Greater Oklahoma City (EDO) - News and Events

Oklahoma City ranked lowest-cost large city in U.S. in new C2ER report

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City continues to stand out for affordability, ranking as the lowest-cost large city in the nation according to the newly released 2026 Q1 Cost of Living Index from C2ER, The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The report found Oklahoma City’s overall composite index at 81.0, placing the metro 19 points below the national average and tied for the fourth-lowest cost of living among all 272 participating urban areas. The composite index measures the overall cost of living in a metro area using a national average of 100, meaning Oklahoma City’s score reflects costs that are roughly 19% below the national benchmark.

Among metros with populations over 500,000, Oklahoma City ranked No. 1 for affordability. The city’s composite score also improved slightly from the previous report, decreasing by 0.9 points from 2025 Q3.

Housing remained Oklahoma City’s strongest affordability advantage, posting an index of 60.2, meaning housing costs were nearly 40% below the national average. Transportation costs also came in well below national benchmarks at 84.0, while utilities and healthcare each remained below average.

Oklahoma City’s 2026 Q1 category breakdown included:

Composite: 81.0 (-0.9)

Grocery: 94.2 (+0.7)

Housing: 60.2 (+1.0)

Utilities: 94.2 (-3.7)

Transportation: 84.0 (-4.5)

Health Care: 94.1 (-1.2)

Miscellaneous Goods & Services: 87.5

The quarterly Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services across six categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare and miscellaneous goods and services.

From donated blood to biotech: CytoGrowth Solutions launches in OKC

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

CytoGrowth Solutions is bringing a new kind of biotech innovation to Oklahoma City, one rooted in an unlikely place: donated blood.

Launched as an initiative of Our Blood Institute, CytoGrowth Solutions develops specialized blood-and cell-based products used to support the growing cell therapy industry, particularly therapies designed to help patients fight cancer and other serious diseases using their own immune systems.

Cell therapies work by collecting immune cells from a patient or donor, modifying them to recognize disease and expanding those cells outside the body before they are infused back into the patient. That process requires large amounts of specialized nutrients and blood-derived materials, many of which are currently in limited supply.

“People rely on things like expired platelets and male AB serum, which is 2% of the population, as the primary thing that helps their reengineered cells grow,” said Charles Mooney, vice president of BioDevelopment at OBI. “There’s not enough of that in the world to support one blockbuster drug, much less dozens of drugs.”

CytoGrowth Solutions was created to help solve that bottleneck. Using methods developed through OBI’s research and development work, the company converts previously underused blood components into nutrient products that can support cell growth for therapeutic development.

“We’re taking salvage products, things that were being thrown out before, and turning them into lifesaving contributions and cures,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of OBI.

The company recently opened a dedicated Oklahoma City facility that will manufacture four products designed to support cell and gene therapy development. According to OBI, the products are designed to provide more abundant and scalable alternatives to materials currently facing supply shortages.

The launch also adds another piece to Oklahoma City’s growing bioscience and innovation ecosystem. CytoGrowth Solutions begins operations with 12 employees, including scientists, lab technicians and regulatory specialists, and expects to continue growing over the next several years.

Jeff Seymour, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Innovation District, said the company reflects the type of research-driven commercialization helping shape Oklahoma City’s future.

“At its basic core, innovation is the practical implementation of ideas,” Seymour said during the company’s opening event.

OBI leaders say the long-term goal is to help expand access to lifesaving therapies by removing supply chain challenges that currently limit how quickly treatments can be developed and manufactured.

Oklahoma City earns highest bond ratings for 18th consecutive year

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City has once again received the highest possible bond ratings from both Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, marking the 18th consecutive year the city has maintained the top-tier distinction.

Moody’s affirmed the City’s Aaa rating and stable outlook in an April 6 report, while S&P Global Ratings affirmed the City’s AAA rating and stable outlook on April 7. The ratings are the highest issued by each agency and place Oklahoma City among a small group of large U.S. cities with top ratings from both organizations.

The ratings are used to help determine borrowing costs for the City’s general obligation bonds, which support major infrastructure investments, including projects tied to the Better Streets, Safer City program, and the 2025 GO Bond package.

According to the City, Oklahoma City is one of only 13 U.S. cities with populations greater than 500,000 to hold triple-A ratings from both Moody’s and S&P.

The strong ratings reflect confidence in the City’s financial management, economic stability and long-term growth outlook, while also helping lower interest costs for taxpayers on future bond issuances.

Separately, Moody’s assigned an Aa1 rating with a stable outlook to Oklahoma City’s arena sales tax revenue bonds on May 5. The bonds are tied to the voter-approved 1% sales tax that will fund the city’s new downtown arena and future home of the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

“We are grateful for the Aa1 rating as it will provide the City with an opportunity to fund the new home for the World Champion Oklahoma City Thunder,” Assistant City Manager Brent Bryant said in a statement.

