Lawton, OK –Leadership Profile: John Ratliff
Current Role: City Manager, City of Lawton
Appointed: October 24, 2023
Career Timeline
- Jan. 2021: Hired as City Attorney for the City of Lawton
- Oct. 24, 2023: Appointed as City Manager
- Aug. 12, 2025: Interview with Lawton Town Crier
Background & Education
John Ratliff served more than 22 years as a U.S. Army officer, transitioning into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC) and deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He holds a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and an LL.M. in Military Law from the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.
Licensed to practice law in Oklahoma since 2007, he has extensive legal and administrative expertise.
Community Service
Ratliff is a dedicated volunteer, active with hospice organizations, the Boy Scouts of America, youth football, and veterans’ “Salutes to Service” ceremonies.
He and his wife Krista are proud parents of three sons: Brayden, Jackson, and Riley.
Insights from LTC Interview (Aug. 12, 2025)
Following his periodic review as City Manager, Mr. Ratliff spoke with the Lawton Town Crier.
Top Priorities (next 6 months):
- Neighborhood Cleanup: Address tall grass, weeds, junk, and debris.
- Homelessness: Balance compassion with stability; support efforts of the new Homeless Trust Authority.
- Audits: Keep audits current and avoid compliance delays that could impact grants and funding.
On Solid Waste & Bulk Pickup:
Ratliff clarified that Lawton currently provides one weekly pickup and one bulk pickup, plus four free landfill trips per year (down from six).
The change was made to reduce abuse of the system by commercial remodelers and preserve landfill capacity.
While many citizens request a second weekly pickup, he explained that it is not economically feasible.
On Waste Hauling Rules:
There is no legal requirement for private haulers to use the city landfill, though most do so because of cost and proximity.
On 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 also agreed to appear on the Lawton Town Crier Podcast for a deeper conversation about Lawton’s challenges and future direction.