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.”