The Series 2026 arena bonds are scheduled to be sold May 20 through Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and BOK Financial.

First OKC FAME cohort graduates, marking milestone for Chamber-led workforce model

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The first cohort of students from the OKC Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) has officially graduated, marking a major milestone for a workforce initiative led locally by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

The inaugural class included five graduates, each completing a rigorous, employer-driven program designed to prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand industries. While modest in size, the cohort represents a significant step forward in building a more intentional and sustainable talent pipeline for the Oklahoma City region.

“Seeing our first OKC FAME cohort graduate is an exciting proof of concept that industry-driven talent partnerships really can work,” said Lee Copeland, director of talent and business growth at the Greater OKC Chamber. “I’m so proud of our partnering employers that have stepped up to employ and mentor FAME apprentices. They’re redefining the return on investment of partnership to build an essential talent pool for an entire industry cluster.”

OKC FAME was launched to help address one of the most pressing challenges facing employers: finding and retaining skilled workers. Built on a nationally recognized model, the program blends classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience, allowing students to earn while they learn.

Participants attend classes through Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City two days a week while working at least 24 hours per week with sponsoring employers. Over the course of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology along with an Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification, gaining both technical knowledge and real-world experience before entering the workforce full time.

The program stands apart as one of the only apprenticeship-style models of its kind in Oklahoma, giving employers a direct role in shaping their future workforce while helping students build in-demand skills without taking on significant debt.

“OKC FAME is unique because it really is industry-driven,” Copeland said. “At every step of the way, industry helps determine the skills and outcomes needed from the educational partner. FAME takes a distinctive place in the educational ecosystem because it was designed around employer demand and workforce outcomes.”

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has played a central role in launching and supporting the program locally, coordinating employer partners, recruiting students and aligning the curriculum with industry needs. That work is now paying off as the program’s first graduates transition into full-time roles.

For participating employers, the program creates a long-term talent pipeline built around their specific needs. For students, it provides a direct path to high-quality careers in Oklahoma City’s growing economy.

The program’s momentum is already building, with a second cohort currently underway and planning in progress for a third group of students to begin the program in the near future.

“Ultimately, success for OKC FAME means growth,” Copeland said. “That includes more employer partners, stronger connections with K-12 and post-secondary programs, and continued expansion of FAME cohorts that can help fill critical advanced manufacturing roles across the region.”

The graduation of the first cohort represents more than just a milestone for the students involved. It signals that a new approach to workforce development is taking hold in Oklahoma City, one that is collaborative, employer-driven and focused on long-term outcomes.

As additional cohorts move through OKC FAME, the program is expected to continue expanding, strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting future economic growth.

Employers interested in helping shape the next generation of talent can get involved as sponsoring partners, providing hands-on training opportunities while building a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their needs.

Learn more about the program and how to get involved at okcfame.com.

$1.1B Rock Creek Entertainment District breaks ground in Norman

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Rainier Development Company broke ground Monday on the Rock Creek Entertainment District, a $1.1 billion, 269-acre mixed-use development in Norman that will include an 8,000-seat arena, hotels, retail, dining, residential space and public gathering areas.

The University of Oklahoma Foundation named Rainier as master developer of the district in April. Monday’s ceremony drew approximately 250 guests and included remarks from University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr., Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland, City of Norman Council Member Scott Dixon and Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott Martin.

The centerpiece of the development is a state-of-the-art performance venue designed to host concerts, conventions and community events, as well as University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s gymnastics meets. The broader district is designed as a year-round destination and is projected to generate more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs across hospitality, retail and operations over the life of the project.

“Today marks a defining moment years in the making for the University of Oklahoma, the future of Norman and the state of Oklahoma,” Harroz said in a news release. “The District is grounded in a proven formula that aligns the university’s continued growth and momentum with the kind of live, work and play development where people want to be and choose to stay.”

Read the full story on the Journal Record.com.

Christy Gillenwater shares OKC's growth story on national podcasts

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma City’s growth story is getting national attention as Christy Gillenwater recently joined two economic development-focused podcasts to discuss how the region built its momentum and where it is headed next.

Gillenwater joined Dane Carlson on the Econ Dev Show, where the conversation centered on the MAPS program and how it has helped shape Oklahoma City over the past three decades.

“We run the campaign; we never issue debt, so we do not start the projects until that revenue is at the city,” Gillenwater said.

That approach, she said, has allowed the city to make steady, intentional investments in quality of life, infrastructure and people, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and major wins.

You can listen to the full Econ Dev Show episode featuring Gillenwater for free here.

She also sat down with Zach Silber on the Standard & Works podcast, where the focus turned to Oklahoma City’s role in the LA28 Olympic Games and how those same investments made it possible.

