Community and Business Relations

Four Pictures from around Norman including the old Boomer Theater sign, Lake Thunderbird, the Welcome to Norman sign, and City Hall with the statue of Abner Norman.

The Community & Business Relations division is a part of the City Manager's department.  It oversees policy and programs to advance local economic development, specifically as it relates to the recruitment and retention of retail or other sales tax producing businesses, as well as managing the Special Event application process. This division serves as a liaison to external stakeholders including the local business community, special event organizers, and other community partners.  

  • Serving as a point-of-contact for existing and prospective businesses, commercial property owners, real estate brokers, and others

  • Assisting in site location and market analysis for businesses looking to start, relocate, or expand within Norman city limits

  • Working closely with other City of Norman Departments to help businesses navigate the municipal process from site selection through the construction process, all the way to their opening day and beyond.

  • Actively promoting Norman’s commercial districts through varied marketing efforts at the both the local, regional and national levels.

  • Managing Special Event application process, including the Film Production permit process 

Starting a Business

Thank you for considering the City of Norman as the home of your new business! To help facilitate launching your new business seamlessly, we have assembled the following information to help you navigate the various city departments and other agencies necessary to embark on your new venture. 

Special Events Guidelines

Thank you for hosting your event in Norman! Known for hosting many annual festivals, the City of Norman encourages special events held within an environment that allows for fun and excitement, but also adequately provides for the protection of citizens, visitors, and all participants.

Self Service Portal

The City of Norman introduced a new online service portal in November 2023 that will increase convenience and efficiencies for those doing business with various city departments. The portal digitizes permit processes, business licenses, project submittals, open records requests and more.

Destination Norman

Located along the vibrant Interstate 35 corridor between Oklahoma City and Dallas-Forth Worth, Norman is the 3rd largest city in Oklahoma. Six major interstate exits, state highways 9 and 77, an Amtrak station in our historic downtown, and the University’s Max Westheimer Airport provide easy access into Norman. Norman is only a 20-mile commute from both the Will Rogers World Airport and Downtown Oklahoma City.