2025 by the Numbers: Measurable Momentum for Oklahoma City

In 2025, Oklahoma City translated long-term strategy into measurable results, delivering economic, legislative and infrastructure outcomes that position the region for sustained growth.

Tourism and Visitor Economy

• 24.5 million visitors traveled to Oklahoma City in the past year
• $2.8 billion in direct visitor spending
• $4.6 billion total economic impact
• 35,000+ jobs supported across hospitality, retail and related sectors

These gains reinforce tourism as a key economic driver and validate continued investment in events, attractions and downtown mobility.

State and Local Policy Wins
The 2025 legislative session produced one of the strongest pro-business outcomes in more than a decade:

• Passage of the BioSecure Act and creation of a new R&D tax rebate to accelerate innovation
• Commerce reforms providing long-term stability for statewide economic development
• Extension and modernization of critical incentive tools, including:
  • Quality Events Act
  • Tourism Development Act
  • Film and music rebate
  • Aerospace engineering tax credit
  • Quality Jobs Incentive Leverage Act

These measures strengthen Oklahoma City’s ability to compete for investment, talent and major events.

Infrastructure and Capital Investment
Significant funding commitments advanced core infrastructure priorities:

• $610 million allocated to the ROADS Fund
• $15 million in ARPA funds deployed by the Airport Trust for improvements
• Continued operation secured for the Heartland Flyer
• Voter approval of the $2.7 billion GO Bond, the largest infrastructure investment package in city history

Together, these investments support long-term mobility, economic development and quality of life.

Education and Workforce Readiness
Policy actions in 2025 focused on improving outcomes and accountability:

• Strengthened oversight at the State Board of Education
• Addition of an instructional day to the school calendar
• Limits placed on virtual instruction to protect in-person learning

These steps align workforce development with employer needs and future growth.

Citywide Competitiveness

• Successful passage of major citywide votes, including the GO Bond and arena funding
• Oklahoma City named a host community for the 2028 Olympic Games, elevating the city’s national profile
• Active implementation of the EY strategic plan, shifting focus from planning to execution in targeted growth industries

Looking Ahead
The results of 2025 reflect coordinated leadership across business, government and community partners. With record membership engagement, modernized incentive tools and historic infrastructure investment underway, Oklahoma City enters its next phase with clear metrics, defined priorities and momentum to build on measurable success.