Author: Dave Hamby

Dave Hamby // dhamby@okpolicy.org

A fourth generation Oklahoman from Pawhuska, Dave Hamby has more than three decades of award-winning communications experience, including for Oklahoma higher education institutions and business organizations. Before joining OK Policy, he oversaw external communications for Rogers State University and The University of Tulsa. He also has worked for Oklahoma State University and the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A graduate of OSU's journalism program, he was a newspaper reporter at the Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith. Dave joined OK Policy in October 2019.

Recent Articles

Weekly Wonk: Lawmakers’ FY 2027 state spending decisions did not put Oklahomans first | SQ846 explainer | Tax cuts are a workforce problem | New education laws take effect this school year

By: Dave Hamby
August 7, 2026 // Updated: August 7, 2026
What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

In The Know: DHS dealing with long wait times, federal law causing ‘bureaucratic chaos’ | Osage Nation Congress says state of emergency does not reflect reality | Cherokee Nation announces ban on data center construction on tribally owned land

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: August 7, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: School leaders, state lawmakers at odds over SQ 844 | SQ 846 explainer: How would it change voting in Oklahoma? | Lawmakers’ FY 2027 state spending decisions did not put Oklahomans first

By: Dave Hamby
August 5, 2026 // Updated: August 6, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: AG slams federal investigation of decision to deny mosque in Broken Arrow | Funding cuts could impact Native American student outcomes | SQ 844 & SQ 846 Townhall

By: Dave Hamby
July 31, 2026 // Updated: July 31, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Cyclosporiasis cases in state climb past 300 | Oklahoma could land $50 billion nuclear campus | What’s on the ballot for the August 25 elections?

By: Dave Hamby
July 29, 2026 // Updated: July 29, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

What’s on the ballot for the August 25, 2026 elections in Oklahoma?

By: Dave Hamby
July 27, 2026 // Updated: August 6, 2026
Oklahoma voters will head to the polls for a statewide election on August 25, 2026. Here’s an overview of what’s on the ballot, and you can find your sample ballots and polling place through the Oklahoma Election Board’s OK Voter… Read more [More...]

In The Know: OSDE presents teacher certification data, new initiatives | Mayor orders closure of Tulsa’s municipal lockup | Fact sheets for SQ 844 & SQ 846

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: July 27, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: State election chief backs Oklahoma voting security after Trump address | As Oklahoma embraces abortion restrictions, maternal health lags | Community voices lead the way to better policy

By: Dave Hamby
July 20, 2026 // Updated: July 20, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma’s plan to comply with mental health consent decree is approved one year after deadline | Indigenous violence survivors see fewer services after federal cuts | State Insurance Commissioner may not even need to live in Oklahoma |

By: Dave Hamby
July 17, 2026 // Updated: July 17, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Big tech targeting Native American land for data centers | Oklahoma County bail hearings don’t meet constitutional standards, attorneys say | Building a stronger democracy starts with informed voters

By: Dave Hamby
July 13, 2026 // Updated: July 13, 2026
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]