Economic Development Strategy Coninued
state and municipal involvement to tackle demographic challenges and ensure a skilled workforce. Reflecting on Oklahoma City’s historical leadership in initiatives like MAPS, Gillenwater and Funk expressed optimism about replicating such success in education. The spotlight turned to the critical task of defining Oklahoma City’s brand story. Gillenwater set the stage by referencing recent perception research, revealing that many business leaders and site selectors lacked a clear understanding of the city’s strategic investments and vibrant community initiatives. This highlighted the urgent need for a unified and compelling narrative to showcase Oklahoma City’s strengths on a broader stage. Mark Beffort stressed the necessity of establishing a distinct identity for the city: “We’re at a pivotal moment where defining our brand is crucial. Cities like Denver and Austin have successfully crafted unique identities that drive economic growth and cultural vibrancy. We need a brand that resonates beyond our borders, showcasing our strengths and ambitions.” Bob Funk Jr. noted the challenge of overcoming the city’s inherent humility: “Oklahoma City is filled with hardworking, good-hearted people, but we haven’t been as assertive in telling our story. We need to celebrate our successes and articulate why this city is a great place to live, work and invest.” Mike Jackson stated the need for strategic investment in marketing and tourism: “Our neighboring states excel in promoting their attractions. It’s time we adopt a more aggressive approach to market Oklahoma City’s unique appeal. Increased funding in tourism and broader marketing efforts will amplify our visibility and attractiveness to visitors and potential residents.” Jeff Seymour emphasized leveraging upcoming opportunities like the LA 2028 Olympics to elevate Oklahoma City’s global profile: “As we prepare for events like the LA 2028 Olympics, we have a significant opportunity to showcase our city on an international stage. However, we must ensure our narrative remains authentic and preserves Oklahoma City’s distinctive character amidst growth.” Transitioning to a broader perspective on civic participation, Mike Jackson delved into Oklahoma City’s strategic direction, pointing out the importance of regional
collaboration to amplify the city’s economic influence. With Oklahoma City now driving 41% of the state’s GDP and areas like Canadian County ranking among the fastest growing in the nation, Jackson painted a picture of a city poised for significant growth and influence. Jeff Seymour expanded on the discussion, reflecting on the evolving landscape of leadership within the city. He stressed the need to mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders, ensuring they reflect the city’s diversity and values. Seymour spoke passionately about inclusivity in civic discourse, highlighting the importance of engaging a wide array of voices in shaping Oklahoma City’s path forward. As Oklahoma City embarks on this new journey, the strategic economic development plan aims to ensure the city remains a vibrant, competitive and inclusive place to live, work and invest. Jeff Seymour expressed Oklahoma City’s unique identity amidst rapid growth, stating, “I do not want us to be Dallas. I do not want us to be Austin. I do not want to look 30 years from now and go, ‘Man, we’re a concrete jungle.’” His sentiment reflects a collective desire to preserve the city’s distinct charm and community spirit, ensuring it remains a place with a special, authentic appeal. The panelists conveyed excitement about the strategic plan examining the substantial investments, exceeding $5 billion, poised to transform the city over the next few years. Mark Beffort noted, “I’m most excited to watch that come forth and how we really engage that.” This optimism is tempered by the need for unity in purpose, as Bob Funk Jr. emphasized, “That unity of purpose, probably even more than anything else, is what I see to carry us through the long term.”
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