The City Council of Norman, Oklahoma, met on August 11, 2026, for a joint meeting of the City Council, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority, and Norman Parking and Transit Authority. The meeting began with a proclamation for World Humanitarian Day, followed by council announcements, unanimous approval of a consent docket, and extensive public comment and council discussion regarding the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) and proposed interchanges on the Southern Extension.
Good evening, and welcome to the City Council, Norman Series, Norman Municipal Authority, Norman Tax Increment Finance Authority, and Norman Parking and Transit Authority meeting of August 11th, 2026. Madam Clerk, will you call the role? Councilmember Gandisbury. Present. Councilmember Deck. Here. Council Member Bruce. Here. Councilmember Grant. Present. Councilmember Kirby. Present. Councilmember Steele. Here. Councilmember Blochett. Here. Councilmember Dixon. Present. Mayor Holman. Here. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I entertain a motion to acknowledge receipt of the proclamation. Motion to acknowledge. Second. The motion on the floor is to acknowledge receipt of the proclamation. Council members, you may cast your votes. Whereas World Humanitarian Day is observed each year on August 19th to honor the memory of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the service of others and to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe. And whereas humanitarian aid workers often operate in some of the most dangerous and challenging environments, dedicate themselves to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining human dignity during crises caused by natural disasters, conflict, and displacement. Whereas the 2026 theme of World Humanitarian Day, strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities, emphasizes strengthening global solidarity, empowering local communities and frontline responders, and protecting humanitarian workers and civilians. And whereas we honor all those in the city of Norman, past and present, who inspire humanitarian work and dedicate their lives in service to others, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who are most vulnerable. Now, therefore, I, mayor of the city of Norman, Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim August 19th as World Humanitarian Day in the City of Norman and encourage all citizens to reflect on the importance of humanitarian efforts, to recognize the courage and dedication of humanitarian workers, and to support initiatives that uphold human dignity worldwide. Passed and approved this 11th day of August 2026. Congratulations. And if you would like to say a few words, good evening, Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Amberley Schroyer, and I am 13 years old. I was born and raised here in Norman, and I am honored to be here today to accept this proclamation for World Humanitarian Day on behalf of Norman Human Rights Commission. When I hear the word humanitarian, I don't think it means someone who has to be famous or someone who has to change the whole world. To me, humanitarian is someone who sees another person and decides that they matter. I started serving people in my community when I was seven years old. I began by supporting food and shelter and asking myself what I could do to make some someone's day a little better. I created a small business selling handmade soaps, lotions, and basalts, and used some of my proceeds to help provide birthday celebrations for people used for people experiencing homelessness. I worked with local bakers and community members to celebrate adults whose birthdays were that month. Over the course of four years, I we were able to celebrate 150 birthdays. I even created a birthday wish form so people could tell us what they wished for or needed. We were able to celebrate 24 individual birthday parties with cakes and special gifts. For Valentine's Day, I asked local businesses to donate flowers and combine them with chocolates and conversation candies to give to people at local shelters and food pantries. At the Share Center, I built and painted a bookshelf where children and families can find books to take and enjoy. Your time, your talents, your creativity, your business, your voice, or even just your kindness. To me, being a humanitarian means believing that every person has value and then doing something about it. I am grateful to live in a community like Norman, where people come together to care for one another.