The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

(https://i.imgur.com/WaFIeIg.jpg)
Oklahoma City is one of 14 cities nationwide that experienced a growth of 100,000+ in the last decade.

Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, attributes much of the growth to Oklahoma City's investment in itself, diversification of jobs and becoming more attractive for young folks.

The cities with the largest population increases — listed in alphabetical order by state, not by the size of the increase — were:

        Phoenix

        Los Angeles

        Denver

        Jacksonville, Fla.

        New York

        Charlotte, N.C.

        Columbus, Ohio

        Oklahoma City

        Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, Texas

        Seattle

OKC's population increased from 579,999 in 2010 to 681,054 in the newest census data – that's an increase of 101,055!

                        (https://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17043&d=1628811932)

Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area 1,425,695 (+172,708 / 13.8%)

Oklahoma - total population (2020): 3,959,353.  Oklahoma saw a population increase of 208,000, bringing the state's total population to just under 4 million and making it the 28th most populous state.

United States Census:  https://www.census.gov/en.html (https://www.census.gov/en.html)

Oklahoma City (+17.42%) moved up 9 places from 2010 to be the 22nd largest city in the US, and was the 8th fastest growing city of the 50 largest cities. Faster growing cities were Fort Worth (+24.0%), Austin (+21.7%), Seattle (+21.1%), Charlotte (+19.6%), Denver (+19.2%), Omaha (+18.9%), and Atlanta (+18.7%).


    689,447    601,222 - 21    Nashville, Tennessee            

    681,054    579,999 - 22    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma    
    678,815    649,121 - 23    El Paso, Texas                    
    675,647    617,594 - 24    Boston, Massachusetts            
    652,503    583,776 - 25    Portland, Oregon                    
    641,903    583,756 - 26    Las Vegas, Nevada                
    639,111    713,777 - 27    Detroit, Michigan                        
    633,104    646,889 - 28    Memphis, Tennessee            
    633,045    597,337 - 29    Louisville, Kentucky            
    585,708    620,961 - 30    Baltimore, Maryland            
    577,222    594,833 - 31    Milwaukee, Wisconsin    


Oklahoma City jumped ahead of El Paso, Boston, Portland, Las Vegas, Detroit, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore & Milwaukee:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population)

                                   METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA


Look at the pattern (cities with 50,000 +) as to why some of these metropolitan areas will continue with growth:

41.  Milwaukee [1,574,731 +1.21%]
    Milwaukee (577,222)
    Racine (196,219)
    Waukesha (72,299)
    West Allis (60,850)

42.  Oklahoma City [1,425,695 +13.78%]
    Oklahoma City (681,054)
    Norman (128,026)
    Edmond (96,376)
    Moore (63,261)
    Midwest City (57,849)

43.  Raleigh [1,413,982 +25.08%]
    Raleigh (467,665)
    Cary (174,762)
    Apex (70,561)  
   
47.  Salt Lake City [1,222,540  +15.63%]
    Salt Lake City (199,723)
    West Valley City (133,780 )
    West Jordan (118,220)
    Provo (116,594)
    Sandy (95,666)
    Taylorsville (59,405)

50.  Birmingham [1,115,289]
    Birmingham (200,733)
    Hoover (86,270)

2020 MSA  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_metropolitan_statistical_areas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_metropolitan_statistical_areas)

The 17.4% leap in Oklahoma City's population over the past decade proves the city is "doing things right," Mayor David Holt said Monday.

"Population growth is the ultimate measure of a city's actions. Beyond that benefit, the other benefit is that success tends to beget success," Holt said. "Once you're making this kind of progress, it snowballs."

The momentum will bring more entrepreneurs, more employers, more events and more retail to the city, he said.

Census 2020 numbers released last week show Oklahoma City is the sixth fastest-growing city among the top 25 largest cities by population. Its 101,055 new residents account for 49% of the entire state growth since 2010.

"The challenge is obviously infrastructure," Holt said. "With the investments in the 2017 bond, the funding for additional police officers, MAPS 4, and the creation of the RTA (Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma), hopefully we're staying ahead of it. But I think that's something our community will have to continue monitoring."

Oklahoma City now has 681,054 residents and is one of only 14 American cities that gained at least 100,000 people.

"One is not usually surprised by Census data, but today's news was a bombshell for those of us who follow this topic. The official 2020 count exceeded the most recent estimate by 18,740 people," Holt tweeted Thursday.

The next day he followed with this tweet: "Census analysis continues & I've got a doozy... Oklahoma City is now the 22nd-LARGEST CITY in the United States, having been 31st in the 2010 Census. Since 2010, OKC jumped Milwaukee, Baltimore, Louisville, Memphis, Detroit, Las Vegas, Portland, Boston & El Paso. Congrats!"

Not only is Oklahoma City a place where people want to live, it's becoming a destination for visitors.

A new SmartAsset study compared 32 of the largest U.S. cities with at least 100 hotels to identify the best cities to host a conference as industries are returning to in-person formats following 18 months of virtual gatherings. The study analyzed 10 metrics in four categories: hotels and dining, affordability, travel accessibility, and safety and COVID-19 impact.

