Tulsa, Oklahoma

Economic Development Strategy

In 2005, the Tulsa Metro Chamber launched a privately-funded, multi-year program with a goal of creating thousands of new high-wage jobs in the region. That program, Tulsa’s Future, has generated some great successes throughout its implementation. In total, the program has assisted in creating over 9,000 direct jobs in the Tulsa metropolitan area.
In these fragile economic times, the Tulsa Metro Chamber realized that the region could not afford to lose the positive momentum created by Tulsa’s Future. Accordingly, the Chamber contracted with Market Street Services to build upon that momentum and propel the region forward to the next level of competitiveness for its businesses and prosperity for its residents.

 

The six-month strategic process in Metro Tulsa focused on research both for the city of Tulsa and Tulsa county, but the additional counties that form the region. Project deliverables focused on an analysis of economic and demographic trends, competitive factors and opportunities, marketing, and staff and program dynamics. Dozens of interviews and focus groups and an online survey complemented the quantitative research, and – combined with key findings from the project reports – led to the development of strategies to take the region to the next level of success. Four strategic areas were included in the final plan: Economic Development; Workforce Excellence; Quality of Place; and Perceptions of Tulsa.

 

The Metro Tulsa’s Future II plan is an ambitious blueprint for the metro area’s future growth. It focuses on a comprehensive and holistic set of actions to boost the region’s workforce, economy and quality of life. The Chamber officially launched Metro Tulsa’s Future II in 2009. In 2010, the Chamber announced its creation of a downtown development program that will focus on marketing and development. The program will include at least three full-time staff including the Executive Director of Downtown Development.