Stephen Tyler Holman for Mayor of Norman: A Vision for a Thriving Community
Stephen Tyler Holman is running for Mayor of Norman with a steadfast commitment to serving every resident of our vibrant city.
I am a lifelong Norman resident, and for nearly 12 years, I have had the privilege of serving our community as a member of the City Council. During my tenure, I have worked alongside four mayors and nearly 40 different councilmembers, gaining invaluable experience and insight. My deep knowledge of Norman’s history and passion for public service have fueled my commitment to being a strong advocate for our city.
As the Councilmember for Ward 7, I have led initiatives that emphasize community collaboration and sustainable growth. I have worked tirelessly to address housing security, affordability, and accessibility. Additionally, I have been a strong advocate for protecting Norman’s natural resources, particularly the Lake Thunderbird watershed, which is critical to our city’s future.
One of my proudest achievements is leading the successful transition of Norman’s public transit system from the University of Oklahoma to the City of Norman. Under my leadership, we secured a voter-approved, dedicated funding source for public transportation without a tax increase—the first of its kind in Oklahoma. This accomplishment is deeply personal to me, as I grew up relying on Norman’s public transit and understand the vital role of accessible and reliable transportation for all residents.
My vision for Norman includes:
• Building a connected and inclusive community
• Improving ADA accessibility
• Enhancing public services
• Promoting financial and economic sustainability
• Ensuring affordable and secure housing that meets demand
I am passionate about community engagement and locally based solutions, ensuring that every voice in Norman is heard and valued.
As a fourth-generation Norman resident, my roots in this community run deep. My grandfather, William “Bill” Holman, was a Korean War veteran who retired after 42 years at Griffin Memorial Hospital. My great-grandfather, Charlie Holman, owned and operated a store in downtown Norman on Main Street. I was primarily raised by my single father, Steve Holman, who also worked at Griffin Memorial and now works with ABLE Community-Based Services. Some of my fondest memories are of attending OU football games and sharing breakfast at The Diner with my dad.
I attended Kennedy Elementary, Irving Middle School, and graduated from Norman High School in 2004. During college, I worked as a student videographer for the OU football team for two seasons, filming every practice and game, including a Big 12 Championship and a Fiesta Bowl. My fiancée, Morgan P. Duke, and I both grew up in Norman and chose to stay here after high school, reflecting our shared love and dedication to our hometown.
Many in the community also know me through my work with two beloved locally owned businesses. As General Manager of The Friendly Market in Downtown Norman, I played a key role in winning a State Supreme Court case to keep the business open. For the past 15 years, I have also been a familiar face at The Deli on Campus Corner, helping support and promote live local music. Most recently, I obtained my real estate license and now work alongside Morgan as part of Heather & Co Realty Group.
When I was elected as the second-youngest member of the Norman City Council, I set out to lead with vision and dedication. My work has been recognized with honors such as:
• The Norman Transcript’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Elected Official(four times)
• Norman NEXT’s 2024 NEXT Under 40 Award
• Oklahoma Gazette’s 40 Under 40
I believe in a future where Norman thrives together—a city that remains friendly, welcoming, and full of opportunities for all who live, work, and grow here. Serving as your Mayor is about bringing people together, solving challenges, and building a bright future for everyone in Norman.
Education and Work History in Norman
Education:
• Kennedy Elementary
• Irving Middle School
• Norman High School (Class of 2004)
• Moore Norman Tech Center
• University of Oklahoma
Work Experience:
• Perfect Swing (2000-2002) (first real job)
• Classic 50’s (2004, locally owned)
• OU Football Athletic Video Staff (2005-2007)
• Hideaway Pizza Campus Corner (2006-2012)
• Universe City Co-Op (2008-2010)
• The Deli (2010-present, locally owned)
• Astronomics (2012-2015, locally owned)
• Norman City Council (2013-present)
• Friendly Market (2015-present, locally owned)
• Heather & Company (2024-present)
Notable City Council Accomplishments
• 2010: Census Complete Count Committee
• 2012: Strategic Water Supply Committee
• 2013-2015: Animal Welfare Oversight Committee
• 2015-present: Center City Committee
• 2018-present: Community Planning & Transportation Committee Chair
• 2016-present: ACOG Executive Committee Alternate for the Mayor
Elected to Ward 7:
• 2013 - First Elected
• Re-elected - 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
Recognitions:
• Best Elected Official in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023
• Oklahoma Gazette 40 under 40 2018
• Norman Next 40 under 40 2024
Major City Improvements and Initiatives:
• $33 million voter-approved water treatment plant improvement
• $55 million voter-approved wastewater treatment plant improvement
• New line maintenance facility
• New sanitation admin facility
• New transit & emergency vehicle fleet maintenance facility
• New Emergency Operations Center
• New emergency communications system
• New investigations center
• New severe weather and emergency notification system
• Expanded Information Technology Department
• New household hazardous waste collection facility
• New animal welfare center
• New police bomb robot
• New police rescue drone
• New secured parking lot for police fleet
• New municipal court
• New development center for utilities, finance, public works, planning, parks & recreation
• Expanded Human Resources and customer service department
• New sidewalks, filling sidewalk gaps, and ADA improvements citywide
• New public transit center and revamped public transit system, making it more efficient and reliable
• Micro transit to serve Sunday and late-night hours
Parks and Recreation Improvements:
• Improvements to all Norman parks
• First-ever ADA accessible playground in Norman
• New Westwood pool
• New Westside & Eastside branch libraries
• New central library (voted to pursue litigation against the construction company to hold them accountable)
• New senior center
• Young Family Athletic Center
• New Griffin Soccer Complex
• New Reaves Park baseball fields
• Ruby Grant Park & Saxon Park
• New Blake Baldwin Skate Park
• Largest investment in public art in Norman’s history over the last 12 years
Voter-Approved Initiatives:
• 2013: Voter-approved wastewater utility rate
• 2014: Voter-approved public safety sales tax (no tax increase)
• 2015: Voter-approved water utility rate
• 2015: Voter-approved Norman Forward sales tax
• 2016: Voter-approved street maintenance bond extension (no tax increase)
• 2019: Voter-approved street enhancement bond (no tax increase)
• 2019: Voter-approved public transit tax (no tax increase)
• 2021: Voter-approved street maintenance bond extension (no tax increase)
• 2022: 6 of 9 voter-approved City Charter Amendments (created first-ever City internal auditor position)
• 2023: Voter-approved visitor tax for parks, tourism, arts (no tax increase to Norman residents)
• 2023: Voter-approved water rate for water infrastructure improvements
• 2023: First-ever voter-approved bridge maintenance bond
• 2024: Voted to send arena/entertainment district to a vote of the people
Norman deserves a Mayor who understands our community’s past, listens to its present needs, and works toward a brighter future. With your support, I will continue to champion responsible growth, public safety, and a more inclusive and connected Norman.
Let’s build a city where everyone can thrive—together.