Norman, Oklahoma is a college town with a rich history, vibrant culture, diversity, and thriving industries. Norman is a city of approximately 120,000 people and is located 20 miles south of the state capital, Oklahoma City. The city was settled during the Land Run of 1889.The anchor of the community, The University of Oklahoma (OU), was established the following year.
The University of Oklahoma is the largest employer in Norman with additional campuses in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Arezzo, Italy, Puebla, Mexico and Rio de Janeiro. The school is well-known for its leading research in weather and radar. Because of this expertise, federal and state agencies have located facilities in Norman as well as private industries specializing in weather data and radar manufacturing. A National Weather Center was built in 2006 to co-locate OU faculty with employees from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and created the Severe Storm Prediction Center for the U.S.
Norman is a highly cultured community. The arts in Norman are partially funded by a guest room tax that provides a base for over 25 arts organizations that expose residents and visitors to numerous museums, galleries, music and art festivals, ballet, theatre, and public art. Artists find this is a community that values their work and their contributions to the economy and quality of life here. Norman embraces a culture of creativity and attracts creative individuals.
Norman residents are willing to invest in their community as evidenced through support of quality of life initiatives. Norman Forward is a citizen-initiated plan to invest in new and updated recreational facilities, libraries, parks, athletic venues, public art, and walking/biking trails. The initiative is part of a $350 million makeover of the city facilities, public school facilities and technical training facilities all approved through local tax initiatives.
Norman is a well-planned community and recently adopted a new form-based code initiative to improve the core of the community by encouraging more diversity in housing options, small business opportunities, and a pedestrian and bike-friendly atmosphere.
Norman is also a place where international companies invest. Companies such as Hitachi (Japan), Weathernews (Japan), Johnson Controls (Ireland) and Nanowave (Canada) have all made significant investments in Norman in the last decade and continue to grow their operations. Additionally, the Chickasaw Nation, one of Oklahoma’s many tribal governments, employs well over 1,000 in the community.
In short, Norman is diverse, cultured, vibrant, and inviting. We are Oklahoma’s most unique city, known for our high quality of life, affordable housing, small town charm, and excellence in education.
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