<![CDATA[The OML Podcast]]>14a43f05-32aa-5e29-82b3-b5d02e5866deWed, 08 Apr 2026 12:20:04 +0000Captivate.fmMike Finahttps://artwork.captivate.fm/eb9bd4a1-9f99-46bd-9a85-5fa64c2b2065/OML-Podcast-Cover.pngThe OML PodcastMike FinaMike FinaThe Oklahoma Municipal League podcast features conversations with various government and business leaders about the biggest issues facing Oklahoma's cities and towns. From economic development to funding, government policies to elections, this podcast is for anyone interested in the operation of municipal government across the state.https://the-oml-podcast.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastDid you know Oklahoma invented the sales tax?Did you know Oklahoma invented the sales tax?On this return episode of The OML Podcast, hosts Mike Fina, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, and Dave Andren, the Research Director of OML, discussed the challenges and strategies for municipal funding in Oklahoma. highlighting Oklahoma's near-last ranking in overall state funding for cities and towns. They also emphasized the need for diversified funding sources and the impact of aging infrastructure, rising public safety costs, and the regressive nature of sales tax, which Oklahoma cities and towns exclusively rely on. The conversation also touched on the historical context of municipal funding and the importance of educating the public and legislators.

]]>On this return episode of The OML Podcast, hosts Mike Fina, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, and Dave Andren, the Research Director of OML, discussed the challenges and strategies for municipal funding in Oklahoma. highlighting Oklahoma's near-last ranking in overall state funding for cities and towns. They also emphasized the need for diversified funding sources and the impact of aging infrastructure, rising public safety costs, and the regressive nature of sales tax, which Oklahoma cities and towns exclusively rely on. The conversation also touched on the historical context of municipal funding and the importance of educating the public and legislators.

]]>9135a524-8169-48f8-8c15-6f405b83a0a6Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:05:00 -050037:58falsefull2112Oklahoma’s Municipal Finance ProblemOklahoma’s Municipal Finance ProblemOML Executive Director Mike Fina discusses the unique challenge Oklahoma cities and towns face when it comes to funding their budgets and what an effort to reform the state’s system could look like in the months to come. 

]]>OML Executive Director Mike Fina discusses the unique challenge Oklahoma cities and towns face when it comes to funding their budgets and what an effort to reform the state’s system could look like in the months to come. 

]]>f1ae4d19-9307-4179-9786-2920d3f49da3Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -050027:20falsefull2222ARPA allocations to citiesARPA allocations to citiesMike Fina talks with Christian Rinehart, OML's associate general counsel, about the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to cities and towns.

]]>Mike Fina talks with Christian Rinehart, OML's associate general counsel, about the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to cities and towns.

]]>0bb549eb-75dc-4a90-9a05-edf00a0a87d0Wed, 08 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -050019:53falsefull2121Bethany Mayor Nikki LloydBethany Mayor Nikki LloydNikki Lloyd, the mayor of Bethany, visits with OML Executive Director Mike Fina about her first year in office, new developments in Bethany, and navigating the challenges faced by most Oklahoma mayors.

]]>Nikki Lloyd, the mayor of Bethany, visits with OML Executive Director Mike Fina about her first year in office, new developments in Bethany, and navigating the challenges faced by most Oklahoma mayors.

]]>8d53faf6-1cfc-48f6-9e99-257786593a69Mon, 04 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -050032:02falsefull2020Christopher Bruehl, Director of Appointments at Office of Gov. Kevin StittChristopher Bruehl, Director of Appointments at Office of Gov. Kevin StittOML executive director Mike Fina talks with Christopher Bruehl, Director of Appointments at Office of Gov. Kevin Stitt, about his job in the administration and how he goes about selecting appointment recommendations for the governor.

]]>OML executive director Mike Fina talks with Christopher Bruehl, Director of Appointments at Office of Gov. Kevin Stitt, about his job in the administration and how he goes about selecting appointment recommendations for the governor.

]]>1f2eb329-6632-471e-becc-6f686c1e7bd9Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -050033:56falsefull1919Coronavirus relief funds coming for cities and townsCoronavirus relief funds coming for cities and townsBillions of dollars in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are coming to Oklahoma. We discuss when city leaders can expect this round of funding to be available, how they will go about ensuring their cut, and what the money can be spent on.


]]>Billions of dollars in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are coming to Oklahoma. We discuss when city leaders can expect this round of funding to be available, how they will go about ensuring their cut, and what the money can be spent on.


]]>59c6405c-599c-4455-b451-2fa4064dfe01Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -050022:07falsefull1818Federal infrastructure plan could be a boost for cities and townsFederal infrastructure plan could be a boost for cities and townsBen and Mike discuss the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, a $550 billion package that would be the largest investment in infrastructure in history, replacing lead water pipes in our schools, connecting more homes to high-speed internet and introducing additional communities to reliable passenger rail.


