Forbes: Oklahoma City #1 “America’s Most Affordable City”
October 28, 2010 – Forbes Magazine | Archived Article
Forbes looked at a variety of factors, including unemployment and job growth as well as cost of living, in order to come up with their list. “We searched for cities that had a balance of cheap living and economic prosperity–places with solid job markets, but where costs aren’t prohibitive.” Their conclusion to the question of who offers the best overall value in the nation? Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett Named Public Official of the Year
October 27, 2010 – Governing Magazine | Archived Article
Cited for his leadership on MAPS 3 (the latest iteration of Oklahoma City’s landmark capital projects program) and community health initiatives, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has been named Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine, the nation’s preeminent publication for state and local governments. Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management. Good leadership and partnership opportunities are essential ingredients for a positive business environment – and OKC has working together to get big things accomplished down to an art.

Milken: OKC Among Top 25 Best Performing Cities
October 19, 2010 – Milken Institute | Archived Article
What are the strongest indicators of a great city for business? After examining job, wage, salary and technology growth, Milken Institute found Oklahoma City to be in their Top 25 Best Performing Cities (#21). Milken attempts to understand the forces behind creating / sustaining jobs and economic growth, and once again OKC proves a great place to be for business.

Oklahoma City Ranked 7th for Income Growth
October 13, 2010 – Portfolio.com | Archived Article
Portfolio analyzed the nation’s largest 100 metro areas and their federal income data over the last 25 years, leading to another Top Ten ranking for Oklahoma City. OKC’s income growth index was 28.29, with a 25-year income growth rate of 169.9 percent, 7th best in the U.S., due to OKC’s stable marketplace, self-investment, and smart, targeted economic development policy that produces returns for companies and citizens alike.

Oklahoma Adding Leisure & Hospitality Jobs at Top 10 Rate
October 12, 2010 – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / Bizjournals | Archived Article
Oklahoma is more than OK when it comes to being more than just a great place to live, work and play – it’s also a great place to visit. In another sign of a strong, diversified economy, Oklahoma is ranked 4th in percentage gain of Leisure & Hospitality jobs, and ninth in terms of raw job change from 2005 – 2010, in a new analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Haven’t been to OKC lately? Perhaps it’s time you made a visit to see why Oklahoma City makes such a great place for business, workers, families – and tourists.

Oklahoma City Arts District Neighborhood Named one of America’s “10 Great Neighborhoods for 2010″
October 12, 2010 – American Planning Association | Archived Article
A virtual mirror of Oklahoma City’s economic turnaround as a whole, Oklahoma City’s historic Paseo district was named to the American Planning Association’s “10 Great Neighborhoods for 2010″ list. The Spanish-influenced Paseo Arts district, in the midst of a remarkable renaissance, joins high-profile neighborhoods such as Denver’s LoDo and Cincinnati’s Hyde Park on the list, and is really just beginning to hit its stride. A popular local haven and hangout, the Paseo Arts District is another example of Oklahoma City’s burgeoning arts, cultural and neighborhood scene.

Forbes: OKC a Top 5 Fastest-Growing City
October 11, 2010 – Forbes | Archived Article
What makes a city a “prime dynamic region?” A successful mix of a growing economy and affordability – the same qualities that make Oklahoma City a great place for business. “Our future cities also are often easier for workers and entrepreneurs alike,” says Forbes. We happen to agree.

Oklahoma a Top 10 State for Doing Business, OKC a Top Ten Metro
October 11, 2010 – Area Development Magazine | Archived Article
Area Development Magazine, a respected site-selection trade publication, recently polled a “select group of highly respected consultants who work with a nationwide client base.” In this flash survey, they asked consultants to rank states and cities according to eight site selection criteria critical to business success, including business costs, tax environment, labor climate, and rail / highway accessibility, among others. The result? Oklahoma is once again recognized as a great state for business location, and Oklahoma City also makes a Top Ten List appearance for best metros for business.