Group submits petition to put Rock Creek Entertainment District decision to voters

NORMAN, Okla. (KOKH) — On Friday, the group Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development submitted a petition to the City of Norman that would let the future of the Rock Creek Entertainment District rest in voters’ hands.

The Norman City Council approved a project plan for the district during a meeting that got underway on Tuesday evening and lasted until Wednesday morning.

Scores of concerned residents and University of Oklahoma students alike attended the meeting to voice their opinions on the plan.

Supporters, including OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr., argue the district would be transformational for the city.

Detractors have largely asserted that they don’t oppose the development but take issue with using sales and ad valorem tax dollars to help fund the project through a mechanism called tax increment financing, or TIF for short.

The group behind the petition must obtain 6,099 signatures to put the matter on the ballot.

Should they succeed, they plan on including the ballot measure in the Feb. 2025 election.