House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Launches “Capitol to Community” Statewide Series
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has launched a new initiative titled "Capitol to Community", a series of events held across the state over the interim with the goal of strengthening connections between legislators and the Oklahomans they serve. The format of Capitol to Community will vary depending on the community, but the goal remains consistent: a full day on the ground, engaging directly with local leaders, businesses, educators and residents. The first stop took place this week in Ada, Oklahoma, with Representative Ronny Johns, R-Ada, hosting members of the House Majority Caucus for a day-long visit focused on community engagement, listening and learning. “This series is about stepping outside the Capitol walls and meeting people where they are," said Speaker Hilbert. "It’s about listening to local challenges, celebrating community successes and ensuring that our legislative goals align with the everyday needs of Oklahomans.” The first stop of the day began with a meeting at the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, where Governor Bill Anoatubby, among others, briefed attendees on major infrastructure projects and tribal-state partnerships. The group then visited East Central University for a “Lunch & Learn” focused on mental health challenges facing the region. A robust panel featured professionals from Project Aware, The Clinic, Brandon Whitten Institute, and more, offering perspectives on addiction recovery, school mental health programs, and behavioral health services. In the afternoon, participants toured the ECU campus to examine deferred maintenance needs, followed by visits to the AMRIZE Cement Plant and the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), which featured hands-on simulations used to train Oklahoma’s peace officers. “As a lifelong Ada resident, I couldn’t be more proud to host this first event in House District 25,” said Rep. Ronny Johns. “This visit was a chance to showcase our community, but was a reminder of how impactful it can be when state leaders take the time to engage directly with local voices, including those from communities outside their home districts." Speaker Hilbert emphasized that the series is just beginning. Additional stops in communities across Oklahoma are planned throughout the interim, with Broken Arrow and Woodward next on the list in August and September.