Miami city leaders look back at 2024; positive changes on the horizon

MIAMI, Okla.- Miami city officials released their annual year-in-review roundup touting their accomplishments and goals for 2025.

The City of Miami employs 203 workers and has 13,000 residents.

From a pool of 29 applicants, city leaders chose Tyler Cline as the new city manager.

“This has been a pivotal year for Miami,” Cline said, “Following a record year of exciting growth, this is a year of foundational strengthening. The goal is to take a hard look at the needs of our community, prioritizing, finding efficiency, opportunity, and greater accountability. The City’s employees are committed to this community and want to help Miami thrive and we look forward to the year ahead.”

“Last year was exciting, and 2025 looks to be as great,” Mayor Bless Parker said. “Miami, Oklahoma thrived as a community in 2024, showcasing remarkable growth and resilience. With an unwavering focus on innovation, collaboration, and local pride, the City is laying a solid foundation for an even brighter future. As we move into 2025, Miami’s momentum is unstoppable, fueled by the spirit of its people and their commitment to making this city a beacon of opportunity and success.”

Misty Barnes will be the new city attorney, replacing the retiring Ben Loring, and the new Chief Financial Officer, Crystal Wyrick, will soon be in place to help oversee the City’s financial operations.

GRANTS

More than $20 million in grants was awarded to the city in 2024, including a $6.8 million grant from the Oklahoma Water Resource Board Grant for water treatment plant projects and a $6.3 million FEMA grant designed to improve roadways.

The funding is also to construct hazard mitigation projects at flood-prone Miami locations.

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and FAA is funding all but $1.2 million of a new $3.1 million Airport Terminal to be completed in 2025 at Miami’s Regional Airport.

NEW BUSINESSES

Construction projects included the Airport Terminal, the Miami Towers and Nine Tribes apartment buildings,  a new Teen Club and gymnasium, Dogwood Addition gated community, and the Peoria Tribe’s development of 17 new single-family homes. The Northeastern Tribal Health System added a new Wellness Center, and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College added a simulation lab for the nursing program.

New businesses opened included:

• Starbucks
• Rowdy’s
• The Market On 66
• Mia Bella Italian Kitchen
• El Pitayo Mexican Restaurant
• My Hammy Storage
• Home of Hope Centsible Spending Store

K&G Grooming, LLC, Sunkissed Floral, Estes Collision, Penmac Miami, Royalty Speech Therapy, Bennett & Gallon, PLLC, and others. The Ottawa County Salvation Army Service Center underwent renovations, relocations, and expansions this year and Valencia Pipe Co. and Purina added jobs and expanded. The Peoria Tribe broke ground on a new greenhouse and an RV Resort, the Shawnee Tribe improved 110 Road, and the Modoc Nation added the Healing House/ABC Therapy.

The Miami Seniors’ Center is under reorganization. The City plans to add a new kitchen space to the Center, a complete replacement and upgrade of the water line system throughout the building, and other upgrades.

This past year, the former Pacesetters building was remodeled to house the Miami Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, and a generator was installed at the Civic Center.

Projects now underway include the renewal of the down ramp to the gym, replacing the Civic Center gym floor, and restoring the Public Works office and mechanics’ shop.

TOURISM

The Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and Miami OK Main Street host many downtown events to promote Miami and the area.

The popular “Sip and Shop” showcased downtown retailers.

The unique Route 66 Bull Bash brought the meanest bulls in an arena built at the heart of Main Street in front of the Coleman Theatre, and the annual Route 66 Heritage Fest and Rodeo Miami brought thousands of locals and visitors to Miami for fun, music, and food.

Holiday Market, Home Tour, Parade, and Tree Lighting brought families together for Christmas.

The Coleman Theatre featured Dinosaur World Live, and Miami Little Theatre presented “Oklahoma!” and many cultural events.

The Ottawa County “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” program provides free books monthly for children from birth to age five, receiving up to 60 books by their fifth birthday. As of December, 834 children are participating in the local program.

The Sports and Rec Department hosted USA Sanctioned Fast-Pitch Softball Tournaments, co-coordinated the Smokin on the Route BBQ Competition, created and established a Pickleball League that will launch in 2025, and developed and established a 13, 14, 15 yr. old Junior Baseball League that will launch in 2025.

Riverview Park landscape changes were made this past year, with 150 pecan trees planted in three locations on the east side of the Neosho River, with plans to add more trees.

The City of Miami’s well-maintained G.A.R. Cemetery not only honors those who have passed but also provides visitors with a serene and reflective space. A new columbarium with a center ossuary will be built in 2025 to provide a beautiful and respectful space for families and individuals to honor loved ones.

FIRE – POLICE – ANIMAL SHELTER DEPARTMENTS

The Miami Fire Department responded to over 2,750 emergency calls this year, completed fire safety inspections of commercial properties in the city, and trained more than 200 people in CPR/First Aid and AED use.

Essential equipment was added, and a new fire engine is expected to arrive in February 2025. 

Dispatch services were moved to the new Quapaw Nation Emergency Operations Center, and dispatchers can now utilize the latest 911 call-taking software available. 

The ever-popular annual fire prevention show was held at the Coleman Theatre and was attended by 2,353 local youth.

The Miami Police Department made a total of 556 arrests, the most significant percentage for drug and alcohol-related offenses, followed by theft, burglary, and shoplifting.

The department assisted with rescue during flooding and assisted with drones used for law enforcement and rescue purposes.

Through donations, the Miami Animal Shelter staff was able to provide 63 bales of straw and multiple bags of dog/cat food and treats back to the community free of charge over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Shelter’s current live release rate of animals through the shelter is at 93%.  

The Water Department crew replaced approximately 7,800 feet of water line, 2,300 feet of sewer line, and two vitally essential wells.