LEADERSHIP NOTES
Leading Forward in 2026 As we begin 2026, Oklahoma City stands at an important inflection point. Our city is experiencing sustained momentum driven by years of thoughtful investment, collaboration and leadership. Oklahoma City is attracting employers, welcoming new talent, enticing more visitors, and earning national attention for its quality of life, competitiveness and growth. This visibility brings opportunity and with it, a responsibility to lead with intention. The work ahead is clear. As a community and as a Chamber, our focus in 2026 will center on four issues that are essential to Oklahoma City’s long-term success: education, community safety and health, transportation and mobility, and effective county government and criminal justice. Strengthening education outcomes is critical to our workforce, our economy and our future competitiveness. A safe and healthy community is foundational to quality of life, our visitation economy and business confidence. Continued investment in transportation and infrastructure ensures our city keeps residents and increased visitors moving as we grow. And modern, efficient county government is necessary to serve a metro of our size and complexity. These challenges are not simple, but they are solvable through partnership, data-driven decision-making and sustained commitment. At the same time, the Chamber’s broader mission continues. In 2026, we will keep recruiting and retaining companies, attracting visitors and large-scale events, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, advocating for policies that strengthen our region, and marketing Oklahoma City to national and global audiences. An important part of that work this year will be a comprehensive community branding effort. This initiative is not about a logo or a slogan. It is about clearly defining who we are, what makes Oklahoma City distinctive and how we tell our story in a unified way that aligns our businesses, institutions and neighborhoods. A strong, authentic brand helps us compete for visitors, talent, investment and opportunity and it must be shaped by the community itself. Oklahoma City has never settled for standing still. As we look ahead, our focus is not just on growth, but on building a city that is inclusive, competitive and prepared for what comes next. I look forward to working with you to create that future. Let’s get to work!
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
READ CHRISTY’S VELOCITYOKC ONLINE STORY OF THE MONTH
Why 2025 Was Oklahoma City’s Best Year Yet VELOCITYOKC.COM/ CHRISTYSPICK
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