MAPS 4: It’s time to vote to continue OKC’s renaissance

Previous MAPS projects have helped transform Oklahoma City. Keep that momentum rolling Dec. 10 by voting “YES” for MAPS 4.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams has repeatedly said that the MAPS 4 package of projects is the right combination of what is needed to keep OKC moving forward.

“This package will make life better for every resident,” he said. “And when we help our residents, that sends a beautiful message to the rest of the country – well, even the world – that Oklahoma City is a place where you won’t feel left behind.”

Previous MAPS projects have featured high-profile projects such as the Bricktown canal, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Chesapeake Arena, creation of the Oklahoma River and RIVERSPORT, the streetcar, the new convention center, OMNI Hotel and Scissortail Park.

A recent report from RegionTrack shows that the MAPS projects have brought $7 billion in investment to Oklahoma City.

“You can see that the momentum created by the initial projects in the 1990s continues today,” said Mark Snead, economist and president of RegionTrack. “The public spending on MAPS projects led to sustained private investment over a long period of time, and the completion of the remaining MAPS 3 projects create even more momentum.”

To date, approximately $1.8 billion in city investment has been used or earmarked for the three rounds of MAPS projects in Oklahoma City. Additional city infrastructure expenditures in the period totaled $690 million and worked to enhance the outcome of the MAPS projects. Other federal, state and local government entities invested an additional $600 million in the downtown area. Total public investment through city spending on MAPS and investments by other public sector entities reached $3.1 billion between 1995 and 2018.

What this means is that MAPS projects, from the original $350 million public works and redevelopment project, to MAPS for Kids, a $700 million school improvement initiative, to the MAPS 3 $777 million quality of life improvement initiative, OKC resident have continually invested in the future of the city and the results are real.

“With the increase in visitation, the growth of housing and hotels and all of the other private investments, we have a true destination that will only grow – creating more jobs and spurring additional investment,” said Williams.

MAPS 4 will fund 16 projects, including improvements in parks, transit, sidewalks, senior wellness and youth centers, mental health and domestic violence programs, an innovation district, the animal shelter and beautification. It would also pay for a new multipurpose stadium and improvements to the Chesapeake Energy Arena and the Fairgrounds Coliseum.

“Previous MAPS programs have been called some of the most successful and innovative tools ever developed by a city,” said Percy Kirk, Greater Oklahoma City Chair. “We have seen MAPS strengthen Oklahoma City and create an environment of growth. MAPS 4 will keep the momentum going and extend the scope of community enhancements and capital projects.”

So now, it’s up to you. Vote “YES” for the MAPS 4 projects. Encourage your friends and co-workers to vote “YES.” Polls are open from 7 a.m.  to 7 p.m. on Dec. 10. Your vote is important!

 This article originally appeared in the December 2019 issue of The POINT!