]]>Ben and Mike discuss the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, a $550 billion package that would be the largest investment in infrastructure in history, replacing lead water pipes in our schools, connecting more homes to high-speed internet and introducing additional communities to reliable passenger rail.


]]>76258571-2c13-4342-850a-f1b8aa979131Tue, 03 Aug 2021 06:45:00 -050027:47falsefull1717The women mayors of OklahomaThe women mayors of OklahomaOML Executive Director Mike Fina spent part of this year's annual mayor's conference catching up with some of Oklahoma's female mayors to ask about their experiences and attempts to work together.

]]>OML Executive Director Mike Fina spent part of this year's annual mayor's conference catching up with some of Oklahoma's female mayors to ask about their experiences and attempts to work together.

]]>e8317934-ec05-4413-858c-c5df64e410c7Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -050008:00falsefull1616Kim Peterson, Mayor of GuymonKim Peterson, Mayor of GuymonMike Fina talks with Kim Peterson, the mayor of Guymon and also the new president of OML.

]]>Mike Fina talks with Kim Peterson, the mayor of Guymon and also the new president of OML.

]]>9ac61433-3503-47c3-bb06-a0982d6bef7fMon, 07 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -050047:11falsefull1515American Rescue Plan is coming to municipalitiesAmerican Rescue Plan is coming to municipalitiesClarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities, talks with OML's Mike Fina about the American Rescue Plan and what municipal leaders should expect.

]]>Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities, talks with OML's Mike Fina about the American Rescue Plan and what municipal leaders should expect.

]]>452adce3-a8dc-469c-a2d5-a8bdc7ae76a1Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -050040:36falsefull114141Kelly Williams, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana AuthorityKelly Williams, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana AuthorityKelly Williams, director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, talks with Mike Fina about her role, the state's booming medical marijuana industry and its impact on cities and towns.

]]>Kelly Williams, director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, talks with Mike Fina about her role, the state's booming medical marijuana industry and its impact on cities and towns.

]]>8dee30b5-e12e-4aff-8a7d-57cb2dfdf7a2Mon, 08 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -050042:30falsefull1313Brian Mauck, American FidelityBrian Mauck, American FidelityMike Fina talks with Brian Mauck from American Fidelity, which has served as OML's consultant through Municipal Health Solutions.

]]>Mike Fina talks with Brian Mauck from American Fidelity, which has served as OML's consultant through Municipal Health Solutions.

]]>67d28740-f6e0-430e-8e92-32c40f101b2fWed, 24 Feb 2021 09:45:00 -050027:17falsefullRich Hess of Health Care HighwaysRich Hess of Health Care HighwaysMike Fina visits with Rich Hess, vice president of business development for Health Care Highways, which is the network administrator for Municipal Health Solutions.

]]>Mike Fina visits with Rich Hess, vice president of business development for Health Care Highways, which is the network administrator for Municipal Health Solutions.

]]>b5aa8e11-f84c-4a09-b897-6bfa6463c847Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:45:00 -050017:13falsefullThe need for public safety districts and Senate Bill 838The need for public safety districts and Senate Bill 838Mike Fina discusses the critical need for the Legislature to approve public safety districts and Senate Bill 838.

]]>Mike Fina discusses the critical need for the Legislature to approve public safety districts and Senate Bill 838.

]]>209b29fb-7724-47de-8297-8b7d28d06133Sun, 07 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -050016:44falsefullReviewing municipal government's role in fighting COVID-19Reviewing municipal government's role in fighting COVID-19Mike Fina welcomed Edmond city councilman Josh Moore to discuss how he and his city responded to COVID-19 over the past year and what challenges faced cities and towns across the state.

]]>Mike Fina welcomed Edmond city councilman Josh Moore to discuss how he and his city responded to COVID-19 over the past year and what challenges faced cities and towns across the state.

]]>1a25a413-ee28-41ce-8430-284ad5832bb0Mon, 01 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -050039:24falsefullThe challenges and opportunities in retail developmentThe challenges and opportunities in retail developmentOML Executive director Mike Fina talks with Aaron Farmer, president of The Retail Coach, about the impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses and what city leaders should expect in the months and years to come. 

Fina and Farmer also discuss what is expected in the next round of federal relief funding and an expected surge in retail sales in 2021.

“We might be talking about one of the best retail years we’ve ever had,” Farmer said.


]]>OML Executive director Mike Fina talks with Aaron Farmer, president of The Retail Coach, about the impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses and what city leaders should expect in the months and years to come. 

Fina and Farmer also discuss what is expected in the next round of federal relief funding and an expected surge in retail sales in 2021.

