ADVANCING LOCAL RESILIENCE: ACOG CELEBRATES COMPLETION of 2025-2026 CERI PROJECTS
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is proud to announce the completion of its latest Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI) planning demonstration projects, marking another milestone in strengthening communities across the region.
Launched in 2021 through funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), CERI was designed to help municipal governments explore strategic investments that support economic recovery and long-term resilience. The program provides selected communities with technical planning assistance to develop actionable, locally driven solutions.
To date, seven CERI projects have been successfully completed across Central Oklahoma—each serving as a model for how targeted planning can support sustainable growth and community revitalization.
2025–2026 Demonstration Projects
Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, the ACOG Board of Directors approved two projects in August 2025:
- City of Del City – Rediscovering Rose Lane
- City of Moore – Cleveland Heights Small Area Plan
These projects focus on strengthening key areas within each community through thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and strategic investment frameworks.
Partnership with OU Institute for Quality Communities
As with previous cycles, ACOG partnered with the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) to deliver planning services. IQC provided a comprehensive toolkit to each selected municipality, helping translate local priorities into implementable strategies.
Each project received $25,000 in planning support, with a local match of $2,500 from participating municipalities—demonstrating a strong shared commitment to community advancement.
From Vision to Implementation
The completed plans provide each city with a roadmap for future investment, focusing on economic revitalization, improved connectivity, and enhanced quality of life. These demonstration projects are intended not only to benefit Del City and Moore, but also to serve as scalable examples for other communities across the ACOG region.
Explore the Project Presentations
Want a closer look at the planning process and recommendations for each community? View the full project presentation developed in partnership with the OU Institute for Quality Communities.
Looking Ahead
As ACOG continues to advance regional collaboration and strategic planning, CERI remains a cornerstone program—equipping communities with the tools and insights needed to navigate change and build stronger, more resilient local economies.
To learn more about the Community Economic Resiliency Initiative, visit: https://www.acogok.org/ceri/