Oklahoma City came in sixth best, due in large part to its average room rate (about $139 per night) and the lowest average cost of a three-course dinner for two ($45, which is tied with Tucson, Arizona).

The new $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center is another plus.

"I think just being a fast-growing city leaping into the top 25 demonstrates this is a place worth paying attention to and visiting," Holt said. "Thirty years ago, a group of people being told they were going to a convention in Oklahoma City likely would have groaned. Now, they're intrigued and want to see what all the fuss is about."

Convention Center General Manager Al Rojas said, "Oklahoma City is in that sweet spot. It's all put together for meeting planners."

Critical to attracting national conferences is getting the word out that Oklahoma City is not what it was 10 years ago, Rojas said.

Bookings for conferences continue to "ebb and flow, but we're starting to get a good pace," he said. Concerns about the COVID-19 spike caused Epic Charter Schools to postpone an event scheduled earlier this month, he said.

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association opened its three-day conference Monday. OIGA officials expect the event will draw nearly 3,000 vendors, visitors and guest speakers to downtown Oklahoma City.

The annual Oklahoma State School Boards Association conference will be Aug. 26-30. It usually draws about 2,000 attendees, Communications Director Christy Watson said. It's too early to tell if the growing number of COVID-19 cases will affect attendance, she said.

September bookings also are for Oklahoma organizations, but in October the National Association of Royalty Owners has scheduled a four-day convention and the facility will host USA Softball's annual council meeting for six days.

Rojas said the Convention Center could benefit from large organizations that normally draw 20,000 or 30,000 people but are opting to break that down into several regional meetings.

Staffing continues to be a struggle after hospitality workers were "displaced (due to the pandemic) in a very painful way," Rojas said. "It was already a very tough job. ... Getting people to come back is hard."--Published: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 By: Kathryn McNutt Source: The Journal Record

                              

About 497,000 people (73% of OKC's 681,000) live in the shaded area, according to the 2020 Census, which is about 137 square miles (23% of OKC's 606.5 sq miles). That's a density of just over 3,600/sq mile.
(https://i.imgur.com/yglP92R.jpg)
          Credit KayneMo, regular poster on OKCTalk.com

Quote from: Laramie on August 19, 2021, 09:32:32 PM
About 497,000 people (73% of OKC's 681,000) live in the shaded area, according to the 2020 Census, which is about 137 square miles (23% of OKC's 606.5 sq miles). That's a density of just over 3,600/sq mile.

NYC: https://www.topviewnyc.com/packages/the-population-density-of-new-york-city#:~:text=The%20population%20density%20of%20NYC%20%2827%2C013%20people%20per,places%20internationally%2C%20such%20as%20Paris%20and%20Hong%20Kong.

Several places: https://opendatanetwork.com/entity/1600000US5157000-1600000US2404000-1600000US4260000-1600000US1714000/Norfolk_VA-Baltimore_MD-Philadelphia_PA-Chicago_IL/geographic.population.density?year=2018&ref=related-peer

Red Arrow:

Good density numbers on cities like New York and Chicago; personally, don't care for that much density where 10k or more per square mile occupy a city--thanks for sharing.

You will experience similar pockets of growth in urban Tulsa as the development trends continue to move in that direction.  New housing trends continue as you witness what's occurring in Tulsa--your growth is much more predictable.  Your city is attractive, CLEAN & beautiful...

What we see happening in OKC totally took our city leaders by surprise.  We have $70 million in MAPS 4 initiative for beautification (may scratch the surface); with pockets of ugly areas of our city that begs for attention.

Oklahoma City has areas where there are pockets of great density:

         9,175/sq mi (bounded by N May, NW 122nd, Indian Creek Blvd, & Tealwood Dr)
         9,005/sq mi (Memorial, N May, Tealwood, NW 122nd, Stratford Dr, & Highland Park Blvd)
         8,700/sq mi (SW 44th, S May, SW 59th, S Villa)

Oklahoma City limits encompasses 620.34 square miles. land & water (1,606.7 km).

Recall visiting an ole college friend in East St. Louis, IL., back in 1998.  Speaking of density, this area was about as crowded as any area I've visited in the United States.

Right now, our population growth is manageable; housing developments need to catch up with the current population.  Affordable housing is in great demand for OKC.  We have a long road ahead to get OKC looking as attractive & clean as Tulsa.

Census data release include:

Oklahoma saw a population increase of 208,000, bringing the state's total population to just under 4 million and making it the 28th most
    populous state.

The U.S. population grew 7.4% between the 2010 and 2020 census, compared to 5.5% in Oklahoma.

Of Oklahoma's five most populous counties, only Comanche County lost population in the past decade. Comanche County lost 2,973 residents,
   down about 2.4%.

   Oklahoma County gained 77,659 people, rising from 718,633 to 796,292, a 10.8% change.

   Tulsa County gained 65,876 people, from 603,403 then to 669,279, a 10.9% change.

   Cleveland County gained 39,773 people, from 255,755 in 2020 to 295,528 now, a 15.6% change.

