Letter From the City Manager - 7.16.2026
Throughout our nation’s history, communities have adapted to changing technologies, industries, and economic opportunities. Claremore is no exception. From our Native American heritage of commerce and trade to the railroad, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and aerospace, our community has consistently embraced change while building on its strengths.
That tradition continues today. Businesses choose to invest in Claremore because of our people, our infrastructure and our commitment to responsible growth. Expansions by existing manufacturers, representing nearly 700,000 square feet of new development and hundreds of new jobs, demonstrate the confidence employers continue to place in our community.
As our economy evolves, so do the opportunities and decisions that will shape Claremore’s future. It is our responsibility to thoughtfully evaluate those opportunities while protecting the values and quality of life that make Claremore an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.
Over the past several months, our community, city administration, and City Council have carefully considered the next chapter of that evolution through a proposed data center in the Claremore Industrial Park. While this project has generated significant public interest, it is important to note that the proposed facility is intended for cloud storage and streaming services rather than artificial intelligence or machine learning operations.
As with many significant projects, this proposal has generated both thoughtful discussion and considerable disagreement. Some concerns raised by residents regarding water usage, utility rates, noise and other quality-of-life issues were legitimate and deserved careful consideration. Those concerns were addressed through negotiated development agreements that include safeguards related to water, utilities, infrastructure and quality of life.
Unfortunately, misinformation and inaccurate claims have circulated widely through social media, making it more difficult for residents to separate fact from speculation. These efforts have resulted in accusations that City officials acted unlawfully, accepted improper benefits, or placed personal interests above the public good. These allegations are without merit and the city continues to address them through the appropriate legal and public processes. We encourage all residents to rely on verified public records, official project documentation and direct communications from city staff to get true and accurate information.
The Claremore City Council is made up of nine dedicated citizen leaders who are committed to serving this community with integrity. They are your neighbors, fellow church members, local business owners and active participants in civic life. Throughout this process, Council members acted in accordance with their oath of office and the responsibilities entrusted to them. The Council listened to residents with differing viewpoints, carefully considering both support for and opposition to the project. Ultimately, their decision was based on the facts presented, the projected economic benefit, infrastructure improvement investments and the full scope of public input.
Disagreeing with a decision does not mean concerns were ignored, nor does it diminish the integrity or dedication of those elected to serve the public. Every resident had the opportunity to be heard, every perspective was considered, and after weighing all of the information, the Council fulfilled its responsibility by making an informed decision.
That is how representative government works. Elected officials are entrusted to evaluate the facts, listen to their constituents, and make decisions they believe are in the best long-term interest of the entire community. Citizens have every right to disagree with the decisions of their elected officials. However, following the law and faithfully carrying out the duties of elected office should not become grounds for recall. I encourage every resident to carefully review the facts, seek information from credible sources and make an informed decision.
Whether residents supported or opposed this project, we all share the same goal: preserving and strengthening Claremore for future generations. My commitment, and the commitment of this Council, is to continue leading with transparency, listening respectfully and making decisions based on facts, sound policy, and the long-term interests of our community.
Claremore City Manager
The City of Claremore operates under a Council-Manager form of government, which combines the political leadership of an elected city council and the managerial experience of an appointed manager. The city manager contract is evaluated annually by the Claremore City Council.
Meet Your City Manager
John Feary was appointed to serve as Claremore City Manager in December 2020. He oversees the day-to-day operations and fiduciary responsibilities of the city. As city manager, he also serves on the Heritage Hills Interlocal Cooperative and the Rodeo Arena Interlocal Cooperative.John started his career in public service in 2003 with the Tulsa County Assessor’s office. From 2008 to 2017, he worked with the City of Owasso as the legislative affairs director and capital projects manager. Through that experience, John developed a comprehensive understanding of the importance of reliable infrastructure and sound economic initiatives for Oklahoma communities. In 2017, John was selected as executive director of the Claremore Industrial & Economic Development Authority and focused on attracting, retaining and expanding jobs to Rogers County.
Contact:
John Feary
City Manager
Email: citymanager@claremore.com
Phone: 918-341-1325
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