Norman council approves Rock Creek Entertainment District phasing plan amid court challenge and public protest

The Norman City Council, sitting as trustees of the Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority (NIFTA), voted 8–1 on May 20 to approve a phasing plan required by the Rock Creek Entertainment District Economic Development Agreement (EDA), making approval contingent on either Judge Virgin’s ruling being affirmed or — if reversed — voters approving ordinance 24-25-2. Council Member Grant offered the amendment; Austin Ball recorded the lone vote against the motion.

The matter mattered to residents because the phasing plan ties to tax-increment financing for a proposed arena and mixed-use development and has drawn a referendum petition and pending litigation that, speakers said, could change whether tax increment is available to finance the project.

Council Member Chris Grant introduced the amendment and asked the city attorney how approving the plan as amended would affect the city’s legal and financial risk. City Attorney Knighton responded, “If you approve the motion as amended, you would satisfy the provisions in the E.D.A. that requires the tax increment authority to approve or disapprove the phasing plan,” and said that, under that approach, he did not believe the city…