   Canadian County gained 38,864 people, 115,541 to 154,405, a 33.6% change.

Source:  Jana Hayes - Oklahoman, Published 501 a.m. CT August 13, 2021

Notable takeaways from City, County, Metro & State Census data release include:

                                  (https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/okc-skyline-ricky-barnard.jpg)

Oklahoma saw a population increase of 208,000 5.5%, bringing the state's total population to just under 4 million and making it the 28th most populous state.

Oklahoma City statistical metropolitan area, which includes seven central Oklahoma counties, grew by 172,708, a 13.8% change. Much of that growth occurred in Canadian County, which saw a 33.6% population increase and was 27th in percentage growth out of more than 3,000 American counties.

Oklahoma City is one of only 14 American cities where the population grew by more than 100,000 between 2010 and 2020, as almost two-thirds of Oklahoma counties were losing residents.

Oklahoma County gained 77,659 people, rising from 718,633 to 796,292, a 10.8% change.

Oklahoma City added 101,055 people since the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

             208,000 - 5.5% - State of Oklahoma - 3,959,353
         172,708 - 13.8% - Oklahoma City MSA - 1,425,695
         101,055 - 17.0% - Oklahoma City - 681,054 OKC, one of 14 U.S. cities where the population grew by more than 100,000
         77,659 - 10.8%  - Oklahoma County - 796,292

Around 1,800 Afghan refugees could potentially arrive in Oklahoma: https://okcfox.com/news/local/around-1800-afghan-refugees-could-potentially-arrive-in-oklahoma (https://okcfox.com/news/local/around-1800-afghan-refugees-could-potentially-arrive-in-oklahoma)

Quote"About 1,800 give or take will be settled in the state of Oklahoma with a good possibility of about 1,000 coming to Oklahoma City and about 800 to the Tulsa area,"

Quote from: Laramie on September 16, 2021, 05:25:16 PM



Good hard working Afghans and families are welcome to our city and state.

Wanna take any bets on that?  We still suffer from Deranged Trump Syndrome about Muslims....

Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on September 17, 2021, 12:35:00 PM

Wanna take any bets on that?  We still suffer from Deranged Trump Syndrome about Muslims....

We're preaching to same choir.

That's why I want to go on record for welcoming Afghans to our state.  OKC & Tulsa will benefit in the long term once you turn the Afghans into
productive working citizens who contribute to the economy.

Quote from: Laramie on September 17, 2021, 01:18:43 PM
We're preaching to same choir.

That's why I want to go on record for welcoming Afghans to our state.  OKC & Tulsa will benefit in the long term once you turn the Afghans into
productive working citizens who contribute to the economy.

These Afghans will be the ones that don't like the Taliban any more than we do.

I hope more come so that we get a critical mass for a healthy local Afghan community.

Quote from: Red Arrow on September 17, 2021, 02:59:59 PM
These Afghans will be the ones that don't like the Taliban any more than we do.

That don't mean squat to Okies.

Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on September 19, 2021, 01:38:55 PM
That don't mean squat to Okies.

Unfortunately, you are probably correct.

Quote from: swake on September 17, 2021, 05:19:33 PM
I hope more come so that we get a critical mass for a healthy local Afghan community.

More diversity for Tulsa makes for a better community.  BTW, the new Arkansas River dam project; glad to see they have gotten started, Santa Fe Square Project (European-style plaza, apartments and a 12-story office tower) and completion of WPX.  

St. Francis Hospital's $250 million expansion; IMO, this is a huge project, a new six-story tower with 124 patient rooms.  Hope St. Francis will regain Trauma center status. This will place St. Francis among the largest hospital complexes in Oklahoma with over 1.016 beds.

Seeing some good infill projects; build Tulsa back better...

2030 look for a big boom in population as more quality jobs will be added to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area.

    Oklahoma City Council Approves $1.6 billion budget.

    The City Council of Oklahoma City voted 7-2 in-person to approve the proposed $1,648,600,000 budget for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (FY22) which begins July 1.

   Oklahoma City Free Press:  https://freepressokc.com/okc-city-council-approves-1-6-billion-budget-with-increases-for-police/ (https://freepressokc.com/okc-city-council-approves-1-6-billion-budget-with-increases-for-police/)



.

Quote from: Laramie on September 20, 2021, 04:24:43 PM
More diversity for Tulsa makes for a better community.  BTW, the new Arkansas River dam project; glad to see they have gotten started, Santa Fe Square Project (European-style plaza, apartments and a 12-story office tower) and completion of WPX.  

St. Francis Hospital's $250 million expansion; IMO, this is a huge project, a new six-story tower with 124 patient rooms.  Hope St. Francis will regain Trauma center status. This will place St. Francis among the largest hospital complexes in Oklahoma with over 1.016 beds.

Seeing some good infill projects; build Tulsa back better...

2030 look for a big boom in population as more quality jobs will be added to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area.

Wrong St Francis.

