Voting is currently underway in the Ninth Annual “Strongest Town” Contest, coordinated through Strong Towns, and the City of Norman is competing against 15 other communities for the title. The award shines a spotlight on a city’s progress toward safety, financial resiliency, housing and transportation.

The bracket-style voting tournament known as the “March Madness of Urbanism” consists of multiple rounds, with Round 1 voting ending March 7. Selected cities compete with other communities in given categorical rounds, such as local housing, pedestrian safety and budget building. Past Winners include communities in Indiana, Illinois, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and South Dakota. Round 2 begins March 11 and closes March 14.

The City of Norman recently partnered with Strong Towns through a Community Action Lab initiative, a multi-month program consisting of in-depth community conversations, leadership training and resource expansion. The organization is a 501c(3) nonprofit specializing in development research and civic engagement advocacy. Norman City Councilmember Matthew Peacock has helped initiate collaborative partnerships with Strong Towns and completed the application to be considered for the Strongest Town, sharing that he is inspired to continue making the city stronger by Norman residents that have an “incredible work ethic, entrepreneurial spirits and define the Oklahoma Standard.”

In April, the grand champion will be named following a live championship webinar of the last two cities remaining in the competition. Normanites can learn more or sign up to receive e-updates on the contest at www.Strongesttown.com.