Business Strategy: Reflections on a dynamic year of growth

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The end of the year is like a built-in moment for reflection. The Alliance for Economic Development of OKC is looking back at 2025’s successes and contemplating how we can replicate those wins in the new year. With tangible wins like the Larry O’Brien trophy and several ribbon cuttings, as well as the promise of many new exciting developments, Oklahoma City is on the rise.

OKC saw a number of new developments open this year, starting in January with the Innovation District’s Convergence Innovation Hall. This mixed-use development is stimulating growth across STEM-centered sectors and its design is intended to foster collaboration, uniting private and public sectors. It kicked off the year with a bold enhancement of OKC’s competitiveness in attracting talent to the city’s workforce and attracting larger organizations.

In the spring, OKC saw the completion of Page Woodson’s residential units, a much-needed housing development that revitalized the historic Page Woodson School in Northeast Oklahoma City. Like the rest of the country, a shortage of housing persists; however, developments like Page Woodson are helping to close the housing gap. Phase IV, the final housing phase, added 214 market-rate residential units, bringing the site total to nearly 500, and Phase V will add commercial space as well as an African American Commemorative Plaza, celebrating the community and linking the site to the nearby historic Booker T. Washington School.

This year also saw a number of decisions that will directly affect OKC’s future advancements. This summer, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee officially announced Oklahoma City as a venue for both Softball and Canoe Slalom. LA28 will bring international recognition, tourists, and revenue to the city and add Oklahoma City to the Olympic history books.

This fall, thanks to a strategic partnership with American Airlines, Will Rogers International Airport took its first official international flight to Cancun, Mexico. International flights will bring more tourists and commerce, especially with retail, entertainment, and dining revenue, to the city. Additionally, it is signaling a major step for OKC toward international recognition and connectivity, boosting our business competitiveness as a region.

In October, OKC residents voted to approve the 2025 General Obligation (GO) Bond. The $2.7 billion bond includes funding for 547 projects and will make significant improvements to public infrastructure across the city.

Our successes in 2025 emphasize the citywide dedication to improvement and growth, and we expect to see that dedication continue into the new year.

Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.