City to receive nearly $700,000 in grant funding through the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security

Norman City Council moved to accept nearly $700,000 in grant funding through the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Securityvia the agency's Cybersecurity Grant Program on November 12, 2024. The funding will be used by the Information Technology Department to enhance critical and core infrastructure and services across the city.

Kari Madden, the IT Business Systems & Development Manager, led efforts to apply for the grant and says this is the first time Norman has received funds through this program.

"We were really excited to hear news of being selected," Madden said, "This is a zero percent match program that is carried out by reimbursement. We will be moving immediately to carry out plans we have in place for this funding - to include purchase of programs for backup contingency operations of critical data, and the hiring of a Cybersecurity Technician."

The City of Norman Information Technology Department is responsible for securing all sensitive data stored on the City network and for securing operations associated with all daily operations of the City of Norman, as well as interactions and exchanges of data and services to residents, developers, visitors, and personnel interacting with software applications, website functions and portals used or offered by the City to provide services and information. Replacing current data backup systems and operation is essential to ensure the security, reliability, and effectiveness of the City's data protection efforts and to support our critical operations effectively. The addition of a Cybersecurity Technician will also complement efforts of the existing Security Engineer to address and resolve security threats that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our network, systems and personnel.

"We are incredibly proud of Kari and the work she has put into securing this funding for the City of Norman," said Tim Powers, Director of Information Technology. "This funding will put us in an even better position to continue supporting public officials and community members in terms of providing topnotch cybersecurity and seamless digital services."

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