“Substantial” replied Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett when asked if there would be incentive programs to attract renewable energy producing businesses to locate in the community. Oklahoma has always been a leader in oil based energy products, and currently in natural gas – “we intend to be a leader in the production of renewable energy as well.”

With one of the more colorful beginnings in American history, Oklahoma City was settled in 1889 when a gun shot signaled the start of a land rush for 10,000 homesteaders. Racing to stake their claim, settlers from all walks of life started a new beginning in the Midwestern prairie -- equidistant between the Pacific and Atlantic shores.

Today the Nation’s 30th largest city -- in actual land area it is the 3rd largest in the nation. Long considered as Mid-America’s International Connection, Oklahoma City’s relationship to the convergence of several interstate highways has resulted in its becoming one of the major distribution centers in the Southwest region. With distribution proximity a big concern in attaining the goals of sustainability, this logistic advantage is ideal for any city inviting green manufacturers to locate there.

Another priority for proponents of “smart” urban planning remains the goal of curbing urban sprawl, while creating vibrant inner-city cores and livable downtowns. To address that goal, Oklahoma City passed the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) redevelopment project in 1993, which so far has resulted in nine major downtown public projects. With efficient transportation as the cornerstone of the planning of Oklahoma City, getting to any part of the city generally takes 20 minutes or less.

What has recently caught the attention of the rest of the nation however, are the impressive statistics that bring insight to the quality of life being enjoyed in Oklahoma City. Among the facts relating to this community we find:

• The lowest unemployment rate of any large city in the nation.
• The lowest office vacancy numbers (8.3%) in the nation.
• In the top 5 US commercial markets at the end of 2008 in the country.
• Ranked 7th in 2008 total job growth in the US, with more than 8,100 jobs added.
• 5th lowest overall costs of business in the US.
• Labor costs well below the national average.
• The Salary Value Index, 2008, rates it the 9th best place to build wealth.
• A top 100 city for income growth (US Bureau of Economy Analysis).
• Since the year 2000 downtown residency has increased by 22%.
• Since 2000 property values in the downtown have increased by 118%.
• In the midst of a national economy crisis, Oklahoma City is debt free.

Anyone who is familiar with oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens knows that he has committed his fortune to developing renewable energy and energy independence for the United States. He has referred to the corridor from Texas cutting through Oklahoma and up into Canada as the “Saudi Arabia of Wind.” Pickens has also been dumping vast amounts of his considerable fortune into his alma mater, Oklahoma State University. Subsequently OSU has become one of the advanced educational institutes in the research of renewable energy sciences.

Finally – the projects themselves. The 750 acre Core to Shore Master Plan unites the downtown area to the shore of the city canal district. As part of this plan, existing buildings are restored and re-purposed, parks, mixed use developments, a new Convention Center, an urban park and numerous mini-parks unite pedestrian trails throughout the downtown area. The projects and timelines are well displayed on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.okcchamber.com .

With all the pieces in place, both Mayor Cornett and Chamber President Roy Williams enthusiastically agree – Oklahoma is a great place in which to carry on the heritage of energy production for which it has become so famous. In this new green economy however, the energy produced will help cut the ties that bind the United States as a nation, as the country’s day of energy independence approaches. The message being broadcast by this city in the very heart of our land is that there will be open arms and much community support for those businesses choosing to locate in Oklahoma City.