OKC Mayor highlights economic growth, film industry boom, and MAPS 4 progress

Oklahoma City is experiencing record-low unemployment, an expanding film industry, and significant investment in development projects, according to Mayor David Holt.

Holt spoke with News 9 at 9 and highlighted the city’s economic strength, citing an unprecedented 40-month streak of unemployment below 4%.

"Four percent is kind of a magic number," Holt said. "Below four is kind of like the ‘Times are Good’ demarcation line. And we've been now at that level for 40 straight months, which is a modern city record."

The mayor credited long-term economic diversification efforts for the city’s sustained success.

"Anybody who's been here since the ‘80s knows that high unemployment just kills everything," Holt said. "So that's definitely one of the chief economic markers that we look at, and we're very glad."

Oklahoma City’s Film Industry

Holt also highlighted Oklahoma City's rising reputation in the film industry, with MovieMaker Magazine ranking it No. 13 nationally among the best places to live and work as a filmmaker.

"We've seen some cool investments," Holt said, citing developments like Filmmakers Ranch and Prairie Surf Studios. He also noted the state's and city's film incentives, as well as high-profile productions filming in the area.

"Before I go to sleep tonight, I think I might be meeting Martin Sheen," Holt said. "Because that's just life in Oklahoma City these days."

MAPS 4 Projects

As Oklahoma City continues investing in its future, Holt said MAPS 4 projects—a $1.1 billion initiative focused on quality-of-life improvements—are ramping up.

"It's really picking up now," Holt said. "It takes like three or four years for the tax to be collected and for planning to be underway."

Recent milestones include the ribbon-cutting for Innovation Hall in the city's Innovation District and the unveiling of new sidewalks in South Oklahoma City to enhance pedestrian access.

Looking ahead, Holt said the city will break ground on a multipurpose stadium and open the new State Fair Coliseum later this year.

New Thunder Arena to Make a ‘Visual Statement’

The city is also preparing for the demolition of the Cox Convention Center to make way for the new Oklahoma City Thunder arena.

"This is the year that, well, any day now, you know, you'll start to see demolition begin on the old Myriad, the Cox Convention Center," Holt said. "This is the year you're going to see what it looks like. And hopefully that happens by this summer."

The mayor hinted at an impressive design.

"With the budget we have, you know, we have the opportunity to really do something that's unique, aesthetically raises the bar in our community."

Thunder’s Historic Season

Holt, a devoted sports fan, urged Oklahoma City residents to fully embrace the Thunder’s standout NBA season.

"Honestly, if I have no other advice for the people of Oklahoma City this year, it is savor every moment of this," Holt said. "They're playing at a rate where right now they may finish with like maybe the fifth-best record in NBA history. So that's not going to happen every year."