Okmulgee City Council Tackles Downtown Revitalization and Historic Cemetery Preservation

Main Street progress and cemetery funding needs highlight city's balancing act between future and past

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:06pm

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The Okmulgee City Council heard contrasting presentations - one highlighting the continued resurgence of the city's downtown district, and another issuing an urgent call to protect the historic Okmulgee Cemetery. The discussions painted a vivid picture of Okmulgee moving forward while striving not to leave its past behind.

Why it matters

Okmulgee is working to revitalize its downtown through the efforts of the Main Street program, which has driven $1.7 million in private investment and 3,000 volunteer hours in the past year. However, the city's historic cemetery is facing financial challenges, with a $30,000 annual deficit, due to declining burial revenue and the high costs of maintaining over 20,000 graves. Balancing progress and preservation is crucial for Okmulgee's future.

The details

The Main Street program reported $1.7 million in private investment and $60 million in total reinvestment over the past 40 years, along with plans for a $300,000 downtown archway project and a statue honoring local icon Will Sampson. Meanwhile, the Okmulgee Cemetery Association is struggling with a $126,000 annual budget and only $96,000 in revenue, leading to a request for $20,000-$30,000 in annual city support to maintain the historic site.

  • The Okmulgee City Council meeting took place on March 17, 2026.
  • Okmulgee Main Street has been operating since July 2025.
  • The Okmulgee Cemetery was established in 1909, over 116 years ago.

The players

Johnna Yoder

The director of Okmulgee Main Street, leading the city's downtown revitalization efforts.

Bruce Mabrey

Representing the Okmulgee Cemetery Association, advocating for financial support to maintain the historic cemetery.

Will Sampson

A notable actor and artist from Okmulgee, who will be honored with a statue in the downtown area.

Okmulgee Main Street

A non-profit organization focused on historic preservation and economic development in Okmulgee's downtown district.

Okmulgee Cemetery Association

The organization responsible for maintaining the Okmulgee Cemetery, a historic site with over 20,000 graves.

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What they’re saying

“We must let people know it's there, and that it's available.”

— Johnna Yoder, Okmulgee Main Street Director

“My mom and dad are buried out there... and I just thought, what have I done for the cemetery lately?”

— Bruce Mabrey, Okmulgee Cemetery Association Representative

What’s next

The Okmulgee City Council indicated they will revisit the cemetery's funding request in future meetings.

The takeaway

Okmulgee is balancing the need to revitalize its downtown with the responsibility of preserving its historic cemetery, a delicate act that requires community support and a commitment to honoring the city's past while building for the future.