John Ratliff
John Ratliff is the City Manager for the City of Lawton, appointed on October 24, 2023. As City Manager, he serves as the City’s chief administrative officer, responsible for overseeing municipal operations, implementing City Council policy, and managing departments, personnel, and budget execution. City Service Office: City ManagerAppointed: October 24, 2023Governing Body: City of LawtonPhone: 580-581-3301Email: [email protected] Prior City Roles City Attorney, City of Lawton (January 2021 – October 2023) Military Service Branch: United States ArmyService: Over 22 years active dutyCommissioned: Air Defense Artillery Officer (University of Oklahoma Army ROTC, Distinguished Military Graduate, 1998)Deployments: Korea, Hawaii, Iraq, AfghanistanJudge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC):Deputy Staff Judge AdvocateAdministrative Law ChiefSenior Defense CounselBrigade Judge Advocate (Afghanistan, 2013) Education & Credentials Juris Doctor (JD): Oklahoma City UniversityMaster of Public Administration (MPA): University of OklahomaMaster of Laws (LL.M.), Military Law: Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, VALicensed to Practice Law in Oklahoma: Since 2007 Community Involvement Volunteer with hospice organizationsVolunteer with the Boy Scouts of AmericaYouth football coachParticipant in veterans’ “Salutes to Service” hospice ceremonies honoring terminally ill veterans Family Married to Krista (Smith) RatliffFather of Brayden, Jackson, and Riley Media & Interviews On The Record: John Ratliff Talks Turkey https://youtu.be/rOhd3dsGZro Sunday Evening Crier — Oct. 19, 2025 LEDA Fraud Update, City Cybersecurity & Community Eventshttps://youtu.be/sfRK-tPCjSw Leadership Profile: John Ratliff (Lawton Town Crier) https://lawtontowncrier.com/2025/09/leadership-profile-john-ratliff/ Insights from Lawton Town Crier Interview (Aug. 12, 2025) Following a periodic performance review as City Manager, Ratliff discussed operational priorities and policy challenges. Stated Priorities Neighborhood Cleanup: Enforcement related to tall grass, weeds, debris, and junkHomelessness: Balancing compassion with stability; support for the Homeless Trust AuthorityAudits & Compliance: Maintaining audit timelines to protect grants and funding Solid Waste & Bulk Pickup One weekly trash pickupOne bulk pickupFour free landfill trips per year (reduced from six)Policy change implemented to reduce abuse by commercial remodelers and preserve landfill capacitySecond weekly pickup deemed not economically feasible Waste Hauling Rules No legal requirement for private haulers to use the City landfillMost do so due to cost and proximity Role Transition (City Attorney → City Manager) “As an attorney, you’re advising the decision maker… you’re on the sidelines a little bit.As City Manager, you own everything. Every decision, you’ve got skin in the game.” Looking Ahead Ratliff agreed to appear on the Lawton Town Crier Podcast for a deeper discussion of City challenges and long-term direction. Related Meetings December 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Sources City of Lawton — City Manager BiographyLawton Town Crier — Leadership Profile and InterviewsCity of Lawton City Council agendas and meeting records