Midyear reflection: Mike Ross sees opportunity ahead for Oklahoma City

As the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber enters the second half of 2026, Chamber Chair Mike Ross sees opportunity ahead for Oklahoma City. 

Now more than halfway through his first year as chair, Ross reflected on the Chamber's progress, the partnerships driving the city's momentum and the priorities that will shape the months ahead.  

"We're very busy," Ross said. "I'm amazed at all the plates that are in the air, yet none of them seem to fall and break." 

Ross pointed to two initiatives that best reflect the Chamber's focus this year: advancing a regional education and workforce strategy with CivicLab and leading a community branding initiative that will help shape how Oklahoma City tells its story.  

"There couldn't be a better time for Oklahoma City to be focusing on how we tell our story," Ross said. "We have so much attention coming our way in the next few years."  

Ross also credits Oklahoma City's collaborative approach for helping sustain that momentum. He said the close partnership between the Chamber, business leaders and city leadership continues to distinguish Oklahoma City from many peer communities and creates a strong foundation for future growth. 

"It's that partnership that differentiates Oklahoma City," Ross said. "We work together very well and seem to be pulling from the same end of the rope."  

The year has already brought progress on advancing the Chamber’s priority initiatives, Ross said. The Chamber is focused on convening diverse perspectives across its body of work which has led to significant civic input, engagement and momentum. He believes strengthening connections between the business community, educators and workforce partners will be essential to the region's long-term success. He also identified continued work surrounding the Oklahoma County jail and the community branding initiative as key priorities for the remainder of the year.  

"We didn't get here overnight, and we're not going to solve complex challenges overnight," Ross said. "It's going to take time, but it remains a very, very high priority."  

That focus reflects what Ross says he hears most often from Chamber members. While business leaders recognize the challenges ahead, he said the prevailing sentiment is one of optimism and excitement about Oklahoma City's future. 

"There's a sense of anticipation that even better things are to come," Ross said. "It's a great time to be involved with the Chamber and to be involved in Oklahoma City."  

Serving as chair has also given Ross a broader perspective on the work happening behind the scenes to keep that momentum moving. He said he's been struck by both the opportunities ahead and the coordination required to advance initiatives across economic development, education, tourism and other Chamber priorities. 

"I'm amazed at the opportunities that are there before us," Ross said. "It's a window that is only open for a period of time, and we need to take advantage of it."  

As the year continues, Ross hopes the Chamber's major initiatives move from planning to measurable progress. He said success will come from continued collaboration among the business community, educators and public partners to turn shared priorities into meaningful results. 

"I hope we're actually not just talking about it, but really seeing things happen," Ross said.