the five-year report

The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City recently hit its five-year milestone. The nonprofit was formed in 2011 to better coordinate land, incentives and economic tools that make Oklahoma City even more attractive to companies and developers.

In traditional anniversary gift protocol, the five-year gift is wood. While that doesn’t seem romantic in terms of lasting love, it does seem appropriate for The Alliance’s work – enabling companies and developers to build and invest in our city.

Before The Alliance was formed, Oklahoma City was already on the transformative path with development projects like Devon Energy’s headquarters downtown. We have all enjoyed the positive ripple effects of that investment, which included the renovation of the Myriad Gardens and the surrounding area. What the public did not experience was the magnitude of coordinating four agencies’ resources and paperwork to make possible incentives and support from the city.

Today that process is streamlined with The Alliance’s leadership, making it more effective in time, decision-making and selection for the best types and levels of support necessary. In addition to managing several economic entities, such as the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority and Oklahoma City Redevelopment Authority, The Alliance works in collaboration with public and private entities to begin or invigorate development projects. The 10 tax increment financing districts in Oklahoma City, covering more than 4,000 acres, are excellent examples of public-private investment with transformative impact.

Read more at The Journal Record