In recent years, local leadership in Oklahoma City has faced unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and increasing homicide rates. Managing a city, especially a large one, requires balancing diverse public interests with limited resources. Leaders must make critical decisions about essential services, budget allocations and local tax rates.
Oklahoma City is not just a capital city but a thriving hub of opportunity and quality living. In recent years, our vibrant metropolis has garnered attention for its robust job market, affordable living costs, promising real estate opportunities and rich cultural offerings. As we reflect on the achievements just of this past year, Oklahoma City showcases its dynamic growth and potential.
At a press conference held last week, Mayor David Holt and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Chair Teresa Rose provided further details about OKC's role in hosting canoe slalom and women's softball events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The move builds on the city's decades-long commitment to self-investment and venue sustainability.
Today, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed the first series of updates to its venue plan that will stage some of the most popular Olympic and Paralympic sports in world-class arenas and stadiums, creating the ideal experience for athletes and fans.
Ask anyone in the tourism industry who the go-to person for all things Oklahoma City and they will say Sandy Price. Sandy was promoting Oklahoma City before MAPS invested so heavily in the community’s quality of life —when our city’s offerings were limited to the Oklahoma City Zoo, Cowboy Hall of Fame (now the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum), the Crystal Bridge, the Stockyards, and the original Skirvin. But the limited number of attractions never deterred Sandy from being what one colleague called “the perfect brand ambassador for Oklahoma City.”
Construction of the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is advancing rapidly toward its anticipated 2025 grand opening. This $400 million project, funded by the Chickasaw Nation in collaboration with public and private partners, is set to enhance Oklahoma City's landscape and economy. With major milestones achieved and exciting features taking shape, here's a detailed look at the latest progress:
Oklahoma City’s initiative celebrated completion of the final MAPS 3 project with the opening of a new senior health and wellness center on South Western Avenue last week. This event marked the completion of the MAPS 3 program, an $801 million initiative funded by a one-cent sales tax collected between 2010 and 2017, aimed at improving quality of life through eight key projects.
PIVOT, an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit, provides housing and support services for at-risk youth. Its innovative tiny homes and approach to addressing homelessness among young adults has gained recognition from the Urban Land Institute (ULI), which listed PIVOT as one of the top 10 projects delivering compact residential spaces that offer affordable city living options, foster community and minimize environmental impacts.
