'Best-run city' accolade another example of OKC's positive momentum

Recently, WalletHub released their annual list of “Best- & Worst-Run Cities in America.” Looking at what they term “operating efficiency” as a way of quantifying the “effectiveness of local leadership,” the study examined 38 different metrics grouped into six different overall service categories, then compared those scores to the city’s operating budget. The City of Oklahoma City ranked in the top 10 of the best-run cities – number eight, in fact – in this comprehensive study of the 150 most populated cities in America (in case you were curious, Washington, D.C. ranked last). Among our metrics, Oklahoma City scored particularly well in the Education and Economy categories.

Appearing on these types of lists is no accident. The City of Oklahoma City has proven to be responsive to residents, and not combative toward the business community. In fact, we are partners on many levels, and that shows in this latest example of our collective success. We are fortunate to have strong leadership in our mayor and city council and outstanding professional staff led by City Manager Craig Freeman.

Oklahoma City is no stranger to third-party accolades, and while one can debate the logic behind the methodology employed by some of the outlets that create these lists, the fact remains that this is the latest example of how Oklahoma City’s reputation as a city enjoying a renaissance and a great deal of positive momentum is neither a fluke nor a secret. It has taken cooperation between the city, its citizens and our business community to make it all happen, and is something we need to strive to continue in the future to ensure we can be the best we can and offer the kind of quality of life to all our citizens that results in better well-being and an even greater future for us all.

We are glad to be partners in making Oklahoma City a success. It is only by working together that we can all be our best.

This story originally appeared in the July 2022 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.