City welcomes two conferences for women in government

Two conferences dedicated to women in municipal government are scheduled for June 22-26 at the Stoney Creek Conference Center in Broken Arrow.

The Oklahoma Municipal League's Women in Municipal Government Conference, June 22-24, will be followed by the National League of Cities' Women in Municipal Government Summer Conference, June 24-26.

This marks Broken Arrow's first time hosting a National League of Cities event.

Over 100 women from across the U.S. and Oklahoma are expected to attend both conferences. Leaders will have an opportunity to come together, network, and share best practices. They will also engage in leadership development workshops that will make a positive impact on their communities.

Broken Arrow City Councilor Lisa Ford, 2026 President of the National League of Cities' Women in Municipal Government, has worked with a committee for over a year to make this first-time Broken Arrow event a success.

In addition to workshops, participants will tour city projects and facilities. Ford looks forward to showcasing Broken Arrow to her colleagues nationwide, many of whom have never visited Oklahoma.

"We have tours planned of the Sunset Amphitheater Broken Arrow, under construction in the southeast part of our city, and we will highlight the economic transformations of the Rose District and New Orleans Square," Ford said. "Our goal is to showcase ideas applicable to cities nationwide, matching NLC's mission to foster learning."

Mayor Debra Wimpee, who serves as a National League of Cities and Women in Municipal Government Board Member, thanked organizers for choosing Broken Arrow as the host city.

"We're excited to welcome these inspiring leaders," Wimpee said. "They'll bring a wealth of knowledge, and while here, they'll experience the best of Broken Arrow!"

In addition to the knowledge gained from the experience, Tourism Development Manager Makala Barton said such conferences have a meaningful economic impact on the city by filling hotels and supporting local businesses.

"It will bring visitors from across the country to experience our city firsthand," Barton said. "It places a national spotlight on Broken Arrow and showcases all our community has to offer. We hope these business travelers will soon return as leisure visitors and bring their families with them!"