Mayor David Holt spotlights OKC’s ‘renaissance’ in Smart Cities Dive

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt was featured in Smart Cities Dive in an article titled, "How an Oklahoma City sales tax fuels the city’s ‘renaissance.’" The article explores the transformative impact of Oklahoma City’s MAPS initiative, particularly MAPS 4, which has been pivotal in the city’s progress.

What was once a city primarily known for its stockyards and oil fields has grown into a thriving metropolitan area of more than 700,000 residents and a leading center for high-tech aerospace and aviation industries. Central to this transformation is a one-cent sales tax implemented in 1993, which has funded vital public improvement projects and laid the groundwork for decades of growth and innovation.

Since being elected in 2018, Mayor Holt, alongside the business community and voters, has built on this legacy, leading efforts to ensure the city continues to thrive. In 2019, he spearheaded the planning process for MAPS 4, the latest voter-approved renewal of the sales tax. The initiative is projected to generate $1.1 billion over eight years, funding various projects including parks, senior and youth centers, sidewalks, bike lanes and expanded public transit—investments that aim to improve residents’ quality of life while fostering economic growth.

The Smart Cities Dive article, published on January 2, reaching the top spot on the publication’s homepage top stories list for the week and ranking second in its email newsletter. This recognition highlights the national interest in Oklahoma City’s innovative approach to urban development, an effort strongly supported by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. The Chamber plays an active role in advancing initiatives like MAPS and collaborating on priorities that drive growth and progress.

In his discussion with Smart Cities Dive Senior Reporter Dan Zukowski, Mayor Holt explained how MAPS 4 prioritizes human services, transportation and public participation. Reflecting on MAPS’ 30-year history, Holt said: “The program is really the engine of our renaissance here in Oklahoma City.”

A significant point raised in the interview was the financial stability of MAPS 4. Holt noted the city’s self-reliant approach, saying: “We would not include a project that would be dependent on success in federal grants or borrowing. We would always have enough money to do it ourselves if we had to. We don’t have debt hanging over our head.”

Beyond economic development, MAPS 4 is reshaping the way residents experience their city. Holt stressed how community involvement drives its vision: “Oklahoma City residents know the vision for the future. They know all the major projects that we’re currently pursuing. There’s just a very high level of civic engagement and support here.”

Smart Cities Dive is a digital publication by Industry Dive, reaching over 138,500 leaders in local government, urban planning and business. The platform provides in-depth journalism on key topics such as transportation, infrastructure, governance and technology.

To read the full article and learn more about MAPS’ role in Oklahoma City’s future, visit Smart Cities Dive.