Proposed Meridian BID aims to strengthen key Oklahoma City corridor

A push is underway to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) along Oklahoma City's Meridian Corridor, creating a dedicated source of funding for improvements to one of the city's key visitor and commercial gateways. 

The proposed Meridian BID would stretch along Meridian Avenue between Reno Avenue and SW 30th Street, connecting two major Oklahoma City destinations: OKC Fair Park and Will Rogers International Airport. 

Organizers are working to secure approval from property owners representing over 51% of the acreage included in the geographic boundary of the proposed district; the threshold required to move the BID forward. Councilwoman Katrina Avers, Ward 3 Councilwoman, and the city of Oklahoma City recognize the significance of this area to the city’s future economic efforts. City Departments and staff have been attending meetings and working alongside these organizers to improve safety and cleanliness.    

The effort comes as significant investment, and major events are bringing increased attention to the area. The City of Oklahoma City recently invested $126 million in the new OG&E Coliseum at OKC Fair Park, which continues to attract equine and livestock events and visitors from around the world. Oklahoma City will also welcome international visitors when it hosts canoe slalom and softball competitions during the LA28 Olympic Games. 

"The Meridian Corridor is an important gateway into Oklahoma City, connecting our airport with OKC Fair Park and many of the hotels and businesses that serve our visitors," said Tammy Fate, vice president of business attraction and development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. "With the investments happening at Fair Park and the opportunities ahead with the 2028 Olympic Games, this is the right time to make meaningful improvements along Meridian that support existing businesses, encourage new investment and strengthen the experience people have when they arrive in our city." 

Investing directly in the corridor 

If established, the BID would generate an estimated $300,000 for improvements and services during its first year through assessments based on property values within the district. 

Those dollars would supplement, rather than replace, existing City services and could support enhanced security, beautification, landscaping, maintenance, marketing, code enforcement initiatives, business recruitment and strategic capital improvements. 

For property owners along the corridor, the proposed BID represents an opportunity to address immediate concerns while also protecting and increasing the value of their investments. 

Andy Hughes, owner and president of Tener’s Western Outfitters, said he believes the BID could make a meaningful difference for both businesses and families who visit the area. 

“I strongly feel that the Meridian Corridor Business Improvement District will clean up the area, making it a safe place to shop and bring your family,” Hughes said. “Not to mention increasing the value of the surrounding property, the increase in property tax on my property alone is a fraction of what I've been paying just in security. For me, it is a win-win investment.” 

The proposed district could also address challenges identified along the corridor, including vacant properties, deteriorating façades, overgrown lots and a lack of cohesive identity and wayfinding. 

Beyond safety and appearance 

For the area's hotels and other visitor-facing businesses, those improvements could have an impact beyond aesthetics. The appearance, cleanliness and perception of safety along Meridian can help shape visitors' first impressions of Oklahoma City, particularly for travelers arriving through Will Rogers International Airport or staying in the area for conventions and events. 

Business Improvement Districts are already being used in other parts of Oklahoma City to give property owners a mechanism to collectively invest in their districts and direct funding toward shared priorities. 

Stockyards City Main Street is both an Urban Main Street program and a Business Improvement District, providing an example of how the two approaches can work together. 

“The Main Street approach strengthens the heart of the community by supporting local businesses, preserving local character, and building a sense of place and belonging,” said Debbie Harrison, executive director of Stockyards City Main Street. “When partnered with a Business Improvement District as a funding mechanism, it shows a commitment by local businesses and property owners to invest collectively in the vitality, safety, and long-term success of their district.” 

For Meridian, supporters see the proposed BID as an opportunity to build on the public and private investment already taking place around the corridor and better position the area for long-term economic growth. 

Property owners within the proposed district are being asked to sign a petition supporting its creation. The effort will continue until organizers secure the required 51% approval. 

For more information about the proposed Meridian Business Improvement District, contact Debi Martin, City Council chief of staff, at [email protected].