Top stories from VeloCityOKC in 2022

As the year comes to an end, we are looking back at some of our top stories from 2022. From economic development and local politics to health care accomplishments and additional retail, Oklahoma City has continued to expand throughout the year, further cementing itself as a top-tier city within the United States. 

Over the summer, the Chamber helped lead the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster (OBIC) in being awarded $35 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). The Chamber’s Jeff Seymour would then visit the White House in D.C. for an exclusive event on the topic. A bio manufacturing workforce training center (BWTC) was announced later in the year as one of the first implementations of plans outlined in the BBBRC grant proposal. 

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center completed a historic trial for a new cancer treatment drug created entirely in Oklahoma. The cancer center, BWTC and many other parts of the OBIC will make up the developing Innovation District, anchored by Convergence, which is expected to be completed by 2024. 

The BBBRC was not the only area in which the Chamber led an effort to improve the city. The Invest in Our Future campaign led by the Chamber encouraged voters within the Oklahoma City Public Schools district to approve a historic bond issue that would fund improvements to every single school within the district. Voters agreed to fund the improvements, as the school bond issue passed by a large majority in November. 

Voters also approved a proposal for a new county jail. Highlighted for its underwhelming conditions, the current jail has been the target of criminal justice reform efforts for years now. A jail bond oversight committee has now been announced as a first step in moving the local criminal justice system forward. 

A Mexican consulate will open soon in Oklahoma City, helping to move international relations forward. The consulate was announced by Governor Kevin Stitt on Dec. 13, crediting the Chamber and city officials with playing an integral part in attracting the consulate to Oklahoma City. 

The film industry has held its own in bringing business to the city. Capped off by the recent premiere of Tulsa King — filmed primarily in OKC — the industry has served as a gateway to outside economies. The Chamber, along with the City of Oklahoma City, established the Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office to help promote the experience of producing TV shows and movies in OKC. 

Oklahoma City was also named the best city for street art for the second consecutive year in 2022. With murals, sculptures and interactive art pieces across the metro, it’s easy to see why the city is garnering attention for its art scene.  

Events like the TEAMS Conference & Expo and the International Canoe Federation races hosted by RIVERSPORT OKC are putting a bullseye on OKC’s sports industry. Centrally located, the city will serve as the host for events like the USA Gymnastics Men’s and Women’s Development Program National Championships and the National Appaloosa show in 2023. 

Developments like the First National Center are bringing retail back into style, incorporating local and national brands in a way that is unique to Oklahoma City. The renovated historical marker continues to improve upon itself, with what seems like a new addition every month. 

The nation’s largest grocery retailer Kroger opened an additional spoke facility in Oklahoma City in 2022. An extension of the company’s Dallas facilities, this OKC location allows local shoppers to have groceries delivered across the city with ease. 

Be sure to subscribe to the VeloCityOKC newsletter to stay up to date with everything happening in Oklahoma City.