Participants expressed considerable concern about jobs and economic opportunity in Norman, particularly for Hispanics. These concerns relate to real or perceived racial/ethnic discrimination, lack of sufficient diversity awareness by employers, recession-related issues, and documentation of immigrants.

There is also a perception that a disparity exists between Norman’s middle class and working poor. Norman wants to appear to be open and welcoming, but economic segregation is as much a concern as racial segregation. An observation was made that the number of people struggling is underestimated, and that this population is invisible.

There is a need for greater diversity awareness in hiring practices, particularly among smaller employers. Larger employers have a greater tendency toward being bilingual. Recession-related job loss is particularly high among Hispanics. There is the perception of being targeted or dismissed from jobs with no grievance process. A number of comments were made concerning documentation (or absence of) as a significant factor in lack of employment, job loss, low pay, and lack of any recourse. Those without papers have greater difficulty than those who have documentation.

Several comments were made concerning how the lack of information and resources, after school language programs for adults and children, and literacy tutors impacts economic opportunity. This reflects both a lack of resources and inadequate publicity of resources to non-native speaking residents.

There is a perception that immigrants are excluded from planning and opportunities. There is a public perception that illegal immigrants drive up the cost of health care, and that is seen as an unfair characterization.

A number of participants expressed concerns related to housing shortages or inadequacies for homeless adults, youth, mental health clients, and other vulnerable populations. Several people agreed that more housing for battered women is needed as well as the need for more housing for mental health clients.

There is an overall perception of a “NIMBY” (not in my backyard) attitude with respect to public housing. Several participants commented that there is a lack of mixed neighborhoods in Norman, as well as clustering of “like values.”

Most of the comments about public safety were generally positive and reflect the community’s positive reaction to the department’s community policing initiatives. Representatives of the police stated that their officers strive to be community minded and dedicated. In addition to their other efforts to reach out to the community, they have three working languages on the force: English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

There were suggestions on some areas in which police might consider focusing future community policing efforts. For example, two residents specifically requested that police increase their presence in the Kennedy Elementary area. One other citizen encouraged police to step up their interaction with elementary children in an effort to improve relationships and create more of a perception that police are here to help, not just to punish. Another suggested making an effort to recruit more Hispanic officers.

There was a consensus that accessibility really needs to be addressed throughout Norman, not just in the central part of town. Public transportation is not just for the poor; long-range planning for the city must include mass transit that serves and moves the more prosperous areas of the city, as well.

There were a number of comments from and about immigrants and non-English speaking residents who have difficulty dealing with businesses and city government. Some of the suggestions offered for improving accessibility to services included creation of a method whereby complaints and suggestions could be made anonymously; a regular section of the local newspaper written in Spanish; more City of Norman staff members, who are themselves members of racial minority groups, to work on issues related to diversity; and opportunities for Human Relations graduate students to do internships working on Human Rights and Inclusive Community initiatives.

Language barriers and racial segregation are still perceived as problems, particularly by members of minority groups. In spite of the number of non-native speaking students, there is a lack of bilingual classes, and there is no forum to really integrate the cultures in our schools. There is a need for ESL immersion programs for adults and children in Norman, and possibly the need for more tutors/instructors to meet the demand.

Some suggested that the city should offer racial and cultural sensitivity opportunities to Norman residents, community leaders, and employees. Although the participants generally praised the police department’s community policing efforts, there were also comments that the department – and the city as a whole -- should continue and strengthen ethnic and cultural sensitivity training.

• Natural beauty of area.
• Strong community commitment that continues to build and improve.
• Interest in area for both living and business opportunities continues to be strong.

Strengths

• Partnerships with Pioneer Library System, Moore-Norman Technology Center
• Percentage of college-bound students and students who choose to join the military after graduation
• Little Axe teachers and students are included in the Norman Chamber of Commerce's recognition programs.

