Council approves $383,633 contract to fund "A Better Way — Opportunity Knocks" using opioid settlement dollars

Council member (Ward 4) said the City of Norman will use opioid abatement settlement funds to fund a new program and the City Council approved the contract unanimously. The motion to approve the consent docket (which included the contract) passed with all present members voting yes.

The contract awards Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAO) a first-year amount of $383,633 to operate "A Better Way — Opportunity Knocks," a pilot program that will operate a city-owned van up to three days per week to transport up to eight participants per day to predetermined city-owned sites for day-labor beautification work. Participants will receive wages and meals and will have access to a case manager and an employment specialist who will provide wraparound social services, connections to care and employment support. Priority enrollment will be given to people experiencing or recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD), other substance use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring mental-health conditions.

Why it matters: Council members described the contract as a way to direct opioid settlement dollars to services and workforce opportunities for people affected by substance use and related challenges. The program combines paid short-term work, basic supports, and case management intended to create pathways to longer-term employment and services.

Details of the contract and implementation: "We are using our opioid abatement settlement money to help fund this," Council member (Ward 4) said during council announcements. The agreement includes an initial one-year term with provisions for up to four additional one-year renewals for a maximum of five years. MHAO will oversee daily operational activities including transportation, supervision, wage payments and coordination of social services. Required reporting includes monthly and annual updates on participant outcomes and program performance metrics. The total contract amount for the first year is $383,633 and the city stated the funds are primarily from the city's opioid settlement.

Program design items noted in the meeting: a city-owned van will operate three days per week and collect up to eight participants per day from locations in Norman; participants will be transported to city-owned sites to perform beautification tasks (for example, litter removal); participants will receive wages and meals and have opportunities for case management and employment services; staff indicated case managers and employment specialists will be able to interact with participants outside scheduled work activities and in public spaces if needed.

Council context and next steps: The contract was included on the consent docket and approved by unanimous vote. Council members acknowledged staff members and local advocates who helped develop the proposal. The contract begins after city execution and monthly and annual reporting requirements are part of the agreement.

Ending: The program is described as a locally administered use of opioid abatement settlement funds; the contract award and any future renewals will be subject to required reporting back to council under the terms included in the contract packet.