OKC MAPS PROJECTS – 25 YEARS
MAPS Projects - Structure and Status The MAPS initiatives remain highly innovative in terms of both structure and process. Some of the key characteristics of the MAPS projects include: 1. Public inception: Projects are initiated through a public input process 2. Public vetting process: City Council reviews and makes project recommendations 3. Voter approval: Projects are approved through a majority vote of the people 4. Direct funding: Funded through a temporary dedicated local sales tax 5. Pay-as-you-go: Projects begin only after funds are collected 6. City managed: Direct project operations are managed by City staff 7. Debt-free: Projects carry no debt upon completion 8. Public oversight: Continual public oversight by volunteer committees of private citizens These elements continue to serve the MAPS process well. The three rounds of MAPS projects approved by voters to date represent widespread improvements in city infrastructure. An overview of the composition, cost and status of the three major MAPS initiatives is provided below. A more detailed description of each MAPS initiative is provided in Appendix 1. MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) Downtown revitalization and civic arts/entertainment venues • The original MAPS projects were approved on Dec. 14, 1993, by 54 percent of voters. • The initial $350 million sales tax-funded program focused primarily on revitalization of the core downtown area. • Projects included construction of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, construction of the Bricktown Canal, renovation and expansion of the Cox Convention Center, construction of Chesapeake Arena, renovation of the Civic Center Music Hall, creation of the Oklahoma River system, construction of the Ron J. Norick Downtown Library, improvements at State Fair Park and a rubber-tire trolley system for transportation to/from downtown and the surrounding area. • The final MAPS project was completed in 2004. • All the original MAPS projects except the trolley system remain in place. • MAPS projects are now recognized as key downtown landmarks and important civic, arts and entertainment destinations. MAPS for Kids Revitalization of public school infrastructure • Voters approved funding for MAPS for Kids on Nov. 13, 2001, with a 61 percent majority. • The $694 million initiative was intended to provide a comprehensive overhaul and restructuring of the aging public education infrastructure in Oklahoma City. • Funding included $514 million in city sales tax and a $180 million bond issue. • $154 million of the funding was split among 23 suburban school districts serving children living within the Oklahoma City limits but attending school outside the Oklahoma City Public School District.
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