February 2010
www.okcchamber.com
GREATER OKC ECONOMY LOOKS TO 2010 In spite of a difficult national economy, Oklahoma City’s economic climate remained relatively strong in 2009. In order to prepare and plan for economic development activities, the Chamber called upon the Center for Applied Economic Research at Oklahoma State University for the 2010 Greater Oklahoma City Economic Forecast. This forecast outlines the changes in employment, income growth, retail sales and other factors in order to estimate how the economy may change throughout 2010. A LOOK BACK AT 2009 Oklahoma City was able to withstand the biggest blows to the economy, but poor economic conditions did affect Oklahoma City toward the end of 2009. During 2009, most cities halted their progress, but through a community effort, Greater Oklahoma City continued to take steps forward. As noted in the report by Russell Evans, Director of the Center for Applied Economic Research from Oklahoma State University, the most notable projects from 2009 included:
• The passage of MAPS 3
• The start of construction on the Devon Tower • The unveiling of Project 180’s three-year, $140 million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas • The realignment of I-40, which will open redevelopment opportunities for the Core to Shore project • The continued progress of MAPS for KIDS which will result in the new construction or renovations of every school in the Oklahoma City school district – 72 schools •The addition of 1,000 jobs at the Tinker Aerospace Complex Continued on page 5
committee increases chamber’s political participation
In today’s economic conditions, it is more vital than ever that the Oklahoma City business community collaborate to elect state lawmakers and other officeholders who will advance issues and legislation that are of critical importance to the continued development of Greater Oklahoma City.
These issues include: • workers’ compensation reform • funding for transportation and infrastructure • continued development of the area’s bioscience and research base • additional lawsuit reform • increased economic development • continued improvement of our public education system Continued on page 11