What does Oklahoma’s FY2027 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan forgiveness program mean for your municipality?

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host William Shepherd is joined by Ariel LaMontagne and Brian Green from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to simplify the upcoming loan forgiveness cycle and explain what cities, towns, public works authorities, and eligible districts need to know before applying.

The discussion covers eligibility requirements, project types, affordability tiers, timelines, and recent program changes, including the new 75/25 funding structure and the impact of expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding.

Whether your community is planning wastewater improvements, line replacements, stormwater projects, or other infrastructure upgrades, this episode provides practical insight to help municipal leaders prepare for the funding process.

Learn more and access additional resources at OMAG.org.

As Oklahoma communities gear up for a busy season of festivals, parades, and local gatherings, understanding special event coverage is more important than ever.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Chris Webb, Director of Underwriting, is joined by Jeff Bryant, Associate General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, to unpack the complexities of event-related liability. Together, they explore the differences between city-sponsored events and third-party events held on municipal property, outline insurance requirements, and share practical steps to reduce risk.

From vendor considerations to coverage timelines, this conversation offers clear, actionable guidance designed to help municipalities protect their people, property, and public trust.

As a member-owned organization dedicated to protecting public interest, OMAG is here to help you navigate these decisions with confidence—because when one community is prepared, we all benefit.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org

OMAG is proud to share this replay of PoolSide, a podcast produced in partnership with Bechamps & Associates and GEM (Government Entities Mutual.)

In this episode, host Michelle Bechamps of Bechamps & Associates sits down with Jack Ryan, attorney and co director of the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute, to examine the evolving landscape of law enforcement liability and leadership.

Together, they discuss:

• Trends driving higher claim frequency and larger verdicts
• Pursuit related liability and policy considerations
• Wrongful conviction risks and the importance of documentation and evidence handling
• The growing role of training, supervision, and legal updates
• Practical strategies to rebuild public trust and strengthen agencies from within

For Oklahoma municipalities, these insights reinforce an important truth. Proactive leadership, strong policy, and consistent training are essential to reducing preventable exposure and protecting the communities we serve.

As a member owned risk pool dedicated to protecting public interest, OMAG believes we are strongest when we learn and grow together. When one community strengthens its practices, the entire pool benefits.

Listen, share with a colleague, and visit OMAG.org to explore additional resources and training opportunities designed to equip and empower your team.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Lori Mueller is joined by Monica Coleman, OMAG General Counsel and Personnel Services Director, to examine the recent Tenth Circuit case Jenny v. L3Harris.

Together, they unpack how supervisors’ actions—and omissions—can expose municipalities to discrimination and retaliation claims. From seemingly small comments to undocumented reorganizations, this case highlights the critical importance of consistency, documentation, and timely intervention.

Learn what municipal leaders can do today to reduce risk and protect both employees and organizations. A downloadable documentation best practices guide is included with this episode.

Episode Resource: Download File

Cybersecurity threats are growing - and municipalities across Oklahoma are not immune. In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Matt Jacobson sits down with Mark Kirby, CISA’s Cybersecurity Advisor for Oklahoma and Arkansas, to talk about real-world risks facing cities and towns, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks.

Mark shares practical, no-cost resources available through CISA, offers guidance on how to improve cybersecurity with limited budgets, and explains why regular training and layered defenses matter more than ever. If you serve in local government and want to better protect your community’s digital infrastructure, this episode is for you.

Contact informaiton for CISA staff:

Mark Kirby, CISSP, PMP & A|CISO
Supervisor Cybersecurity Advisor (Arkansas & Oklahoma)
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Integrated Operations Division / Region 6
Office: 501-519-2680
E-Mail: mark.kirby@cisa.dhs.gov

Calvin Harley
Cybersecurity State Coordinator (Oklahoma)
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Integrated Operations Division / Region 6
Office: 405-568-5843
Email: calvin.harley@cisa.dhs.gov

In this episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Management Director William Shepherd sits down with Blake Catanzano and Michael Bridges of Next Phase Roofing to talk about what municipal leaders need to know about protecting public buildings from storm damage, leaks, and long-term roof failures. From free inspections to emergency response, they walk through the top reasons cities and towns should take a proactive approach to roof maintenance - and how Next Phase’s Priority Program can help. Learn how regular evaluations, clear documentation, and trusted contractor relationships can save your community time, money, and headaches when the next big storm hits.

Visit OMAG.org for more resources, and contact allaccess@omag.org
with podcast topic ideas.

In Episode 83 of OMAG All Access, Bill Tackett interviews OMAG's Professional Training & Development Analyst, Lori Mueller about the gift of feedback.

If you've ever felt nervous about giving someone feedback, you're not alone. Most people have some anxiety around it and have never been taught how to give feedback effectively. Though feedback is an important element of personal and professional success. In this podcast, learn the value of effective feedback and tools to help you organize your thoughts to provide genuine, honest feedback.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org

In this episode of OMAG All Access, Director of Risk Management William Sheppard sits down with LaVeta Breath, Director of Risk Management for the City of Oklahoma City and President of the Central Oklahoma RIMS Chapter. Together, they explore the value of risk management in municipal operations and the vital role that RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) plays in connecting professionals across industries.

LaVeta shares insights from her 17-year journey in municipal risk management, highlights the power of networking, and discusses how RIMS fosters collaboration, education, and professional development. Whether you're new to risk or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers practical takeaways on building community and finding support in a field where no two days are ever the same.

To learn more about RIMS, visit rims.org.

To connect with OMAG and discover resources for Oklahoma municipalities, visit OMAG.org.