Leadership Notes: OKC is back to business

Photo: Steve Johnson

I am not sure there is another major metro that is bouncing out of the pandemic with as much energy and enthusiasm as we are right here. From the return of some of our favorite events, to the opening of new businesses and new attractions, there is a lot to be excited about right now. Here are my top five things you should be talking about:

• Oklahoma City’s economy is moving. And Oklahoma City’s sales tax receipts are hitting all-time peak numbers. Our residents are back at work – our unemployment is at 3.4% and is the 12th-lowest among large metros.
• Oklahoma City has been hard at work during the pandemic and there are a number of new facilities that are open and ready for you to enjoy, including Oklahoma Contemporary, the new Oklahoma City Convention Center and the new Omni Hotel.
• There are also projects under way right now that will open in the next six months. Leading the way are the First Americans Museum and the renovated First National Center.
• Oklahoma City’s center of outdoor recreational activity, RIVERSPORT, has added two unique activities to the slate – surfing and skiing. Whether it is in a boat, on board, on wheels, on skis or even just your own two feet, there is an adventure for you in the Boathouse District.
• And finally, we are back together enjoying everything our city has to offer. From the Festival of the Arts, to concerts and more, we are all working together to make this an even greater place. 

This story originally appeared in the July 2021 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.