The pandemic affected nearly every industry sector worldwide. While some are obviously still struggling, one that is on the rebound locally is our visitor economy. And the benefits our economy is deriving from this activity are due to the investments we’ve made over the years that are attracting people and economic activity in this increasingly important sector.
Appearing on these types of lists is no accident. The City of Oklahoma City has proven to be responsive to residents, and not combative toward the business community. In fact, we are partners on many levels, and that shows in this latest example of our collective success.
Though the circumstances that have led us to this moment in our history as a community are somewhat complex, my message this month is pretty simple. If you are a resident of Oklahoma County, I ask you to vote “yes” on June 28 to build a new county jail.
Last month, five of the largest CareerTech centers in the Greater Oklahoma City metro announced the formation of Onward OKC, a new compact designed to allow for better, more streamlined access to training for both businesses and employees alike.
Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege and great responsibility to lead our community’s response to the major challenges of our criminal justice system here in Oklahoma County.
By now, you may have heard or read that I will be winding down my role with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. It has been a fun and exhilarating ride for me over these nearly two decades serving the business community in this critical position and leading this highly respected and actively engaged organization.
Film/TV production is just the kind of cutting-edge creative industry that not only makes sense economically, but also benefits both our workforce as well as our perception, and attracts new investment and attention in multiple ways.
As the important work the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council and its members has decreased the number of people being held at Oklahoma County’s jail, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, or the “Jail Trust,” as it is more commonly known, has undertaken the really difficult task of bringing new management and reform to the operation of the facilities.
