Shaping OKC’s Future and Continued Growth

Oklahoma City is poised for a new era of economic growth and development, marked by a strategic partnership between the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the City of Oklahoma City and the Alliance for Economic Development. This collaborative effort has culminated in a comprehensive economic development plan designed to guide the city's progress over the next three decades.

The new economic development plan involved over 370 stakeholders in focused groups and meetings, aided by EY in partnership with the Chamber over the past year.

“Our new vision statement and the five focus areas emerged from extensive community input,” said Greater OKC Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater. “These areas include education, quality of place, economic growth, civic engagement and marketing our city's story.”

At the July Chamber Forum, key leaders discussed the new strategic economic development plan, emphasizing the need for a fresh direction as the city competes on a higher level.

The forum featured a panel discussion with four key leaders: Mark Beffort, CEO of Newmark Robinson; Bob Funk Jr., executive vice president of corporate development and growth at Express Employment Professionals International Headquarters; Mike Jackson, senior vice president of government relations and policy at the Chamber; and Jeff Seymour, executive vice president of economic development at the Chamber.

Jeff Seymour kicked off with the importance of continuing the city’s legacy of community building and economic development. “Oklahoma City has been a leader in placemaking and long-term public strategy. However, to stay competitive, we need to evolve our approach and have a community conversation about our future,” he said.

Seymour elaborated on the city's competitive evolution, stating, "We're competing with this first-tier set of America's largest cities." He stressed the need for a comprehensive urban strategy integrating education, transportation and innovation to sustain Oklahoma City's growth momentum.

Mark Beffort continued stressing the importance of creating vibrant urban destinations: "A destination where people can go and spend all day or a full weekend." He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at enhancing entertainment options and housing availability, essential for attracting and retaining residents.

Education emerged next in the discussion as a critical focus area.

"We know there's no silver bullet to solving educational challenges, but we are committed to making a difference," Bob Funk Jr. said.

Gillenwater further acknowledged the significant role education plays in the community's strategic vision, introducing Rhonda Baker as the new director of education at the Greater OKC Chamber. She highlighted ongoing efforts for education initiatives with the urgency and collaborative spirit required to address educational challenges effectively.

Bob Funk Jr. shared about the pivotal role of education in workforce development amidst widespread labor shortages projected over the next three decades. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach integrating K-12, career technical education and higher education to align student talents with market demands effectively.

Funk noted that the workforce deficit exceeds 3.5 million across North America, underscoring the critical need for long-term investments in education and workforce training. Highlighting the necessity for state and municipal involvement to tackle demographic challenges and ensure a skilled workforce.

Reflecting on Oklahoma City's historical leadership in initiatives like MAPS, Gillenwater and Funk expressed optimism about replicating such success in education.

The spotlight turned to the critical task of defining Oklahoma City’s brand story. Gillenwater set the stage by referencing recent perception research, revealing that many business leaders and site selectors lacked a clear understanding of the city’s strategic investments and vibrant community initiatives. This stresses the urgent need for a unified and compelling narrative to showcase Oklahoma City’s strengths on a broader stage.

Mark Beffort touching on the necessity of establishing a distinct identity for the city, stated, "We're at a pivotal moment where defining our brand is crucial. Cities like Denver and Austin have successfully crafted unique identities that drive economic growth and cultural vibrancy. We need a brand that resonates beyond our borders, showcasing our strengths and ambitions."

Bob Funk Jr. noted the challenge of overcoming the city's inherent humility: "Oklahoma City is filled with hardworking, good-hearted people, but we haven't been as assertive in telling our story. We need to celebrate our successes and articulate why this city is a great place to live, work and invest."

Mike Jackson stated the need for strategic investment in marketing and tourism: "Our neighboring states excel in promoting their attractions. It's time we adopt a more aggressive approach to market Oklahoma City’s unique appeal. Increased funding in tourism and broader marketing efforts will amplify our visibility and attractiveness to visitors and potential residents."

Jeff Seymour emphasized leveraging upcoming opportunities like the LA 2028 Olympics to elevate Oklahoma City's global profile: "As we prepare for events like the LA 2028 Olympics, we have a significant opportunity to showcase our city on an international stage. However, we must ensure our narrative remains authentic and preserves Oklahoma City's distinctive character amidst growth."

Transitioning to a broader perspective on civic participation, Mike Jackson delved into Oklahoma City's strategic direction, pointing out the importance of regional collaboration to amplify the city's economic influence. With Oklahoma City now driving 41% of the state's GDP and areas like Canadian County ranking among the fastest growing in the nation, Jackson painted a picture of a city poised for significant growth and influence.

Jeff Seymour expanded on the discussion, reflecting on the evolving landscape of leadership within the city. He stressed the need to mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders, ensuring they reflect the city's diversity and values. Seymour spoke passionately about inclusivity in civic discourse, highlighting the importance of engaging a wide array of voices in shaping Oklahoma City's path forward.

As Oklahoma City embarks on this new journey, the strategic economic development plan aims to ensure the city remains a vibrant, competitive and inclusive place to live, work and invest.

Jeff Seymour expressed Oklahoma City’s unique identity amidst rapid growth, stating, "I do not want us to be Dallas. I do not want us to be Austin. I do not want to look 30 years from now and go, ‘Man, we're a concrete jungle.’" His sentiment reflects a collective desire to preserve the city’s distinct charm and community spirit, ensuring it remains a place with a special, authentic appeal.

The panelists conveyed excitement about the strategic plan examining the substantial investments, exceeding $5 billion, poised to transform the city over the next few years. Beffort noted, "I'm most excited to watch that come forth and how we really engage that." This optimism is tempered by the need for unity in purpose, as Bob Funk Jr. emphasized, "That unity of purpose, probably even more than anything else, is what I see to carry us through the long term."