Concerns

• Lack of high-speed Internet access in the schools.
• Unlike the Chamber of Commerce, many Norman civic organizations, in their recognition of outstanding students and teachers and in awarding college scholarships, tend to either exclude or overlook Little Axe students, although Little Axe Schools are located in Norman and most Little Axe students and their families are Norman residents.
• Little Axe students' academic achievements and success do not always receive as much attention from the Norman Transcript as students attending Norman Public Schools.
• Stereotypes and misperceptions about Little Axe students seem to persist and people could be more informed about the cultural, economic, racial and ethnic diversity among Little Axe students and residents.
• There is less access in east Norman to adult education and literacy programs and OED preparation programs.
• Little Axe is in the Mid-American Technology Center, located in Wayne, service area which can cause transportation and access issues.
• Do the Norman Public Schools take full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the Little River Zoo (LRZ)? Do NPS students have access to LRZ's after-school program and summer programs? Is transportation the primary challenge and how might that be addressed?
• East Norman has the last remaining I % of ancient forest; how are citizens and students educated about this ecological treasure?
• Would students be better served if Little Axe was consolidated with the Norman Public Schools, or if there was a shared LAPS/NPS administrator?

Strengths

• Public transportation between Little Axe area and Norman has improved and CART is receptive to input and tries to be responsive despite budget challenges.
• There are many success stories told within the Little Axe community about public transportation creating opportunities, helping people keep doctor's appointments and obtain general health care, access legal services, meet responsibilities and access services and public events.

Concerns

• Public transportation is not just about getting Little Axe residents to Norman, but bringing Norman residents to the Little Axe area for special events, recreation, and the Little River Zoo.
• The Little Axe area is not always included on Norman area maps and other promotional and information materials such as Chamber of Commerce materials, Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau publications, and economic development information.

Strengths

• Opportunities for partnerships with Absentee Shawnee tribe in several areas including health care.
• Existing partnerships with the Cleveland County Health Department

Concerns
 

• Public health clinics previously offered at the Little Axe Community Center have been discontinued.
• Access to health care for East Norman is limited to 911IFire Department. The Fire Department is not always staffed, EMS response time can be slow due to staffing as well as distance, and fire trucks do not carry defibrillators. The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Clinic is the only health care facility in the area and can only provide emergency care.
• Can partnerships with the Cleveland County Health Department be expanded?
• Interest has been expressed in providing additional health clinic services in east Norman but citizens expressed concerns over the perception that opportunities for improved services are limited by zoning restrictions, in addition to rural/urban funding challenges.
• Are the needs of the Little Axe area represented to the City of Norman's Social and Voluntary Services Commission?
• Citizens expressed an interest in upgrading the Community Center to a incl ude fitness center and walking track.
• Several residents expressed concern that AA, AI-Anon, and Overeaters Anonymous groups are no longer meeting but were not sure if it was due to lack of interest, lack of group leaders, or related to fees or availability of facilities, or other reasons. They felt these and another initiative, the Choice program, an unfunded, volunteer-staffed initiative to teach skills and behaviors to young, at-risk girls and lower the teen pregnancy and drop-out rates, are important to the community and that perhaps if the Community Center were more affordable and available for these kinds of community groups, the community's connection with and appreciation for the City of Norman would be strengthened.

Strengths

• Public safety: good cooperation among multiple jurisdictions, reasonable though slower than preferred response times considering the geographical challenges and distances involved
• Positive experiences with Norman Police Department.

Concerns

• Concern was expressed over the fact that the East Norman Fire Department closes when there are City of Norman Fire Department meetings, leaving the Little Axe area without protection during those times.
• Although participants indicated that response time to public safety calls are timely considering the distance and multiple jurisdictions, it is still an area of concern.
• There is a concern among Little Axe residents that they do not receive the same attention to concerns such as street and sign maintenance and animal control as other residents of Norman.

Strengths

• Wide range of housing in terms of size, affordability and design.
• Individuals who build homes in this area tend to respect the area's natural beauty.

Concerns

• Because this is the rural part of Norman, some of the participants expressed concern over a lack of interaction with "city" residents, and that some City codes and policies, particularly with respect to building permits, may not be as rural "friendly" as they might be.
• The need for low-income housing in the Little Axe community seems evident, but participants are unaware of any plans for addressing that need.
• Participants were interested in knowing more about how economic growth in east and "far east" Norman will be supported, and if there is a timeline for extending utilities farther east, which would increase a sense of inclusiveness among east Norman residents.

Strengths

• The perceived potential for and interest in economic growth in this area is very strong.
• Success of recent developments like the new Sonic restaurant and the grocery store (heavily damaged during May 10th, 2010, tornado
• outbreak).

