City to host first NLC Conference in June

Over 100 city leaders from across the U.S. will visit Broken Arrow for two major conferences focused on women in municipal government, June 22-26, at the Stoney Creek Conference Center.

First, the Oklahoma Municipal League Women in Municipal Government Conference will kick off the week, June 22-24. It's followed by the National League of Cities WIMG Summer Conference, June 24-26, a flagship NLC event, marking the city's first time hosting a NLC conference.

"As Mayor, I am honored to welcome these accomplished women from across the nation and our state to experience all that Broken Arrow has to offer," said Mayor Debra Wimpee. "I also want to recognize Councilor Lisa Ford for her visionary leadership as the National League of Cities' 2026 President of Women in Municipal Government. Thanks to her and her committee's dedication, Broken Arrow is proudly hosting its first-ever NLC conference."

WIMG connects women municipal leaders to share best practices and network. They will participate in interactive sessions and workshops, engage in leadership-building activities, and explore various city projects through mobile tours.

Last year, the City began promoting the conference at the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C., by presenting its tourism video.

"Most of the people in attendance said, 'I've never been to Oklahoma, I've never thought of coming to Oklahoma, and now I am so hyped to get there,'" Ford said. "We've marketed it so well that they can't wait to come!"

Ford is eager to showcase Broken Arrow to her colleagues from across the nation.

One subject that members of the WIMG organization have discussed numerous times over the last five years is how to meet the needs of an aging population.

"So, we're going to tour the Broken Arrow Senior Center, because, of course, it is the best in Oklahoma," Ford said. "We want them to see how successful a senior center can be, how our municipality partners with it, and how we keep our seniors active. This partnership demonstrates how Broken Arrow maximizes quality of life for seniors and offers innovative services for the aging population."

Ford added that the women will not only tour the facilities but also participate in some of the center's activities.

In addition, she is looking forward to showing her colleagues the construction of the Sunset at Broken Arrow Amphitheater and introducing them to the economic transformation underway at New Orleans Square, illustrating Broken Arrow's commitment to vibrant community spaces and economic development.

Ford aims to showcase Broken Arrow and share ideas that leaders can apply in cities nationwide, aligning with NLC's mission to foster learning across communities.

She says the city is already making an impact even before the conference begins.

"People are already checking out our website and have complimented us time and again on how amazing it is and how much information our citizens can get from it. They are already implementing best practices they've learned from us in their cities," Ford said.

The Muscogee Creek Nation Female Honor Guard will open the conference by presenting the colors, and Betty Gerber of the Museum Broken Arrow will give a short presentation about the city's history, setting the tone for a gathering that celebrates leadership, collaboration, and innovation in municipal government.