Helen Grant for Ward 4 — 2026 Candidate Announcement
November 17, 2025

Today, I am proud to announce my intention to seek reelection as the Ward 4 representative on Norman City Council. It has been an honor to serve this community, and I remain deeply committed to providing experienced, dependable, and visionary leadership.

Ward 4 elected me as a dark horse candidate in 2022 and again in 2024 as a seasoned Councilmember with a record of votes that align with the sentiments of the Ward. Throughout my tenure, currently as Chair of the Oversight Committee and as Norman’s alternate to the Oklahoma Municipal League, I have worked to ensure our Ward’s values and priorities are represented at every step. My voting record, policy initiatives, and approach to governance consistently reflect the concerns and consensus of Ward 4 residents.

I host regular Ward meetings to strengthen Civic IQ and give neighbors a direct line to raise concerns. When zoning and development issues arise, I make myself accessible to residents, businesses, nonprofits, and developers alike. I believe new development and redevelopment should be collaborative, community-driven, and intentionally designed to strengthen our shared sense of place. Norman thrives when projects are shaped holistically.

Our city continues to face both unique and familiar challenges. When I first ran in 2022, residents asked whether I envisioned Council as a stepping stone or as a real commitment. Then, as now, I made it clear: I am here to provide stability, follow-through, and long-term representation for Ward 4. Norman deserves leaders who are committed.

Moving Norman Forward

I remain dedicated to advancing the vision developed by past and current Councils, including:

• Fully realizing a Permanent Homeless Shelter

• Expanding Affordable Housing solutions, including a revolving housing fund

• Strengthening Public Transit and Walkability throughout Norman

• Advancing Short-Term Rental Reform and updates to the Guest Tax Ordinance

• Creating a Stormwater Utility Fee that residents and businesses can support for the betterment of our City

• Pursuing a Livable City (aging-in-place) designation, reflects commitment through policy choices to help seniors stay independently housed, as seniors are Oklahoma’s fastest growing segment of the homeless population

• Working toward a Pet Friendly City designation

• Creating the long-awaited Unarmed Mental Health Crisis Response

• Solidifying the Griffin Master Plan

• Establishing a Community Land Trust to increase access to home ownership

• Supporting Infill and Incremental Development and creating Missing Middle housing options

• Developing Stronger Neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Alliance and community organizing

• Overseeing the rehabilitation of the Central Library

I also continue to champion the development of a TIF District Master Plan, a project born from many hours of collaboration with former Councilmember Schueler, Councilmember Peacock, Mayor Holman, and myself. But I’ve also heard the community’s concerns. I strongly support reforms that incorporate participatory budgeting principles and establish meaningful guardrails to ensure future TIFs reflect Norman’s values and needs and are not derailed by external pressures.

Additional Priorities

• Exploring a Right to Counsel program for tenants facing eviction

• Planning for Norman Forward 2, which will include projects like the Andrews Park Master Plan and could potentially include a Norman Arts and Cultural Center that can support film and music productions, expand studio and rehearsal space, provide arts organizations office space, and much more.

• Crafting a Responsible City Budget that meets our growing needs amid fluctuating sales-tax revenues

At the heart of every campaign I’ve run is a core belief: Norman is special. Our identity is not found in trying to replicate the culture of other cities in Oklahoma, but in celebrating our distinct character which encompasses our street and music festivals, arts and entertainment events, sporting events, distinct neighborhoods and business districts, natural areas, and the creative energy that comes from people who choose Norman to build their lives, seek employment, start their businesses, and become part of this great community. We are the third-largest city in Oklahoma because we have built something truly unique together. I am committed to continuing the work of preserving, strengthening, and evolving on what makes Norman a place more and more people want to call home.

If you’re supportive of my bid for reelection, I invite you to contribute, volunteer, request a yard sign, or connect with my campaign:

Contribute: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/helengrantward4
Volunteer: https://www.helengrantward4.com/volunteer
Yard Sign: https://www.helengrantward4.com/yard-signs
Connect: https://www.helengrantward4.com/contact