It's St Francis South that is getting the $200+ million expansion.  St Francis main already completed a massive expansion in the last few years. The St Francis South expansion is part of a new south Tulsa medical district centered around 91st and Mingo that includes St Francis South, Hillcrest South, the new Muskogee Nation hospital (the former Cancer Treatment Center) and the new Ernest Childers VA clinic.

The bigger deal for central Tulsa is the $200 million expansion of the OSU Medical Center downtown including a new VA hospital and new psychiatric hospital.

Quote from: swake on September 20, 2021, 10:21:23 PM
Wrong St Francis.

It's St Francis South that is getting the $200+ million expansion.  St Francis main already completed a massive expansion in the last few years. The St Francis South expansion is part of a new south Tulsa medical district centered around 91st and Mingo that includes St Francis South, Hillcrest South, the new Muskogee Nation hospital (the former Cancer Treatment Center) and the new Ernest Childers VA clinic.

The bigger deal for central Tulsa is the $200 million expansion of the OSU Medical Center downtown including a new VA hospital and new psychiatric hospital.

Swake thanks for the correction and update.  That's truly impressive especially with all the construction projects recently completed in the Tulsa area and the one's on-going.  Great progress for Oklahoma.  Our two MSA's are seeing impressive construction projects.  Surprised to hear about OSU Medical Center downtown and the new VA hospital.  More centers addressing behavior management is needed in Oklahoma.

My brother worked at both Hillcrest and St. Francis (main, back in the 70s) as he enriched his experience in the X-ray and Nuclear Medicine fields.

Thanks again, continue to keep me informed...

The affects of the various Covid infections are taking its toll on our economy.  Everyone is wanting to get back to as close to normal operations as possible.  

Let's face it, most of us will probably be wearing masks and taking extra precautions (sanitizers) for our remaining time on earth.

As we witness people attacking one another, there's an even greater concern with the outbreak and potential return of diseases thought to have been eradicated decades ago.  Recall taking various vaccines as a child.  There appear to be so much misinformation which leads to more confusion and mistrust directed toward those trying to get a handle on the pandemic.  Use your best judgement and avoid garbage sites that cater to repeated misinformation.

Please get vaccinated to fight off and minimize the damage resulting from covid infections.   Wish everyone the best.

.

Oklahoma City saw a 17.4% increase in its population from 579,999 residents to 681,054 residents over that time period, placing it as the 22nd largest city in the U.S. Five of the 14 cities that gained more than 100,000 residents:  Velocity - https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/policy/oklahoma-city-makes-sizable-gains-in-2020-census-will-benefit-from-growth/ (https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/policy/oklahoma-city-makes-sizable-gains-in-2020-census-will-benefit-from-growth/)

Oklahoma City Metro Area Population by Year
    Year  Population    Growth  Growth Rate
         2021   1,439,640   13,945     Estimate - Current raw number of 13,945 equates to 1,162 per month/97 per week.
         2020   1,425,695    Official Census * 17.4% 2010-2020 Growth Rate
         2019   1,408,950   15,350   1.09%
         2018   1,393,600   12,110   0.87%


Oklahoma City Population by Year
    Year  Population    Growth  
         2021       NA  [37,362 based on 2020-19  [718,416 unofficial estimate]
         2020   681,054  37,385   Official Census*  (Could this signal the beginning of a boom)
         2019   643,692     6.408
         2018   637,284      8,093            ]


Oklahoma State Population by Year
    Year Population Growth Growth Rate
         2021     3,983,961    24,608  1.61  Estimate
         2020     3,959,353  Official Census*


*Official Census 2020 figures

Oklahoma, By-The-Numbers:

     Oklahoma ranked among 'Best States for Older Adults'
           
           The top 10 states for older adults are as follows:

                 1.  Florida
                 2.  Oklahoma
                 3.  Mississippi
                 4.  Delaware
                 5.  Massachusetts
                 6.  Maryland
                 7.  North Dakota
                 8.  California
                 9.  North Carolina
                 X.  South Carolina

Source link:  KFOR NEWS 4 OKC - https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-ranked-among-best-states-for-older-adults/ (https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-ranked-among-best-states-for-older-adults/)


Oklahoma ranked No. 11 among best states for manufacturing

     (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/EconIndFeb2022.JPG)

     (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/HIS_PAINT_Production_Factory_manufacturing-850.jpg)

Source link OKC Velocity https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/ok-ranked-no.-11-among-best-states-for-manufacturing/?back=super_blog (https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/ok-ranked-no.-11-among-best-states-for-manufacturing/?back=super_blog)


     

                             Oklahoma City named among 'five cities emerging as
                             future hubs for life sciences development'

               (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/OMRF-Pezza-CC-7047-healthcare_biotech-850.jpg)

OKC Velocity  https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/okc-named-among-five-cities-emerging-as-future-hubs-for-life-sciences-development/?back=super_blog (https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/okc-named-among-five-cities-emerging-as-future-hubs-for-life-sciences-development/?back=super_blog)

                             

By Staff reports, Velocity blog:  January 14, 2022

         The Convention Center has hosted 128 events that have had over 111,000 people stream through its door
         since January 14, 2021.

