Bond

Oklahoma City Voters Approve $978 Million Bond Package, ⁢Accelerating​ Infrastructure and Community Projects

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City residents‌ overwhelmingly approved a $978 million⁣ bond‍ package on Tuesday, paving the way for accelerated improvements to streets, bridges, parks, public safety facilities, and other vital city⁢ infrastructure.⁤ The decisive victory​ – with all 11 propositions passing by wide margins – signals strong public support for continued ⁤investment in the ‍city’s future.

The bond package​ represents the latest chapter in Oklahoma City’s decades-long commitment to​ self-investment,⁤ building upon ⁢the success of ‌the original MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects)‌ plan in 1993 and subsequent MAPS​ votes, as well as previous ‌bond issues. Collectively,⁣ the city has now ‌committed nearly ⁤$10 billion to public improvements.

“I ​think that makes us​ more competitive when‌ we’re‍ looking to retain ‌jobs, and ‌it’s also to‍ create jobs and to bring new industries to Oklahoma ‌City or expand on‌ the ⁣existing ones,” saeid City Manager Craig Bryant. “This is what a city​ has to do.”

Mayor David Holt echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m not sure anyone predicted that [level of support].But it’s a strong statement from our residents⁤ that they want ⁢to continue investing in ourselves.” Holt added, “All we do ⁤is win,” referencing the positive ‍returns the⁢ city has seen from ‌previous‌ investments.

The ⁤bond propositions garnered notable support across the board, with results including:

* ⁤ ⁣ Proposition ⁢1: Streets – 85% to 15%
* Proposition 2: Bridges – 85% to 15%
* proposition 4: City Maintenance,⁢ Data and Municipal Services Support – 78% to 22%
* ⁤ Proposition 5: Economic and Community Progress – 76% to 24%
* ⁢ Proposition 6: Parks ⁣and Recreational ⁣Facilities -​ 79% to 21%
* Proposition‌ 7: Libraries and Learning⁢ Centers – 81% ‍to 19%
* ‍ proposition​ 8: Drainage⁢ Control System – ⁢84% to 16%
* ⁢ ⁤ Proposition⁣ 9: Transit and Parking System – 76% to 24%
* Proposition​ 10: Police, Municipal Courts and Family ​Justice Facilities – 76% to 23%
* ⁤ Proposition 11: Fire Facilities ‍-‍ 85% to 15%

City officials⁣ anticipate that the overwhelming approval will allow projects to begin sooner than initially projected,‌ further bolstering ‍Oklahoma ‌City’s growth​ and quality of life. Bryant​ emphasized the collaborative spirit driving the​ city’s success, noting, “I think we’re all pulling⁣ the ropes in the same direction, working together.Being a stable force‍ both from‍ a political and from⁢ a management standpoint⁣ has really⁤ helped.”