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    • State Question 833: Oklahoma Electoral Point Explained
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    State Question 833: Oklahoma Electoral Point Explained

    Idris Bevan Posted on

    Keaton Ross
    | Oklahoma Watch

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    Supporters of a change authorizing municipal public infrastructure districts say the funding mechanism could spur construction of more affordable housing, but critics question the potential burden on taxpayers.

    State Question 833, a constitutional amendment proposed for the Nov. 5 general election, proposes to authorize local governments to create public infrastructure districts. To qualify as a public infrastructure district, 100% of property owners must agree to the funding formula and submit a plan to their local city council. If approved, a board of trustees would be established to oversee the district.

    Residents of areas designated as public infrastructure districts could be hit with an annual tax of up to $100 per $100,000 of assessed value to fund infrastructure improvements. The trust would also have the authority to issue public bonds.

    Here is a guide to State Question 833 and how it would impact community development in Oklahoma:

    Oklahoma 2024 Voter Guide: Everything you need to know, from the polling location to what’s on your ballot

    Who supports State Question 833 and why?

    Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, and Sen. John Haste, R-Tulsa, supported a resolution to place State Question 833 on the ballot and debated the measures in the House and Senate.

    O’Donnell called public infrastructure districts the “ultimate local control” that will allow city officials to spur construction in areas developers might not otherwise be interested in. He said individual property owners were most likely to take advantage of the financing mechanism.

    “Cities have control over these local districts when it comes to allocation, and the people who move into them pay the additional deposits,” O’Donnell said. “No one else is paying the additional bonds.”

    More: Oklahomans will vote on two state questions in November: What do SQ 833, SQ 834 say?

    Haste said public infrastructure districts can relieve pressure on cities and towns and enable faster development.

    “Especially in areas with strong growth, this is a way to help cities build more houses,” he said.

    Who is against State Question 833 and why?

    In the House, a mix of fiscally conservative Republicans and Democrats voted against SJR16. In the Senate, six Republicans and one Democrat voted no on the resolution.

    Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, hypothesized that a developer could push for a public infrastructure district in a high-end residential neighborhood and then sell the property for a significant profit. He also said residents of counties with public infrastructure may be more hesitant to support bond measures for public schools.

    “This is really the triple crown of bad politics,” Fugate said. “If you vote for this, it’s a vote for more taxes, it’s a vote that will hurt your public schools, and it’s a vote that will put tax dollars in the pockets of developers who will pay and then leave.”

    Does State Question 833 require developers to build affordable housing?

    Municipalities could require this as a requirement for proposals for public infrastructure districts.

    If State Question 833 becomes law, who would oversee public infrastructure districts?

    The text of the measure states that a board of trustees will have authority over the public infrastructure district, but does not specify duties or appointment requirements.

    Does State Question 833 specify what counts as public infrastructure?

    No, but lawmakers could narrow the definition in future legislation if voters approve the change.

    Is anyone spending money to influence voters on State Question 833?

    According to Oklahoma Ethics Commission records, as of Oct. 16, no individual or entity has reported spending on State Question 833. Pre-election spending reports are due Oct. 28.

    Keaton Ross covers democracy and criminal justice for Oklahoma Watch. Contact him at (405) 831-9753 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @_KeatonRoss.

    Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization reporting on state political issues.

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    Idris Bevan
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