Expect economic development successes in 2023

At the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, we start each year with anticipation and a plan for some of the larger economic development goals and projects that will affect our city for years to come.

In early 2023, we will launch several new OKC Rescue Programs to provide more support for small businesses, minority businesses and entrepreneurs to access capital, contracts and services to help them grow. We’ll also launch a workforce program to provide individuals with training, courses and help attaining certifications that will lead to career advancements or better paying jobs.

The results of several community engagement efforts will soon be released, detailing what nearby residents would like to see developed on Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority property. The vacant Creston Hills school building at NE 18th and Miramar was acquired from the city of Oklahoma City for redevelopment and a request for development proposals will soon be opened utilizing the feedback from the community engagement process. We’ll soon have a similar report following the public input and community engagement process with both the Luster-Lyons Mansion and the Brockway Center to preserve these two historically significant African American landmarks. From there, the National Trust will issue an RFP for phase II of the Brockway/Lyons study to focus on financial feasibility.

The Muse apartments and garage at NW Fourth and Shartel will begin leasing soon. This project brings more multifamily living opportunities, and with the help of TIF and other incentives, provides 72 units of affordable housing in the downtown area.

We look forward to final plans from the developers of properties owned by OCURA at Harrison and Fifth, a key gateway location between Deep Deuce, downtown and the Innovation District. The parcels will be developed into office and commercial uses.

The Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust Development just accepted development plans for project OKC 577 at I-240 and Eastern. We look forward to seeing this project kickoff in 2023.

We’re also looking forward to the next steps with the Hamlin Hotel, Convergence Center, OKANA, the Nova, Strawberry Fields, Truck Yard, Gold Dome, Lariat Landing and many other private developments that have been supported with public incentives or land. 2023 promises to be a year full of exciting developments for our city.