City Council Study Session, 3/17/26

The City of Norman, Oklahoma City Council held a study session on March 17, 2026, focused primarily on discussing a sales tax rebate agreement proposal from Sooner Fashion Mall. The proposal involves providing the mall with up to 100% rebate on new sales tax revenue generated above a three-year average baseline, with a potential maximum rebate of $300,000 annually over an initial five-year term. The rebate would reimburse the mall for documented capital improvement costs aimed at attracting new tenants and enhancing the property. Council members discussed the economic development incentive policy, the mall's historical and current economic impact, potential job growth from filling vacant anchor spaces, and the possibility of future infill development on the mall property. The council expressed support for moving the term sheet forward for approval and scheduling the rebate agreement for a future council agenda. No final vote was taken during this session, but consensus was reached to include the agreement on the upcoming meeting's consent docket.