         Official figures estimate the economic impact to be more than $15.3 million as it marks its first birthday.



         

                       (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/48/9b/32489b4cd5a9df93b53d593736acff90.jpg)

Oklahoma City's May sales and use tax summary
Post Date:05/24/2022 1:11 PM

Sales tax summary

General Fund sales tax collections for May were around $27.6 million. That's around $1.8 million (7%) above the projection and $1.9 million (7.7%) above the same month last year.

General Fund sales tax revenue is around 0.1% (about $327 thousand) below the fiscal year-to-date projection and 17.4% (about $40.9 million) above this point last year.

Use tax summary

General Fund use tax collections, which typically fluctuate more than sales tax collections, were around $8.2 million for May. That's around $1.1 million (15.2%) above the projection and $549 thousand (7.2%) above the same month last year.

Link:  https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4142/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/ (https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4142/18?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/)

          Oklahoma City has now entered the top 20 populated cities in the United States per Mayor Holt

               https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1530652400675168257 (https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1530652400675168257)

          (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FT34PASWAAE5g_-?format=jpg&name=small)

Quote
Mayor David Holt
@davidfholt


Ranking at #20 in the new Census estimate of American cities, Oklahoma City has 687,725 residents as of July 1, 2021.   This is a jump from our 22nd-ranking in the 2020 Census, thanks to leapfrogging Nashville and Washington, DC.

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population)


.

Yeah, but Nashville is still cooler - they have the Batman Building!!

Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on June 01, 2022, 07:51:02 PM
Yeah, but Nashville is still cooler - they have the Batman Building!!

      (https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.skyscrapercenter.com/thumbs/45052_500x650.jpg)
 
Agree, Agree, Agree.  Very beautiful building...  Awesome to see in person.  Nashville is one of my favorite cities. 

                       (https://media1.fdncms.com/okgazette/imager/u/original/4444388/oklahoma_city_municipal_building_2012.jpg)


         

                   Fiscal Year 2023: July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023

                                            $1,836.1 - 8.4% over 2022 -  (in millions)

                            https://www.okc.gov/departments/finance/financial-and-budget-reports/budge (https://www.okc.gov/departments/finance/financial-and-budget-reports/budge)

.

Oklahoma City surpassed a population of 700,000 and have had two years in a row of our population growing by 10k per year.

  Link:  https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/oklahoma-city-ok-population (https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/oklahoma-city-ok-population)

QuoteOklahoma City is a city located in Cleveland and Oklahoma Counties Oklahoma. It is also the county seat of Oklahoma County, with a 2020 population of 701,266, it is the largest city in Oklahoma and the 22nd largest city in the United States.

Oklahoma City is currently growing at a rate of 1.46% annually and its population has increased by 2.97% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 681,054 in 2020. Spanning over 621 miles, Oklahoma City has a population density of 1,156 people per square mile.

.

.


    (https://cdn.statcdn.com/Statistic/815000/815704-blank-355.png) (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/OKC_Skyline_Scissortail_credit_Steve_Johnson-850.jpg)

The Oklahoma City MSA was the 10th-fastest-growing large metro in the country and has grew twice as fast as the nation.

     2022 - Oklahoma City   population 701,266 - https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/cities/oklahoma (https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/cities/oklahoma)

     Oklahoma City exceeded its projection in 2020 census report.


Oklahoma had net in-migration of 28,481 in 2021 and 32,528 in 2022 for a total of 61,009 in 2021-22. That ranks #10 nationally.

     The Top 10 in 2021-22

          1. Florida: 735,279
          2. Texas: 585,868
          3. North Carolina: 240,610
          4. Arizona: 183,033
          5. South Carolina: 166,219
          6. Georgia: 154,308
          7. Tennessee: 143,305
          8. Idaho: 82,519
          9. Alabama: 62,715
        10. Oklahoma: 61,009

              Oklahoma City's MAPS Initiatives & Bonds investments:

              (https://www.velocityokc.com/clientuploads/directory/super_blog/downtown_OKC-lower_scissortail.jpg)

               1990 July - The 1/8 of a cent sales tax appropriation passed by Oklahoma City on July 17, 1990 has improved the Oklahoma City Zoo.
               1993 $350 million - Bricktown Ballpark. Bricktown Canal, Cox Convention Center, Civic Center Music Hall, Downtown Arena, State Fairgrounds Improvements'
                                            Downtown Library, Oklahoma River & Oklahoma Spirit Trolleys
               2001 MAPS for Kids - $514 million and $180 million Oklahoma City Public Schools bond issue
               2007 $835.5 million program approved in 2007
               2008  Bonds $87.7 million NBA downtown arena improvements
               2009  MAPS 3 Initiative $777 million - Projects: Convention Center | Downtown Public Park | Modern Streetcar and Transit | Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Improvements | Senior
                                    Health & Wellness Centers | Oklahoma River Improvements | Trails | Sidewalks
               2022  MAPS 4 Initiative $1.1 billion.
               2022  $260 New County Jail Bonds
               2023  $955 million - Bonds Oklahoma City Public Schools


.

