough over there.

Just an observation on the other site. Been posting for local gov since the early days of social. Have created some content over the years that has missed the mark and flopped, always with the best of intentions. Tried something last night here and then shared it on the other site today.

Boston, Massachusetts is back in business with BlueSky