Edmond Life and Leisure - October 10, 2024

Letter to the Editor

A strong investment in Edmond’s future

EDITOR:

Edmond is a city on the go, and on Nov. 5, our future is on the ballot. As we continue to grow, the need to invest in our community becomes increasingly important. At the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, we strive to enhance our city’s economic opportunities and quality of life for all. Investing in city infrastructure, youth sports facilities and public safety not only benefits our neighbors, families, children and seniors, it also fosters a healthy business climate that embraces the quality-of-life improvements in the community.

Consider youth sports, as an example. When we commit to improving our parks and sports facilities, we’re creating better places for our kids to play closer to home.

We have more opportunities to attract tournaments and events, bringing families from all over the region to support our local businesses and help boost the Edmond economy. In just one youth softball and baseball tournament at Mitch Park last year, Edmond brought in $5.1 million in total economic impact. The tournament drew 1,800 youth athletes and their families to our community to shop at our small businesses and eat at our local restaurants. However, the ability to attract these types of events diminishes as our facility conditions worsen.

That’s why the Edmond Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support Edmond on the GO, the general obligation bond program proposed by the City of Edmond.

The capital improvement initiative will fund essential infrastructure upgrades, including significant changes made to parks and recreational facilities. Thirty percent of the funds are dedicated to these areas, giving us a chance to create spaces that elevate athletic programs and improve overall community health and engagement.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce takes pride in our city as a great place to grow. Edmond attracts quality businesses and growing families alike, but the more our economy thrives, the more improvements are needed that address traffic flow and public safety.

That’s why passing this bond is so important. Investing in quality infrastructure, from safe streets to modern parks, increases property values and ensures our facilities meet the standard we expect.

We have a historic opportunity to address urgent infrastructure needs and secure Edmond’s status as a top city for families and businesses. Together, as a community, we can make this possible.

By supporting Edmond on the GO, we will improve our facilities and invest in ourselves, our children and our business community economy. Be a part of this transformational decision and make your vote count on Nov. 5, 2024.

SHERRY JORDAN EDMOND

(Sherry Jordan the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO)