It’s encouraging to see Oklahoma City take the next steps to strengthen our diversity, equity and inclusion. I commend the city of Oklahoma City on hiring its first chief diversity and inclusion officer, who will start Feb. 1. Shalynne Jackson, an experienced diversity and inclusion professional, will lead the execution of the city’s strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion. She will provide training, coaching, guidance and education and will implement best practices for

The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel will open next week, January 26, with 605 luxury guest rooms, 29 suites, 76,000 square feet of meeting space, seven dining destinations and a dramatic view of Scissortail Park and the downtown skyline. Though we are only a few weeks into the year, already one of the most notable economic development projects of 2021 is the opening of the $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center, debt-free, thanks to our passing MAPS 3 just over 10 years ago. T

Looking at the most significant economic development projects for our city in 2021, two that I’m most anticipating are historic preservation projects in northeast Oklahoma City. Last summer, two of Oklahoma City’s African American historic sites, the Lyons Mansion and Brockway Center, received funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, provided through the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. The funding is being used for a local planning process th

In my column last week, I talked about bright spots for Oklahoma City in 2021. There are several other things that have me optimistic about this year, despite the unpredictability of the national economy in the first few months and how recovery might play out in the second half of the year. One area of optimism is the industrial sector. Oklahoma City is well-positioned to continue to benefit from the 7% year-over-year growth rate of industrial rent. Industrial sites need to b

The start of 2021 will bring some exciting economic development projects to completion. One of the most notable is the January opening of the $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center, debt-free, thanks to our passing MAPS 3 just over 10 years ago. The convention center enhances Oklahoma City’s ability to bring in larger, more lucrative conventions and trade shows, many already booked for 2021. The Omni Hotel will also open in January with 605 luxury guest rooms, 29 suites