About Us

Overview

The Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA) was created by the City of Oklahoma City in 1966 to plan, develop, build, and operate a balanced parking and transportation system (EMBARK) in the state's capital metropolitan city. COTPA's Board of Trustees are the governing body for the oversight of EMBARK, downtown off-street public parking and Oklahoma River Cruises.

Leadership

ParkingOKC runs under the day-to-day leadership of the Administrator and is governed by the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA) Board of Trustees.

The Board adopts rules, regulations and policies governing EMBARK, downtown off-street public parking and Oklahoma River Cruises. The Board has authority over fare structure, use of property, development of facilities and fiscal & human resources management.

Three members serve by position, the Mayor of Oklahoma City, the City Manager and the City Finance Director. The five remaining trustees are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. One of the five members must live outside the city limits of Oklahoma City. In accordance with the inter-local operating agreement between COTPA and the City, the Administrator of COTPA is appointed by the City Manager and approved by the COTPA board.

The 8-member Board of Trustees meets on the first Friday of each month in the City Council Chambers. Board meetings allow for communication among the trustees, administrator, staff and citizens.