LEADERSHIP NOTES
What a Year! As we close out 2025, we’ve been reflecting on how far Oklahoma City has come and how much opportunity lies ahead. What a remarkable year for our community and for the Chamber! From major investments to growing visitor momentum to shared civic successes, we advanced meaningful progress together. Our commitment to infrastructure and community improvement took a significant step forward. On Oct. 14, voters approved a $2.7 billion citywide bond, the largest in Oklahoma City’s history. This package will fund 547 projects across streets, parks, transit, public safety, housing and economic development. It represents a generational investment that will support long-term growth, enhance quality of life and position our city and region for smart, sustainable expansion. We also saw continued business growth, both from companies already rooted here and from new firms choosing our region for their future. A few standout examples include ARL’s 433-job, $46 million expansion and Google’s plans for a $3 billion data center in Stillwater. At the same time, our focus on workforce development remained front and center as we supported OKC FAME and other talent-pipeline initiatives to ensure our growing economy has the skilled workers it needs. Our advocacy efforts in 2025 strengthened Oklahoma City’s business climate. We appreciate Oklahoma Legislators for extending the Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit and the Investment/New Jobs Tax Credit which enables a more competitive environment for innovation, expansion and continued growth in key sectors. Meanwhile, our visitor economy continues to be a powerful engine. According to the latest report from Visit OKC, the city welcomed 24.5 million visitors in FY25, generating $2.8 billion in direct spending. When combined with the broader ripple effect of that activity, the total economic impact reached $4.6 billion and supported 35,303 jobs across the region. As we look forward to 2026, I am energized by the opportunities ahead. We will continue telling the story of a city on the rise, one that is not only growing but transforming in ways that benefit all of us. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your support of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with promise, optimism and partnership. Here’s to 2026. Let’s make it another unforgettable year.
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
MAPS 4 reveals first look at new multipurpose stadium design VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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