The Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall serve as the lead state agency in establishing a community development strategy and plan for the state. The Department shall have the authority to establish and administer community development programs such as certified community programs which enhance the quality of life in Oklahoma communities; the Department has the authority to administer such programs directly or by contract with qualified community development entities.

In establishing such programs, the Department shall determine needs, priorities or funding limits within the limits for such programs imposed by the Legislature. The Department may promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act¹ to clarify such programs.

The Department shall establish and develop or cause to be developed individual program budgets, work plans, and audits of each community development program established and administered. Any contract under this section shall be exempt from the Central Purchasing Act.²