Show Notes
OML Executive director Mike Fina talks with Aaron Farmer, president of The Retail Coach, about the impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses and what city leaders should expect in the months and years to come. Fina and Farmer also discuss what is expected in the next round of federal relief funding and an expected surge in retail sales in 2021. “We might be talking about one of the best retail years we’ve ever had,” Farmer said.
More from The OML Podcast
Dave flies solo (no Mike) at the OML conference, joined by Suzie Paulson, Associate General Counsel at the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG), and Micah Gaudet, a national expert on AI in local government. The three discussed artificial intelligence in municipal government, including how to use it to its fullest while also implementing important safeguards.
Live from the OML conference in Tulsa, Mike and Dave spoke with Claremore City Manager John Feary about what's happening in his city. They also talked about economic development, retaining young talent in cities and towns, investments in core services, data centers, the constitutional convention and more.
From the center of the OML Conference, Mike and Dave spoke with Jorge Jonas and Trevor Davenport about the Oklahoma Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (CLASS), an investment pool option for Oklahoma cities and towns.
With the OML Conference one week away, Mike and Dave welcome Sarah Lingenfelter, Director of Education and Programs, and Leslie Blair, Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications, to discuss final preparations ahead of OML’s biggest week of the year. The conversation covered the conference’s mobile app, where attendees can view session descriptions and build their schedule, session highlights, including deep dives into AI and data centers, and many other events.
Inflation is normal, but the recent increase in costs feels like another level. Just look at the rising cost of fire trucks. In this episode, Mike and Dave are joined by Christian Rinehart, general counsel of OML, and Matt Sill, with the law firm Fulmer Sill. Matt discussed his research into market manipulation within the fire equipment industry, along with a current lawsuit he is leading and how it could impact cities and towns.