MAPS 4 will have positive social, economic impact

The package of MAPS 4 projects approved by the Oklahoma City Council last week will go to a vote of the people on Dec. 10.

This election is an important next step in the city’s continued development. The package of 16 projects is a synergistic solution to a wide range of some of the toughest social issues. But the projects will also have a significant economic development impact.

The estimated $978 million package will bring jobs. This steady stream of construction projects over the life of the MAPS 4 program will keep our architects, engineers, contractors and trades busy regardless of the ebbs and flows of the economy.

The transformation of the Innovation District will support the growth of jobs, not just in the district, but across the city. Creating a strong innovation infrastructure and entrepreneurial ecosystem will help Oklahoma City further diversify its economy, protect its residents from economic stress and secure additional tax base that is critical to providing citizen services.

The first phase of development of the district is expected to create an additional annual impact of $1.2 billion, with more than 3,000 permanent jobs and another 3,500 induced or secondary jobs. Many of the jobs created in the district will not require a four-year degree, yet they offer competitive wages, likely to exceed the average wage for Oklahoma County. The Innovation District MAPS 4 projects are an ideal application of the MAPS model. They are transformative public investments that will spur private investment, create jobs and improve lives.

Read the full article at The Journal Record