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: 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...]

OK Policy’s work honored with national awards, lifetime achievement award for Angela Monson

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: December 5, 2025
The Oklahoma Policy Institute received five national awards for its work during the past year, and longtime Legislative and Outreach Director Angela Monson was honored with a lifetime achievement award during a Dec. 3 ceremony. OK Policy received five Graphies… Read more [More...]

In The Know: SNAP cuts contributed to evictions across Oklahoma | Gov. to send national guard to DC | State asks SCOTUS to ignore Muscogee citizen tax dispute or ‘revisit McGirt’ ruling

By: Dave Hamby
December 3, 2025 // Updated: December 3, 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: New report finds raising minimum wage to $15 improves Oklahoma’s health outcomes | Federal shift away from ‘housing first’ puts Oklahomans at risk | More

By: Dave Hamby
December 1, 2025 // Updated: December 1, 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: Wildlife officials ask AG to butt out of pending cases amid tribal hunting conflict | Health insurance ‘crisis on our hands’ | ‘Work requirements’ won’t work for Oklahoma

By: Dave Hamby
November 24, 2025 // Updated: November 24, 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: Data centers, bitcoin mining concern Oklahoma communities | State Ed Board seeks to reduce reliance on emergency certification | More

By: Dave Hamby
November 21, 2025 // Updated: November 21, 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...]