In a recent ruling, Cleveland County Judge Michael Tupper dismissed a lawsuit from Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development (ORED) concerning the Rock Creek Entertainment District. The judge sided with the city of Norman, its Tax Increment Finance Authority, and UNP North, LLC, affiliated with the OU Foundation.
During the four-and-a-half-hour hearing, Judge Tupper addressed motions from both ORED and the defendants, which drew a packed courtroom. Notable attendees included former Athletic Director Joe Castiglione and current Councilmember Trey Kirby.
The judge granted multiple motions to dismiss from the defendants while denying two motions from ORED, which sought to pause work on the entertainment district and obtain a summary judgment regarding alleged violations of the Local Development Act and the Open Meetings Act. Judge Tupper concluded that the city had conducted the relevant meetings lawfully, and ORED failed to prove its claims.
After the hearing, Norman expressed disappointment but acknowledged the thoroughness of the judge’s consideration and indicated plans to evaluate appeal options. Norman City Attorney Rick Knighton praised the judge’s handling of the case, emphasizing the fairness of the ruling.
