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

In The Know: New Oklahoma laws take effect Jan. 1. | Oklahoma congressional delegation backs Venezuelan attack | Poverty is a policy choice; ending it is one, too

By: Dave Hamby
January 5, 2026 // Updated: January 5, 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: ‘Everyone’s scared.’ How Trump’s focus on immigration affects Oklahoma | Stitt criticizes judgment in poultry pollution lawsuit, seeks stay | Is ‘stable revenue’ enough for Oklahoma’s future growth?

By: Dave Hamby
December 23, 2025 // Updated: December 23, 2025
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: Officials release initial budget outlook for FY27 | Judge orders poultry companies to pay for cleanup in longstanding Illinois River lawsuit | Oklahoma GOP begins to fracture and a far-right takeover looms, open primaries are a threat

By: Dave Hamby
December 22, 2025 // Updated: December 22, 2025
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: After food aid vanished, calls for rent assistance surged | AG says Oklahoma can’t prosecute tribal hunters on tribal land | OK Policy’s top publications for 2025

By: Dave Hamby
December 19, 2025 // Updated: December 19, 2025
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...]

OK Policy’s Top Publications from 2025

By: Dave Hamby
December 18, 2025 // Updated: December 18, 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re highlighting OK Policy’s most impactful publications of the year. From in-depth research and data-driven analysis to timely commentary grounded in community experience, these 10 pieces show how evidence-based policy can strengthen Oklahoma’s economy,… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Child care group sues Oklahoma DHS over cuts to subsidies for school-age children | Data centers continue to be focus of state, local concerns | Voting by mail faces uncertain moment

By: Dave Hamby
December 15, 2025 // Updated: December 15, 2025
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...]

Weekly Wonk: Oklahoma agencies outline big needs for next fiscal year | Property tax revenue builds the foundation for our communities | Vandalism of Civil Rights statue should remind Oklahomans that our work isn’t done

By: Dave Hamby
December 14, 2025 // Updated: December 18, 2025
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: Lower-wage workers report skipping meals, taking out loans for food and rent | Western Heights audit notes legal fees, superintendent fight | Department of Corrections refuses to release body camera footage

By: Dave Hamby
December 12, 2025 // Updated: December 12, 2025
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: Why rural homelessness stays hidden | State agencies seek 14% boost in appropriations | Oklahoma’s campaign finance site remains offline

By: Dave Hamby
December 8, 2025 // Updated: December 8, 2025
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 AG intervenes in State Farm lawsuit | Corporation commissioner refuses to recuse himself in OG&E case | More

By: Dave Hamby
December 5, 2025 // Updated: December 5, 2025
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...]