Oklahoma Lawmakers Hit the Road: New Statewide Tour Connects Capitol to Communities

Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has kicked off a new statewide initiative aimed at closing the gap between lawmakers and the communities they serve. Titled “Capitol to Community,” the series will bring legislators out of the Capitol and into cities and towns across Oklahoma during the legislative interim to connect directly with residents, educators, local leaders, and business owners.

The goal is simple: to foster meaningful engagement and ensure legislative priorities reflect the day-to-day realities of Oklahomans.

“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 inaugural event was held this week in Ada, where Representative Ronny Johns (R-Ada) welcomed Speaker Hilbert and members of the House Majority Caucus for a full day of community-based programming. The visit included a morning meeting at the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, where Governor Bill Anoatubby and other officials provided briefings on major infrastructure efforts and ongoing tribal-state partnerships.

From there, the delegation traveled to East Central University (ECU) for a “Lunch & Learn” event centered on regional mental health challenges. Speakers from Project Aware, The Clinic, and the Brandon Whitten Institute, among others, shared insights on addiction recovery, behavioral health services, and the mental health needs of Oklahoma students.

Following the discussion, legislators toured the ECU campus to evaluate deferred maintenance needs and facility upgrades. The afternoon concluded with visits to the AMRIZE Cement Plant and the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), where attendees observed hands-on police training simulations.

Rep. Johns, a lifelong Ada resident, expressed pride in showcasing his district.

“This visit was a chance to showcase our community,” Johns said. “But more importantly, it 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.”

The Capitol to Community series reflects a broader commitment by the House to elevate local perspectives in policymaking. Speaker Hilbert confirmed that this was just the first of many events to come, with additional visits scheduled in Broken Arrow and Woodward later this summer.

As lawmakers continue to chart Oklahoma’s legislative course, Hilbert hopes these on-the-ground conversations will lead to policies that better reflect the needs and priorities of every corner of the state.