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: Report finds nearly half of Oklahoma households can’t afford basic needs | Oklahomans should expect higher electricity bills | Operation SAFE in Tulsa cost state $545,680 | State signs $100 million contract to house detained migrants in Watonga correctional facility

By: Dave Hamby
October 6, 2025 // Updated: October 6, 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 school superintendent seeks to ‘steady the ship’ for Oklahoma education | Changes in gov’s cabinet, state school board, OHCA | Oklahomans brace for impacts of federal government shutdown

By: Dave Hamby
October 3, 2025 // Updated: October 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: Oklahoma agency not meeting benchmarks of competency restoration settlement | Counties Await Guidance on Renewing State Question 781 Programs | What is a government shutdown? How would it impact Oklahoma?

By: Dave Hamby
September 29, 2025 // Updated: September 29, 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: Who will be Ryan Walters’ successor? He has to formally resign first. | Some of Oklahoma’s largest cities aren’t enforcing state’s anti-camping law | Trump threatens mass firings of federal employees in a government shutdown

By: Dave Hamby
September 26, 2025 // Updated: September 26, 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: Ryan Walters to resign as state superintendent to lead national anti-teacher’s union group | How will Oklahoma fill his elected role? | Policies are driving doctors out of Oklahoma

By: Dave Hamby
September 25, 2025 // Updated: September 25, 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: State troopers’ efforts leave influx of homeless at Tulsa parks, on streets | Chance of government shutdown rises | Is Oklahoma breaking public schools?

By: Dave Hamby
September 22, 2025 // Updated: September 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...]

Weekly Wonk: Housing ends homelessness; confinement makes it worse | Breaking Oklahoma’s cycle of incarceration requires coordinated efforts, investments | Outrage sells, but we’re paying the price

By: Dave Hamby
September 19, 2025 // Updated: September 19, 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: State gamefowl PAC ordered to dissolve, chairman charged with cockfighting crime | Oklahoma’s harm reduction law inches toward expiration | State supt.’s threats against teachers are unconstitutional retribution, says legal expert

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: September 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...]

In The Know: DA declines charges against Ryan Walters regarding nude women seen on his office TV | Gov. says compassion has limits as state troopers clear Tulsa homeless camps | Outrage sells, but we’re paying the price

By: Dave Hamby
September 18, 2025 // Updated: September 18, 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: Details about Oklahoma data centers are often shrouded in secrecy | Stitt’s order to clear homeless camps in Tulsa has led to chaos, advocates say | Housing ends homelessness; confinement makes it worse

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