Hotel tax election Aug. 27
A Citywide election will be held on Aug. 27 to increase the hotel tax from 5.50% to 9.25%. Most of the money raised will help promote OKC as a visitor destination. The tax is charged to people who stay overnight in a hotel or rent a home-sharing property in OKC. If the election passes, the 3.75% increase is projected to bring in an additional $11.6 million, which will be allocated to as follows:
- 75% Tourism promotion, direct funding to promote and/or foster the convention and/or tourism (visitor) development of Oklahoma City.
- 13.3% event sponsorships.
- 6.7% OKC Fairgrounds for improvements, not including operational costs.
- 5% OKC Convention Center for improvements, not including operational costs.
The 9.25% hotel tax would be in addition to the 4.5% state sales tax and the 4.125% City sales tax, for 17.875%. If passed, the new rate will take effect Oct. 1. Learn more at okc.gov/HotelTax.
Neighbors Night Out
Neighborhoods are encouraged to participate in Neighbors Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
NNO is a unique event where neighborhoods across the city host block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials and other activities with public safety officers. The event celebrates community spirit while working to prevent crime. Neighborhoods interested in participating can sign up at nacok.org.
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Residents Fire Academy
Join the Oklahoma City Fire Department for its 2024 Residents Fire Academy. Learn how the OKCFD operates and responds to emergencies. Participants experience hands-on activities alongside firefighters, visit fire stations and even ride in fire trucks to emergencies. The academy meets on Tuesday nights from Sept. 3 – Oct. 22. This is not for those seeking employment with the OKCFD. Learn more and apply at okc.gov/residents-fire-academy.
Free landfill day
The City’s Free Landfill Day is on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring an original, current City water bill or a copy of an e-bill to prove residency. Each household may bring one load using a passenger vehicle or truck (up to 1 ton) and one trailer up to 16 feet long. Commercial waste haulers not allowed.
Household hazardous waste, tires, oils, car batteries, propane tanks, pool chemicals, electronic waste and appliances containing freon or other refrigerants are NOT accepted. Learn more at okc.gov/trash.
Participating landfills include:
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Housing discussion
The Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission invites you to join them at noon Sept. 25 to discuss housing in OKC. This meeting will expand on the HRC’s July housing panel. The location is still being finalized, and more information can be found on the City Clerk’s webpage: okc.gov/departments/city-clerk/meetings. For questions, email hrc@okc.gov.
An employer who cares
City of OKC employees enjoy many benefits like great insurance, a pension plan and a free employee medical center, but the City also invests in their personal and professional development. Employees can access free online learning and take in-person professional development training. The Employee Assistance Program also provides free counseling and access to resources like ride-share programs. Start your career today at okc.gov/careers.
250,000 RAPID riders
EMBARK’s RAPID Northwest line hit a quarter of a million riders in July. Since the service's launch in December 2023, RAPID has averaged more than 1,100 riders per day. RAPID NW has 32 stop platforms, stretches 9.5 miles each way and integrates into the more extensive EMBARK transit network. The line travels through the downtown core and one of the region's most job-dense, high-traffic corridors. RAPID is composed of nine CNG vehicles with upgraded seating and amenities. It operates 365 days a year, with service at each stop every 12-15 minutes during peak service. Details at embarkok.com/rapid.
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Drain pools properly
Did you know it is illegal to drain chlorinated and saltwater pools into storm drains and creeks? Pool water can pollute the water quality in surrounding creeks.
Follow these steps to drain your pool:
- Dechlorinate your pool by not treating it for 7-10 days. Use a pool test kit to verify.
- Drain the pool directly into a sanitary sewer cleanout on your property.
- If a sanitary sewer is unavailable, drain dechlorinated water to a grassy area on your property that will not flood a neighbor’s property or pick up pollutants like fertilizers or pet waste.
Fire Station 31 groundbreaking
The Oklahoma City Fire Department broke ground on the new Fire Station 31, only a short distance from the existing Station 31 at 618 N Rockwell Ave. The new station will house five fire truck bays, 33 firefighters across three shifts and room for future department growth. The estimated cost for the project is $8.5 million, funded through the voter-approved Better Streets, Safer City bond project. The scheduled completion is summer 2025.
Parks Events
To register for one of the following events, visit okc.gov/parks and select “Browse Programs.”
Youth Acting (ages 7-12)
Sept. 4 • Taylor Recreation Center, 1115 SW 70th St. • $45
Tech Help (ages 50+)
Sept. 4 • Will Rogers Senior Center, 3501 Pat Murphy Dr. • Free
OKC’s Youth Hooked on Fishing (ages 5-15)
Sept. 7 • Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St. • Free
Family Nature Hike
Sept. 7 • Martin Nature Park, 5000 W Memorial Rd. • Free
Home Garden Design 101 for Beginners
Sept. 7 • Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36th St. • $5
Adult Birding Hike
Sept. 14 • Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W Memorial Rd. • Free
Be careful in school zones
School starts this month. When entering a school zone, slow down and obey all traffic laws. Never text while driving in a school zone. Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children. Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals. Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, streets and parking lots.
Holiday Schedule
Labor Day, Sept. 2
- Closed: City offices, *HHW, Animal Shelter, *Municipal Court pay window.
- No trash or recycling pickup. Makeup day Wednesday, Sept. 4. Bulky waste pickup not affected.
- Free fare for bus, OKC Streetcar and RAPID.
- OKC buses on a weekend schedule.
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RAPID on a 30-minute frequency from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- OKC Streetcar on a regular schedule.
- EMBARK customer service closed.
*HHW: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
*Pay online at okc.gov. For details about posting bonds, visit okc.gov/courts.
Martin Park hours
Martin Nature Park, 5000 W Memorial Rd., updated its hours as of July 1. Park grounds, including trails, “Fun Forest” playground and picnic areas are open 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
Summer river cruises
Experience the Oklahoma River with the public ferry or a Cocktail Cruise. The public ferry operates Wednesday through Sunday in September. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for seniors 65+ and children 7-17. Kids 6 and under ride free. Tickets can be purchased as you board the boat. The Cocktail Cruise departs from Regatta Landing at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Please consider this an adult environment cruise. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Learn more at okrivercruises.com or call (405) 702-7755.
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Volunteer opportunity
Join the City’s Storm Water Quality team Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon for the Waterway Clean Sweep program. It’s a great way to give back to your community by removing litter and debris from natural areas and along waterways. All supplies are provided. Community service verification letters are also available. Sign up at okc.gov/WaterwayCleanSweep. Contact Storm Water Outreach for details at (405) 297-1797 or StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov.
OKC Zoo
The main draw of the Oklahoma City Zoo will always be the animals, but there’s more to the city’s oldest and most well-loved attraction than ever before. OKC Zoo amenities include elevated restaurant options, unique experiences, water refill stations, misters to keep guests cool and rentable Scooter Pals. Free caretaker chats occur daily, connecting visitors with the Zoo’s wildlife and wild places, and a partnership with KultureCity makes the Zoo more accessible for those with sensory issues. Find more Zoo tips at okczoo.org.
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