Located in northern Oklahoma near the Kansas border, sits the Town of Braman, home to just over 200 residents. Braman was a recipient of a Community Development Block Grant in 2023. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

Here’s a look at the project Braman is funding with through CDBG and how it’s positively impacting the community.

The Project:
Braman wanted to construct a Community Center to benefit of its residents by providing a hold town gatherings. The town had identified an unused building that was large enough to become the Community Center, making it possible for the town to host receptions, dances, community meetings, holiday parties and more. Additionally, the building is made of masonry and could provide a weather event shelter for those in the community without a safe place to go during such events.

Building highlights:

• Significant main space with a small stage
• Space to display recovered artwork and trophies from the now-closed Braman High School, preserving the town’s history
• Availability of interior overflow space featuring movable wall panels for expanded gatherings/meetings

Project plans:

• Refinish building interior, adding drywall, insulation and new paint
• Add acoustical tile ceiling
• Remodel existing restroom and add second accessible restroom
• Add additional square footage for new catering kitchen
• Add an adjacent covered patio suitable for picnic gatherings and outdoor games

The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

CDBG Funds: $150,000.00 | Matching Funds: $177,694.00