.

              Oklahoma City and Tulsa continues to anchor State's Growth

                  (https://www.oklahoman.com/gcdn/presto/2021/08/12/NOKL/0655db96-1507-4405-936d-a1b7442f23f9-oklahoma_population-01.jpg?crop=1099,619,x0,y42&width=1099&height=619&format=pjpg&auto=webp)  

              2023 -update  Oklahoma State's population estimates eclipse 4,048,375
                                                                           (https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/02/25/31/94/360_F_225319487_ks50HGDBtJ0nc2A8Qxo10rvr7FpcQyP1.jpg)
                                                                                      Tulsa city (411,867) - Tulsa metro (1,034,123)
                                                               
                                                                            (https://media.istockphoto.com/id/543842822/photo/oklahoma-city-skyline-with-devon-tower-at-dusk.jpg?s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=dIZXURKbB3cByiIDRIpaqi4vTFEaxHCfruNY9YAwVtk=)
                                                     Oklahoma City city (694,800)  Oklahoma City metro (1,459,380)

 More than half of the State's 4,048,375 residents reside in the combined metros of Oklahoma City and Tulsa (2,493,503).


* * *  Breaking News * * *

         (https://www.enelnorthamerica.com/etc.clientlibs/enel-common/clientlibs/clientlib-bundle/resources/img/logo/logo.svg)

A $1 billion investment by Enel North America for the Tulsa metro area with Solar PV Cell & Panel Manufacturing Facility at Tulsa's Port of Inola Industrial Park.

It will boost population estimates for 2025-26, this is a huge get for Tulsa, one that will see the metro population expand when the plant is in full production.  

.

          Oklahoma City, new data shows tourism numbers continue to increase.

               Link to KOCO-TV 5 ABC - Oklahoma City https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-tourism-numbers-increase/44870159 (https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-tourism-numbers-increase/44870159)

.

.

                         (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/OKC_Downtown_Skyline.jpg)


     USA Today article list the fastest growing metro areas since 2019.  Oklahoma City ranks number 12

     Which metro areas are growing fastest? Since 2019, this is where most folks are flocking:

      1.  Austin, TX
      2.  Dallas, TX
      3.  Las Vegas, NV
      4.  Denver, Co
      5.  Orlando, FL
      6.  Phoenix, AZ
      7.  Houston, TX
      8.  Jacksonville, FL
      9.  Nashville, TN
    10.  Salt Lake City, UT
    11.  Seattle, WA
    12.  Oklahoma City, OK
    13.  Virginia Beach, VA
    14.  San Antonio, TX
    15.  Tampa, FL
    16.  Raleigh, NC
    17.  San Diego, CA
    18.  Portland, OR
    19.  Charlotte, NC
    20.  Kansas City, MO
    21.  Indianapolis, ID
    22.  Columbus, OH
    23.  Atlanta, GA
    24.  Miami, FL
    25.  Washington D. C.

    Link to top 50 metros:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/08/28/fastest-growing-metro-areas-since-2019/70659464007/ (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/08/28/fastest-growing-metro-areas-since-2019/70659464007/)

.

.


           These 10 U.S. Cities Have the Best Airbnbs for Families
                                (and 2 Are in Oklahoma)

              Link:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/these-10-u-s-cities-have-the-best-airbnbs-for-families-and-2-are-in-oklahoma/ss-AA18fvbQ#image=1 (https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/these-10-u-s-cities-have-the-best-airbnbs-for-families-and-2-are-in-oklahoma/ss-AA18fvbQ#image=1)

                   (https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA18fRjj.img?w=800&h=435&q=60&m=2&f=jpg)
                                                                              4. Tulsa, OK

                   (https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA18fRju.img?w=800&h=435&q=60&m=2&f=jpg)
                                                                              7. Oklahoma City, OK

.

.  


                  OKC voters approve hotel tax increase

                       The new rate will take effect October 1, 2024.

                        (https://hips.hearstapps.com/vidthumb/8e0044dd-4095-42d7-8790-99004f2c4da0/5254256d-1107-4f08-9ea5-5aef7c78913e.jpeg?crop=1xw%3A1.0xh%3Bcenter%2Ctop&resize=810%3A*&quality=70)
                                 The 605 room Omni Convention Center Luxury Hotel is the city's largest by room count.

                 Tourism in Oklahoma City will get a much-needed boost following voter approval on August 27, to increase the City's portion of
                 the hotel tax from 5.50% to 9.25%. The new rate will take effect October 1. The tax is charged to people who stay overnight
                 in a hotel or rent a home-sharing property in Oklahoma City.

                        (https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600/https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_131/https://www.route66news.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Skirvin-Hotel-min.jpg)
                          The 225 room Hilton-Skirvin is one of the oldest hotels in Oklahoma City


.

Quote from: Laramie on September 10, 2024, 06:32:11 PM
Tourism in Oklahoma City will get a much-needed boost following voter approval on August 27, to increase the City's portion of the hotel tax from 5.50% to 9.25%. The new rate will take effect October 1. The tax is charged to people who stay overnight in a hotel or rent a home-sharing property in Oklahoma City.

