Greater OKC Region Aerospace Industry – 2025
VI. Aerospace Economic Development Policy Oklahoma Aerospace Economic Development Efforts Along with the state of Oklahoma, local governments and economic development entities in the Greater Oklahoma City area are committed to providing a highly supportive landscape for the aerospace sector. Aerospace has been identified in policy studies as a targeted growth sector for the state and the Greater Oklahoma City region. The sector is viewed as highly compatible with current industry and labor force assets as well as the overall growth strategy of the region. In 2018, the state legislature enacted the Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) program to establish a common statewide goal for the growth of the state’s aerospace industry. 16 ACES is now operated by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce with the purpose of creating a partnership of service providers to respond more effectively to the needs of the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries in the areas of education, training, research, and economic development. 17 The state’s strategy is focused on four strategic pillars: 18 1. Provide the infrastructure to recruit, educate, and train the workforce needed to sustain and grow the aerospace industry within the state. 2. Create an environment to attract startups of advanced technologies that are interwoven and connected to one another. 3. Develop a university-led innovation cluster to support the aerospace and defense industry of the future. 4. Position Oklahoma to be the center of excellence for the aviation engine sustainment enterprise. Local and regional entities are also engaged in sustained efforts to support and grow the aerospace sector. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, in partnership with the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, member counties of the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership, and The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, actively recruits and supports the growth of existing aerospace firms. The organizations also partner to support the development and promotion of properties that provide runway access and resources for aerospace companies, as well as legislative issues that could positively impact the industry. Additionally, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber maintains a team of business recruiters that focus on aerospace, as well as a specific on-staff liaison to federal, military, and private sector aerospace organizations in the industry. Aerospace Incentives The state of Oklahoma offers a range of financial incentives for aerospace firms choosing to relocate to or expand in Oklahoma. 19 These include general programs available to employers in all industry sectors as well as targeted incentives designed specifically for the aerospace sector.
16 See: https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aerospace-industry/aces-program.html 17 The 2024 ACES annual report is available online at: https://www.okcommerce.gov/doing-business/data-reports/reports/aerospace-defense-report/ 18 The state’s current strategic plan for the aerospace industry is available online at: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oac/documents/industry-aces-program/Oklahoma- Aerospace-and-Defense-2021-Strategic-Plan.pdf 19 See: https://www.okcommerce.gov/doing-business/business-relocation-expansion/incentives/
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