Oklahoma Supreme Court rules Rock Creek Plan referendum petition legally insufficient

NORMAN, OKLA. (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld a judge’s rule that a Referendum Petition for the Rock Creek Entertainment District Project Plan in Norman is legally insufficient.

On Sept. 20, 2024, the Referendum Petition was submitted seeking an election for Norman voters to approve or reject the two TIF Districts for the Rock Creek Plan.

The Supreme Court says in its ruling that the gist in the petition misstates the maximum amount of public assistance made to the plan and omits that the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts will remain active until either $230 million in principal plus interest is repaid to the lender, $600 million in public assistance is provided, or 25 years passes, whichever occurs first.

Those against the petition claim, “The gist in this case suggests that the incremental taxes would last for a period of up to twenty-five years, rather than ending at the first of three occurrences.” They also say the gist misidentifies the categories of incremental sales/uses taxes allocated to the Rock Creek Plan.

Protestants also claim “The phrasing of the authorized costs in the gist inaccurately conveys that the Ordinance and the Rock Creek Plan authorize $600,000,000 in project costs in addition to $230,000,000 in financing instead of $600,000,000 and $230,000,000 as two of three separate triggers.”

The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed that the gist misstates the maximum amount of public assistance and omits that the TIF districts will remain active until the first of the three triggering events, ultimately ruling that the referendum petition is legally insufficient.

Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland issued a statement after the Supreme Court’s decision, saying he is thrilled with the Supreme Court’s decision against the petition.

Today marks a pivotal milestone for Cleveland County, the City of Norman, the University of Oklahoma, and our broader community following the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rock Creek Entertainment District TIF appeal. As County Commissioner, I am thrilled to see this project advance after more than 12 years of dedicated work on my part to bring it to fruition.

This development represents smart, responsible growth that does not raise property taxes while delivering significant benefits to our community’s quality of life. OU Athletics stands as the largest economic driver for Cleveland County, and this project will further amplify its impact, drawing even more visitors, investment, and vitality to Norman.

Sports and entertainment districts like this one have proven successful across the country, creating vibrant hubs where people eagerly visit, spend their time and money, and build lasting connections. In collaboration with the University and the County Trust, we’ve advanced key steps, including a design-build RFP, to ensure this initiative is poised for success.

This district, set to host several OU Athletics programs and other great entertainment for the community, embodies a shared vision of progress, partnership, and purpose. This is for our community. Together, we’re forging a brighter future where families, students, and professionals can live, work, play, and thrive in a community that’s stronger than ever.

The University of Oklahoma also issued a statement after the ruling, saying the entertainment district will become home to several OU Athletics programs and community events. The development would expand the University North Park to add additional hotel, office, residential, and retail spaces with a multipurpose arena and a public plaza.

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