So, what entity had their share of the hotel tax reduced?

That's a pretty healthy jump. Comparing the new rate with a national list puts OKC in the top 5 highest rates in between Overland Park KS and Memphis TN.

About half way through the article is a list of 150 cities

https://www.hvs.com/article/9749/2023-hvs-lodging-tax-report-usa/#:~:text=To%20illustrate%2C%20Connecticut%20has%20the,does%20not%20restrict%20local%20taxes. (https://www.hvs.com/article/9749/2023-hvs-lodging-tax-report-usa/#:~:text=To%20illustrate%2C%20Connecticut%20has%20the,does%20not%20restrict%20local%20taxes.)

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-voters-approve-hotel-tax-increase/ (https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-voters-approve-hotel-tax-increase/)

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 11, 2024, 05:18:35 PM
That's a pretty healthy jump. Comparing the new rate with a national list puts OKC in the top 5 highest rates in between Overland Park KS and Memphis TN.

From your 2nd link...

QuoteThe city says the 9.25% hotel tax is in addition to the 4.5% state sales tax and the 4.125% City sales tax, for 17.875%.

Makes me want to avoid staying in OKC.

Quote from: Red Arrow on September 12, 2024, 10:32:22 AM
From your 2nd link...
Makes me want to avoid staying in OKC.

I had yo read the KFOR article a couple of times to make sure I read it right. I'm probably not one to stay in OKC since I don't have any immediate family there.

It's bot a bad way to raise funds for specific things like the fairgrounds, sports and tourism, they did that here to help pay for the Cardinals stadium in Glendale. IIRC they bumped the lodging and car rental tax 1% each.

I am curious about the $11.6 million annually figure, I don't know if that's an over or under figure I didn't realize there was that many big draws to the area.

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 12, 2024, 01:08:31 PM
I had yo read the KFOR article a couple of times to make sure I read it right. I'm probably not one to stay in OKC since I don't have any immediate family there.

It's bot a bad way to raise funds for specific things like the fairgrounds, sports and tourism, they did that here to help pay for the Cardinals stadium in Glendale. IIRC they bumped the lodging and car rental tax 1% each.

I am curious about the $11.6 million annually figure, I don't know if that's an over or under figure I didn't realize there was that many big draws to the area.

State of Oklahoma, the FAA,Tinker; lots of government.

Quote from: swake on September 12, 2024, 05:44:43 PM
State of Oklahoma, the FAA,Tinker; lots of government.

It's coming back to me. The Softball World Series, NBA games, horse and rodeo events, and weekend visitors for the entertainment district. Isn't OKC on the list for part of the NCAA Basketball Tournament? Things like that, that occur on an annual basis.was more of what I was thinking. Do they still do the teachers conference there around this time of year?

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 12, 2024, 01:08:31 PM
It's bot a bad way to raise funds for specific things like the fairgrounds, sports and tourism, ...

If there was something I really wanted to do or see, I guess I would pay "whatever" it cost to go.

But as a lark or curiosity, my frugal tendencies would say.... too much $$.

Fortunately for me, OKC is only a couple of hours from home so I won't have to stay there.

It's kind of like a gathering I went to at a Broken Arrow bar where an undisclosed (on the menu) drink tax was put on top the drink price and sales tax....  The waitress said she would pay the tax out of her tip.  I said no-way, you did your job, you get your tip but I am never coming back.  (And I haven't)

The figures used are probably very conservative figures.    One thing OKC has learned is to request more than you need with MAPS and bonds because the City will move any surplus funds to other projects which may need funds to do some extras.

The increase in the hotel tax would still be lower than what is charged in peer cities such as Kansas City, San Antonio and Memphis--Oklahoman.

Is Tulsa's rate still 5%?

Quote from: Laramie on September 14, 2024, 01:41:54 PM
The figures used are probably very conservative figures.    One thing OKC has learned is to request more than you need with MAPS and bonds because the City will move any surplus funds to other projects which may need funds to do some extras.

The increase in the hotel tax would still be lower than what is charged in peer cities such as Kansas City, San Antonio and Memphis--Oklahoman.

Is Tulsa's rate still 5%?

And that was why I was curious about events that happen every year that bring in visitors because it creates a fairly reliable source of revenue each year. I also get the increase was based on the number of rooms compared to the number of visitors.

When I went to Portland OR for and even at Portland International Raceway I would actually stay across the river in Vancouver because the tax rate for rooms was 4% less than a mile across the river on the Oregon side. Even though Vancouver had a sales tax, prices on some things were lower there than in Portland so it was a trade off, that and before I drove back to SW Oregon where I lived I could put gas in my own car.

Quote from: Laramie on September 14, 2024, 01:41:54 PM
The figures used are probably very conservative figures.    One thing OKC has learned is to request more than you need with MAPS and bonds because the City will move any surplus funds to other projects which may need funds to do some extras.

So, kind of like a slush fund?  Vote to approve $1.50 for something.  We know it will only cost $1.00 but will spend the other $.50 on whatever we want.