Over more than 30 years, MAPS has helped deliver projects like RIVERSPORT Rapids and Devon Park, which will host canoe slalom and softball during the games, making Oklahoma City the first city outside a host metro to stage two full Olympic sports.

“It’s been 30 years of intentional investment that has really led us to this level of momentum,” Gillenwater said.

The conversation also highlighted the region’s broader economic development pipeline, including major aerospace and defense assets like Tinker Air Force Base and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, which continue to support job growth and attract new investment.

You can listen to the full Standard & Works episode featuring Gillenwater for free here.

Together, the appearances reflect how Oklahoma City is continuing to elevate its story on a national stage, reinforcing its position as a competitive market for growth, investment and talent.

Canadian clean-tech firm selects Oklahoma City for U.S. headquarters

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A Canadian clean technology company has established its U.S. headquarters in Oklahoma City, reinforcing the region’s role as a hub for energy innovation as the industry continues to evolve.

Kathairos Solutions formally opened its U.S. office in August 2025 in the historic Pontiac Building in Automobile Alley, placing its American operations near customers, partners and key oil and gas basins across the country.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber worked in partnership with regional and state partners to support Kathairos Solutions during its site selection process, connecting the company with local industry leaders and resources. The project reflects broader efforts to attract companies operating at the intersection of energy, technology and emissions reduction.

“Oklahoma City continues to attract companies that are shaping the future of energy,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Kathairos Solutions’ decision to locate its U.S. headquarters here reflects both the strength of our existing energy sector and the opportunity to lead in areas like emissions reduction and innovation.”

“Choosing Oklahoma City wasn’t a difficult decision — it was an obvious one once we took a hard look at what we needed to build a serious U.S. commercial operation,” said John “Bunkie” Westerheide, chief revenue officer of Kathairos Solutions, who is based in Oklahoma City.

He pointed to proximity to customers and partners, as well as the concentration of senior energy leadership in the region, as key advantages for the company’s growth.

Kathairos has deployed its methane reduction technology across North America and is now scaling its U.S. presence from Oklahoma City, where the company is already working with several regional operators and industry partners.

A strategic entry point into the U.S. market

Oklahoma City offers direct access to major oil and gas regions, including the Anadarko, Permian and Eagle Ford basins, allowing Kathairos to efficiently support operations across multiple markets from a single location.

“Oklahoma City puts us within a day’s travel of virtually every major producing basin in the continental United States,” Westerheide said. “For a company growing as quickly as Kathairos has, that kind of reach matters.”

The company is actively serving Oklahoma-based operators and has established a industry collaboration with Kimray, a long-standing Oklahoma City manufacturer specializing in pneumatic control equipment.

Westerheide said the concentration of energy leadership in Oklahoma City has also played a key role in accelerating growth.

“Being part of that same business community changes the nature of the relationships you’re able to build,” he said. “These aren’t regional managers; they are enterprise-level decision-makers shaping how the industry operates at scale.”

Addressing a widespread emissions challenge

Kathairos focuses on eliminating methane emissions from pneumatic devices, which are widely used in oil and gas production and represent one of the largest sources of routine emissions in the industry.

Pneumatic controllers and pumps are the single largest source of routine methane emissions in upstream oil and gas production, making them a significant opportunity for emissions reduction.

Traditionally, these systems rely on natural gas to power valves and controls, resulting in small but continuous releases of methane during normal operation. Kathairos replaces that gas with liquid nitrogen, allowing equipment to function without venting methane into the atmosphere.

The system operates without external power and requires minimal maintenance, making it well-suited for remote and large-scale deployments.

The growing focus on methane mitigation is being driven by a combination of regulatory expectations, investor pressure, and advances in monitoring technology.

“Emissions performance is becoming a real factor in market access, capital allocation and the social license to operate,” Westerheide said.

Scaling impact across North America

Kathairos has deployed its technology at more than 3,000 sites across North America and is approaching a milestone of eliminating 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

“We didn’t get there with a single large installation — we got there one well site at a time,” Westerheide said.

The company’s emissions reductions are measured and verified through its internal monitoring platform, giving operators real-time visibility into performance across their operations.

Growth and outlook

As Kathairos continues to expand its U.S. footprint, Oklahoma City is expected to remain central to its growth strategy.

The company plans to add both commercial and technical roles locally to support its growing customer base and is evaluating the potential for a field operations presence in the Anadarko Basin as deployment activity increases.

“Our growth in OKC is a direct reflection of the relationships we’ve built here,” Westerheide said. “Every new role we add is an investment in those partnerships and in this community.”

Westerheide said companies focused on emissions reduction, operational efficiency and performance transparency will play an increasingly important role in the future of energy production.

“My hope is that more companies focused on where the energy industry is going choose to build here,” he said. “Companies working at the intersection of energy, technology and emissions performance belong in OKC.”

