Moore approves joining Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition, agrees to prorated $15,867 fee

The Moore City Council on April 7 approved an agreement to join the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC), a private-sector–led countywide economic development organization, and to pay a prorated initial fee of $15,867 for membership through June 30, 2025.

City staff said the CCEDC is the successor to the Norman Economic Development Coalition and that the coalition will focus on primary employer recruitment and retention across Cleveland County. Examples cited by staff included employers such as Simple Modern, Garver Engineering, Western Farmers and Hyatt Shared Services.

Deidre, a city staff member who presented the item, said the initial $15,867 payment is a prorated portion of a full-year fee of $63,470 (calculated at $1 per capita) and that the initial payment is unbudgeted. She said $5,000 previously budgeted for membership in the Oklahoma City Economic Development Partnership remains available and could be applied toward the CCEDC fee. Deidre also said the contract specifies that the city manager or his designee would sit on the CCEDC board; executive board meetings are monthly and full-board meetings are quarterly.

Council members discussed the countywide approach and noted the coalition is private-sector led; councilmembers and the mayor generally expressed support. One council member said the coalition offers a practical way to market the county for primary jobs and to keep jobs close to Moore.

The council approved the agreement by unanimous vote. The clerk recorded votes as: Melissa Hunt — yes; Louie Williams — yes; Adam Webb — yes; Rob Clark — yes; Kathy Griffith — yes; Sid Porter — yes; Mark Ham — yes.

Staff said the initial agreement ends June 30, 2025, and that the city will consider the full-year fee and budget implications in a future action if the council chooses to continue membership.