Reflections on 2019

As 2019 winds down, it’s always a good idea to reflect on the past year before launching into all that awaits the Oklahoma City metro in 2020. Looking back, it is readily apparent that the momentum generated by 26 years of MAPS initiatives continues unabated. There was no better example of this than the exciting grand opening weekend of the MAPS 3 Scissortail Park, highlighted by the opening night concert by OKC’s own Kings of Leon, who hosted 28,000 of their closest friends.

And while we’re on the subject of civic improvements, many of the projects funded under the Better Streets, Safer City project, a package of 13 bond propositions and two sales tax initiatives which invests in streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs, are underway. And this month marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of the MAPS 3 OKC Streetcar, a popular way to get around downtown, Midtown and Bricktown.

Our economy and our economic anchors continue to grow. TTEC Holdings, Inc., a digital global customer experience technology and services company, is opening an office here. Kratos Unmanned Systems, who located an unmanned aircraft production facility here last year, rolled out the first drone built at that facility recently. Pratt & Whitney expanded their OKC presence. Tinker Air Force Base cut the ribbon on their KC-46A hangars, ensuring more jobs for the base – and Oklahoma City – for years to come. Will Rogers World Airport began expansion construction to add airline gates and a more efficient TSA checkpoint, in response to increased passenger traffic, a great sign for our economy.

Next year will bring even more opportunities to continue the development of an Oklahoma City that reflects the pioneering spirit of those who came here 130 years ago. As true today as it was in 1889, OKC wouldn’t be able to achieve all that it has and plan for the future without the efforts of our business community. And that is something for which we should all be thankful

Sincerely,

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