Chamber launches regional education and workforce strategy with CivicLab

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has officially launched a new effort to better align education and workforce systems across the region, partnering with CivicLab to develop a five-year strategic plan focused on strengthening the talent pipeline.

The effort comes as Oklahoma City continues to experience economic growth and increasing demand for skilled workers across key industries. By bringing together partners from across sectors, the Chamber aims to create a more coordinated approach to preparing workers for both current and future job needs.

CivicLab was selected following a competitive Request for Proposals process earlier this year. The organization brings national experience in helping regions design collaborative strategies that connect education outcomes with workforce demands, with an emphasis on practical implementation and measurable impact.

The initiative kicked off April 9 at the Chamber’s Annual Leadership Summit, where regional leaders gathered to begin shaping priorities and outcomes for the effort. The planning process will continue over the coming months through a series of engagements with employers, educators, and community stakeholders.

At the center of the initiative is a focus on aligning education and training pathways with employer needs while improving access to opportunities for learners across the region.

“This work represents a critical investment in the future of our regional workforce,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “By partnering with CivicLab, we are committing to a data-informed, employer-driven and community-centered approach that will help ensure our education and training systems are aligned with the needs of our economy and our people.”

Over the coming months, CivicLab will work with the Chamber to convene business leaders, K-12 and higher education institutions, workforce training providers and community organizations. These conversations will help identify gaps, surface opportunities, and build consensus around shared priorities for the region’s workforce future.

The result will be a comprehensive five-year roadmap designed to strengthen educational outcomes, better connect training programs to in-demand careers, and support long-term economic competitiveness in the Greater Oklahoma City region.

“We’re honored to partner with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber on this important effort,” said Jack Hess, co-founder of CivicLab. “The region has incredible assets and momentum, and we look forward to working closely with employers, educators and community leaders to develop a shared roadmap that supports both learners and employers.”

Additional opportunities for employers, educators, and community members to participate in the process are expected to be announced as the work continues.

The initiative reflects a broader focus on ensuring Oklahoma City’s continued growth is supported by a strong and adaptable workforce. As more companies consider expanding or relocating to the region, aligning education and workforce systems will play a key role in sustaining that momentum and positioning the region for long-term success.

Oklahoma ranks among fastest states to save for a home

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

As housing affordability continues to shift across the country, the time it takes to save for a home has become a clearer indicator of how accessible homeownership really is for the average American.

New data from Visual Capitalist shows that timeline now averages 14.4 years nationwide, with wide variation depending on location.

In Oklahoma, it takes 10.7 years to save for a home, ranking seventh lowest in the nation. That places the state firmly among the most accessible markets for prospective homebuyers.

That timeline is largely in line with nearby states. In Texas, it takes about 10.3 years to save for a home, while Kansas comes in at 10.6 years. In Iowa, the timeline drops to 8.7 years, among the shortest in the country.

The contrast is stark when compared to higher-cost markets. In California, for example, it takes 25.1 years to save for a home, highlighting the growing divide between more affordable central states and coastal markets where homeownership can take decades to achieve.

Oklahoma’s position in that mix continues to reinforce its relative affordability. Lower home prices, combined with a cost of living that remains below the national average, help keep the timeline more manageable for prospective buyers.

For Oklahoma City, that dynamic plays into broader economic development efforts. A shorter savings timeline can make it easier for residents to transition into homeownership, while also serving as a draw for workers considering relocation.

While a decade-long timeline still represents a significant financial commitment, Oklahoma’s top 10 ranking underscores a market where homeownership remains more within reach than in many other parts of the country.

Oklahoma ranks among top states for military installations

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma continues to play a significant role in the nation’s defense infrastructure, ranking among the top states for military presence.

According to a new analysis from Visual Capitalist, Oklahoma is tied for 10th in the country with eight military bases, placing it alongside states with long-established defense footprints.

The ranking reflects Oklahoma’s concentration of major installations that support training, logistics, and national security operations. Facilities like Tinker Air Force Base, Fort Sill and Vance Air Force Base anchor the state’s military presence, serving as key hubs for aircraft maintenance, artillery training and pilot instruction.

For comparison, California leads the nation with 34 military bases, followed by Virginia with 23 and Texas with 19. Oklahoma’s total of eight bases places it firmly in the top tier nationally, highlighting the state’s outsized role in defense relative to its size.

Beyond their defense mission, these installations also serve as major economic drivers for their surrounding communities. Military bases support thousands of jobs across Oklahoma, from active-duty personnel to civilian roles and defense-related industries, while contributing to local business activity and regional growth. At the center of that impact is Tinker Air Force Base, one of the largest single-site employers in the state and a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s aerospace industry, supporting maintenance and sustainment operations for critical military aircraft.

Oklahoma’s position in the top 10 highlights both its strategic geographic location and its long-standing investment in military infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a critical part of the nation’s defense network.