QuoteThe increase in the hotel tax would still be lower than what is charged in peer cities such as Kansas City, San Antonio and Memphis--Oklahoman.

Oh yeah, the old our "this" tax is lower that your "this" tax.  Don't mention that "we" have other taxes that more than make up for your total tax.  Per the 2022 tables provided by dbacksfan, the new total tax for OKC would actually be slightly higher than the 2022 total tax for Kansas City, San Antonio and Memphis.  I guess if a city is trying for the highest tourist tax, OKC is definitely in the running for the top spot. I can understand some place like Honolulu being high since everything is shipped in or comes by air.  But OKC?

Oklahoma has always played the our "this" tax is lower than surrounding area "this" tax but Oklahoma taxes everything.  (Except the state sales tax on groceries.  It's about time.)

QuoteIs Tulsa's rate still 5%?

Don't know the specific hotel tax but the 2022 total rate was 13.52% per dbacksfan's link.

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 14, 2024, 03:44:21 PM
When I went to Portland OR for and even at Portland International Raceway I would actually stay across the river in Vancouver because the tax rate for rooms was 4% less than a mile across the river on the Oregon side.

You mean that you didn't want to pay a 4% increase in rates to stay a mile closer?   ;D  Where is your community spirit and Oregon state loyalty?  Yeah, I know you moved to AZ.

QuoteEven though Vancouver had a sales tax, prices on some things were lower there than in Portland so it was a trade off, that and before I drove back to SW Oregon where I lived I could put gas in my own car.

I assume you didn't set fire to the gas station because you weren't a trained gas station attendant. ;D  Or, maybe you were trained but didn't have Oregan credentials.

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 14, 2024, 03:44:21 PM
I could put gas in my own car.

My brother worked at a local Texaco station in the mid 70s.  His uniform included a belt buckle that had no metal that could contact the car being serviced.... no paint scratches.  Gas station also did mechanical work and sold tires.  I don't remember if road maps were free or cost a nominal amount.

It was all before GPS, etc.

Red, thanks for a couple of good laughs.

Actually only caused one problem filling my own tank during the time I lived in the PNW. It was in Monterey CA and was trying to get the tank full and overflowed it, first time in probably 20 years or so. Never set fire to one.

Full service in Oregon was a joke. It was basically someone that came out, took your card, stuck it in the pump, handed it back, stuck the nozzle in, and took it out the minute it shut off regardless of how much fuel went in.

My parents actually found the mechanic that they used from 1968 until 1999 when he was working at the Sinclair station in the Boman Acres lot at 31st & Sheridan.

I never felt at home living in Oregon. I think it was partly because I lived in such a rural area, and anytime I went to Portland, I felt like I was on another planet. Just never had a home feeling living there even though I made a number of friends.

On the lodging tax issue, I can see the tax rate in Memphis from when I used to go there in the 90's to go to the blues clubs on Beale Street on the weekends. Never went to Graceland, but between the two they are big revenue generators, and once you get outside of that area there isn't much there.

I'm trying not to draw comparisons with other areas regarding the tax revenue versus the attraction to the area. Here it's easy to see why the combined tax rate is similar to Tulsa, but there is so much tourism revenue generated between November and May that it's not a fair comparison to either OKC or Tulsa. There is the built in Snowbird season, then you add in the championship NASCAR race in November, then starting in January there is the Fiesta Bowl, a half dozen classic car auctions, the Phoenix Open golf tournament and then spring training for baseball.

I guess my takeaway is that the increase in the tax is a guaranteed revenue stream as opposed to the revenue generated by increased room rates when the demand is higher, and that the higher room rates for special events offset off peak times. That's how Vegas used to have cheap rates Sunday night through Wednesday nights is that they charged higher rates Thursday through Saturday nights knowing it made up for the cheap rates the rest of the week and kept the tax rate the same.

It just seems wrongheaded to increase it that much.

As for the Tulsa/Arizona, yeah Arizona is home but Tulsa will always be my real home. There is a spot for me when I shuffle off this mortal coil at Memorial Park. As much as Tulsa has changed, I spent 35 years there growing up from '63 to '98, so it's where it all began.

Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on September 15, 2024, 01:47:09 AM
On the lodging tax issue, I can see the tax rate in Memphis from when I used to go there in the 90's to go to the blues clubs on Beale Street on the weekends.

I stayed near Memphis in early 1973.  I didn't worry about the hotel tax though since I had "lodging" at NAS Memphis (in nearby Millington).  At that time Beale Street was a risky place to go and going there was discouraged.

I went to a convention in Memphis in 2007.  I didn't pay attention to the tax in particular since the total package cost was something I was willing to pay.  My friends and I rode the trolley from the hotel at the convention center to and from Beale Street for dinner one night.
https://www.matatransit.com/trolley/routes/

QuoteI guess my takeaway is that the increase in the tax is a guaranteed revenue stream.....
It just seems wrongheaded to increase it that much.

My takeaway is that the tax is really only a part of going somewhere.  At some point, the total cost will outweigh the desire to go somewhere for many people.