Oklahoma City’s continued growth is not the result of a single industry surge — it is the product of intentional economic diversification that is strengthening the region’s long-term stability and competitiveness.
In recent weeks, many in our community have been reflecting on Oklahoma City’s role in the energy economy and what the next chapter of growth will look like for our region. Moments like this naturally spark conversation, but they also give us a chance to step back and look at the broader foundation that has shaped our progress.
Oklahoma City closed 2025 on solid economic footing, marked by steady job growth, historically low unemployment, and continued business investment across the metro. While growth is expected to moderate in 2026, the region enters the year from a position of strength, supported by a diverse economy and long-term development efforts.
In this month’s Leadership Notes, Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater looks forward to 2026 in OKC.
In this month’s Leadership Notes, Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater highlights the arrival of an AI inflection point, emphasizing that artificial intelligence is transforming how we live and work while creating opportunities for greater productivity, creativity and innovation.
Oklahoma City ranks sixth in the nation for the share of adults under 30 who have a mortgage, according to a Visual Capitalist report based on LendingTree’s 2024 credit analysis. The data shows 5.7% of adults under 30 in OKC hold a mortgage, placing the city ahead of larger metros such as San Antonio, Hartford and Virginia Beach.
Oklahoma has positioned itself as one of the nation’s most active aerospace and defense hubs. The state blends long-standing capabilities with a climate that supports innovation, workforce development and business growth.
Business and civic leaders recently gathered for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s State of the Region event, which offered a clear, data-focused look at where Central Oklahoma stands—and where it needs to improve. The event featured a regional economic overview presented by Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater.
