Norman, Oklahoma, is a college town with a rich history, vibrant culture, diversity, and thriving industries. Norman is a city of approximately 120,000 inhabitants and is located 20 miles south of the state capital, Oklahoma City. The city of Norman was established during the Land Run of 1889. The anchor of the community, The University of Oklahoma (OU), was opened the following year.
A city of research and culture
The University of Oklahoma is the largest employer in Norman with additional campuses in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Arezzo, Puebla, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, and Italy. The school is well-known for its leading research in weather and radar. Thanks to this expertise, federal and state agencies have settled 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 the OU faculty with employees from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Severe Storm Prediction Center for the US was created afterwards.
The arts in Norman are partially funded by a tourist tax which provides a basis for over 25 arts organizations which provide residents and visitors with numerous museums, galleries, music and art festivals, ballets and plays. Artists consider that the community in Norman values their work and their contributions to the economy and quality of life. Norman embraces a culture of creativity and attracts creative individuals.
A strong community
Norman residents are willing to invest in their community as proven by the support of quality of life initiatives. Norman Forward is a citizen-initiated plan to invest in new and updated recreational facilities, libraries, parks, sports complex, public art, and walking or biking routes. The initiative is part of a $350 million makeover of the city's public school and technical training facilities which were all approved through local tax initiatives.
Norman is a well-planned community which recently adopted a new code to improve the community by encouraging more diversity in housing options, small business opportunities, and a pedestrian and bike-friendly atmosphere.
Norman's international position
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 intensify their operations. Additionally, the Chickasaw Nation, one of Oklahoma’s many tribal governments, employs well over 1,000 people in the community.
In short, Norman is diverse, cultured, vibrant, and inviting. It is Oklahoma’s most unique city, known for its high quality of life, affordable housing, small town charm, and excellence in education. Norman's values are shared with other cities around the world, which explains its membership of the International Network of Michelin Cities.
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