“We might be talking about one of the best retail years we’ve ever had,” Farmer said.


]]>cbffb164-51d2-4960-9945-9ec49462383fMon, 28 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -050040:51falsefullVaccine distribution and what cities can expectVaccine distribution and what cities can expectIn this episode, Mike Fina talks with Mendy Spohn, a regional director for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, about the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, which began earlier this month. Spohn talked about where city officials fall on the state’s vaccine priority list and the importance of protecting those working in water, sewer, and other municipal departments. Spohn also offered advice to city leaders on how to stay up to date on the vaccine distribution in the months to come.

]]>In this episode, Mike Fina talks with Mendy Spohn, a regional director for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, about the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, which began earlier this month. Spohn talked about where city officials fall on the state’s vaccine priority list and the importance of protecting those working in water, sewer, and other municipal departments. Spohn also offered advice to city leaders on how to stay up to date on the vaccine distribution in the months to come.

]]>3d392308-78a7-4c02-89a8-cb7bb9e0e586Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -050032:16falsefullHow Municipal Health Solutions is helping cities with health coverageHow Municipal Health Solutions is helping cities with health coverageOklahoma Municipal League Executive Director Mike Fina talks with Nancee Morris, OML Director of Operations and Municipal Health Solutions Plan Administrator, about how OML is helping cities and towns reduce health insurance costs.

]]>Oklahoma Municipal League Executive Director Mike Fina talks with Nancee Morris, OML Director of Operations and Municipal Health Solutions Plan Administrator, about how OML is helping cities and towns reduce health insurance costs.

]]>e425304d-6f1b-4471-9f7b-4a790f5059aeTue, 01 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -050031:16falsefullThe evolving policies of medical marijuanaThe evolving policies of medical marijuanaJust a few years since voters legalized medical marijuana, Oklahoma municipalities continue to adapt. OML Executive Director Mike Fina talks with Daniel McClure, OML's Deputy General Counsel, about how medical marijuana policy continues to evolve.

]]>Just a few years since voters legalized medical marijuana, Oklahoma municipalities continue to adapt. OML Executive Director Mike Fina talks with Daniel McClure, OML's Deputy General Counsel, about how medical marijuana policy continues to evolve.

]]>a6d2de4b-dce0-4ae2-8981-fbb4bf4fc711Sun, 22 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -050024:52falsefullRecapping the 2020 election results with AJ GriffinRecapping the 2020 election results with AJ GriffinAJ Griffin, a former Republican member of the Oklahoma State Senate and current director of government and community affairs at Paycom, joins OML executive director Mike Fina to discuss the 2020 election and the results in Oklahoma.

]]>AJ Griffin, a former Republican member of the Oklahoma State Senate and current director of government and community affairs at Paycom, joins OML executive director Mike Fina to discuss the 2020 election and the results in Oklahoma.

]]>4ce8dad1-fdc4-4715-b799-240b6a2d89f6Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -050030:06falsefullJulie Bisbee, executive director for TSETJulie Bisbee, executive director for TSETOn this episode of the OML Podcast Mike Fina speaks with Julie Bisbee, executive director for the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), about the variety of programs the trust manages, its resources for cities and towns, and an upcoming state question that could impact TSET's funding.

]]>On this episode of the OML Podcast Mike Fina speaks with Julie Bisbee, executive director for the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), about the variety of programs the trust manages, its resources for cities and towns, and an upcoming state question that could impact TSET's funding.

]]>81d7f319-3d9e-4969-9d2b-738bd1565988Sat, 10 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -050032:00falsefullMark Thomas, Oklahoma Press AssociationMark Thomas, Oklahoma Press AssociationOn this week's episode, Oklahoma Municipal League Executive Director Mike Fina speaks with Mark Thomas of the Oklahoma Press Association about recent changes to open meeting laws that impact cities and towns across the state.

]]>On this week's episode, Oklahoma Municipal League Executive Director Mike Fina speaks with Mark Thomas of the Oklahoma Press Association about recent changes to open meeting laws that impact cities and towns across the state.

]]>0821fecd-88e4-4fe6-8bcd-7450cb159389Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:45:00 -050031:23falsefullNorman Mayor Breea ClarkNorman Mayor Breea ClarkMike Fina, executive director of the OML, speaks with Norman Mayor Breea Clark about how her city handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike opens the episode with a review of major COVID-19 milestones over the last several months and its impact on Oklahoma cities and towns.

]]>Mike Fina, executive director of the OML, speaks with Norman Mayor Breea Clark about how her city handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike opens the episode with a review of major COVID-19 milestones over the last several months and its impact on Oklahoma cities and towns.

]]>14d6e38a-2bea-4002-af0f-b91b72edde16Fri, 18 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -050030:01falsefull