Concerns

• There is a sense among some Little Axe residents that economic growth is not encouraged or supported by the City of Norman.
• East Norman and the Little Axe area tend to feel that it is difficult to obtain accurate information about incorporating property, about City services in general, the proposed power plant in the Little Axe area, and maintenance and expansion of current recreational parks and facilities, which contribute to both economic development and quality of life.
• Improved sanitation and recycling services, especially during the summer and athletic tournament times, would support economic development and also address public health issues.
• Residents are interested in learning more from City Council about economic forecasts for the area.

Strengths

• Soup to Nuts as a way to communicate among residents of far east Norman
• On-line availability of the Norman Transcript Concerns

Concerns

• Because Cox Cable is not available in much of this area, broadcasts of City Council meetings and other events broadcast on Cox's community Channel 20 are not available to most east Norman residents.
• Neither the Norman Transcript nor the Oklahoman provide daily home delivery in much of this area so residents must seek out local news and information about local issues from other sources. If a legal notice is published about a person or piece of property in this area, that publication will not be delivered to the people who are actually
• affected.
• Residents expressed a concern over the under-representation of east Norman residents among groups like Leadership Norman, which is known for being a good way for community leaders to learn about Norman.

Concern was frequently expressed about how the attitude of police, as well as other police department employees, has changed over the past two or three decades. Complaints about possible “profiling” came from minorities and young people, and the perceived lack of interest in serving and protecting non-English speaking populations and those with cultural differences from the majority of Norman residents. It was acknowledged that the way the public responds to law enforcement has also changed, and that programs bringing police back into contact with citizens as educators, “beat cops,” and initiatives that promote mutual respect and cooperation, should be strongly supported. Many of these same impressions are addressed in the proposed Community Oriented Policing program, which is an encouraging and welcome development.

Although the University actively recruits and enrolls relatively large numbers of students from underrepresented minority populations, the employment and economic opportunities upon degree completion are perceived as limited. High housing costs, lack of minority professional groups and job opportunities, and limited social offerings other than college and campus activities, discourage graduates from staying in Norman to live and work.

The challenge of attracting a diverse instructional staff continues to be an area of concern among the citizens of Norman, and participants expressed interest in knowing what progress is being made in this area and how individuals outside the school systems might be able to assist. Another concern expressed was the lack of a fully inclusive written policy that includes the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) students and staff.

Many of the participants recognized that City Council and staff understand the need for improved transportation systems in Norman but were vocal about their concerns with how the lack of adequate public transportation affects everything from economic development to access to social services to participation in social and cultural events and activities.

Increasing the availability of adequate shelter and services for homeless and transitional populations and citizens living in or near poverty continues to be of significant concern. The difficulties faced by many citizens, and especially students, in finding affordable housing in Norman was also discussed in several groups.

Communication was mentioned in a variety of contexts, and that better communication might facilitate stronger working relationships between citizens and the City of Norman. City leaders were urged to consider substantial changes to the City of Norman website; develop simpler and more direct methods of reporting problems and concerns (and getting replies); making contact information for citizen inquiries readily available; and taking a more centralized approach to citizen problem-solving. Interest was also expressed in a more sophisticated citywide calendar and/or electronic bulletin board to encourage participation and community engagement.

• Lack of employment opportunities impacts the homeless individuals and families in Norman. Individuals with low job skills require adequate wages with health care to improve their status as well as services to improve skill levels.

• Strong diversity training improves employee performance and also improves staffing diversity recruitment.
• Gay and lesbian citizens and young people (teenagers) feel that they are being watched more closely and not being treated the same as others in the community.
• The Little Axe community and east Norman feel underserved in many areas.

• Education and affordable daycare, more neighborhood and recreation centers with summer and after-school programs for children with trained daycare workers are necessary to address homelessness.
• There appears to be a lack of public transportation to the Moore/Norman Technical Training Center.

• Members of the Hispanic community believe they are being profiled and discriminated against.
• Concern was expressed among citizens and prospective citizens related to sexual orientation and the treatment of gay individuals and same-sex couples in schools and the work-place.

• There is a lack of affordable housing and handicapped-accessible housing in Norman.
• Higher housing costs can make it difficult to live in Norman on a single income.

• The homeless population needs more emergency shelters and the cost of health care may be contributing to the number of people living in poverty.
• Norman can be difficult to navigate for individuals traveling in wheelchairs
• Norman needs more availability of information about services and resources in Spanish.
• There is a need for increased availability of supportive health services for returning military members in our community.