
ACOG Hosted Fourth Annual Legislative Power Brunch for Central Oklahoma Legislators
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) hosted a legislative brunch Tuesday, January 25, at The Hamm Institute for American Energy at OSU (formerly the OSU Discovery Center | Baker Hughes). All Oklahoma State Senators and Oklahoma State House Representatives who serve in the four-county region of Central Oklahoma were invited to attend. The four county region includes Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma Counties.
The brunch is designed to educate lawmakers about ACOG’s legislative issues. Over the last five months, members of the ACOG Board of Directors have collaborated with Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG’s Executive Director and ACOG staff, to define the most pressing issues facing the organization and its members.
“Our guiding legislative principles are to ensure that local government authority and autonomy are preserved and protected,” Sweeney said. “We also support legislation that maintains and enhances funding for needed programs and projects that improve the quality of life for the citizens of Central Oklahoma and protects our cities and counties from unfunded mandates,” he continued.
ACOG selected issues include, but are not limited to:
- 9-1-1 & Public Safety
- Air Quality | Clean Cities
- Community & Economic Development
- Transportation
- Water Resources
- Issues Facing Municipalities
ACOG Staff presented: ACOG Vision Forward Video & Panel Discussion followed by Mr. Sweeney presenting discussing legislation that has the potential to affect ACOG’s four county region.
Edmond Council Member & ACOG Board Vice Chair Josh Moore and ACOG Matthew Weaver during ACOG Vision Forward presentation.
Tracy Qualls, Economic Development Director for the Town of Harrah, discusses how the CERI Program is working in Harrah.
Jennifer Sebesta, ACOG Transportation Planning Services Manager, answers a question during the Panel Discussion.
ACOG Water Resources Director John Harrington answers a question concerning drought during the Q&A portion of the Legislative Priorities presentation.
Eric Pollard, Air Quality & Clean Cities Coordinator answers a question during Q&A regarding the risk of the OKC area being designated in Nonattainment by the EPA.
Mike Bower, Harrah, Interim City Manager, Rep. Robert Manger (center) and Harrah Economic Development Director Tracy Qualls.
Rachel Meinke, ACOG Public Information Director and Jane Abraham, City of OKC Community & Government Affairs Manager.