JACOBI CROWLEY, Mayor

Jacobi Crowley is married to the love of his life, Rashelle, and is the father of Naomi Rose Crowley. Crowley is director at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawton, a role he said impacts the lives of young individuals, providing them with support, guidance and opportunities for growth. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, pursuing a degree in special education with a minor in behavioral management. He also holds a master of divinity degree from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology.

He returned to Lawton to serve as the generational pastor at New Life Fellowship, his childhood church. He also is a business owner, entrepreneur, author, life coach, public speaker and community leader. He also was the youngest African American to run and advance to a general election in the State of Oklahoma.

1. What role should city government play in economic development in Lawton? Why?

I believe the City of Lawton has a role in economic development. I understand Lawton Economic Development Authority (LEDA) already has an executive board that meets regularly to discuss bringing new businesses to the area. However, I believe involving more residents who are part of the workforce and understand the needs and wants of the community can further enhance efforts. By expanding the involvement of residents, not just including business owners and CEOs, we can bridge the gap between organizations and the overall understanding of what the people want. This can be achieved by establishing a steering committee or task force that includes representatives from various sectors of the community. Their input and insights can help shape the direction of economic development initiatives, ensuring they align with the community’s vision and priorities. By involving a diverse group of residents, we can create a more inclusive and effective economic development strategy.

2. What is the biggest challenge(s) facing Lawton? What are your solutions?

Homelessness is a pressing issue and the closure of community action agencies has further exacerbated the problem. It is crucial to address this issue and ensure social programs have the necessary funding and resources to thrive and provide services. To tackle homelessness, it is essential for the City of Lawton to take the lead in securing funding from various sources. Grants such as the Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grants can provide valuable resources to support organizations working towards addressing homelessness, chronic homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues. In order to access these grants and ensure transparency in the allocation of funds, Lawton must prioritize conducting a swift and up-to-date audit to address any financial or operational issues but also demonstrate accountability and compliance with grant requirements. It is crucial for the city to work collaboratively with others to secure the funding needed to address homelessness comprehensively.