State of the City Address

[floater]

Thought you guys might like to read Mayor Cornett's State of the City address. Here it is, in chunks...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is 2005.

116 years since our great grandfathers drove a stake into the ground and called it home.

98 years since the state legislature selected our City as the state capitol.

63 years since the conception of Tinker Field.

12 years since the beginning of MAPS.

10 years since a bomb blew up our federal building.

6 years since an F-5 tornado entered our City at one end and exited the other.

3 years since we began MAPS for Kids.

It is 2005 and I don’t have to tell you that the state of our City is pretty good. But I do remind everyone that the state of the lives of 520 thousand people cannot be summed up as a whole. We have low unemployment, but if you are unemployed, things could be better for you. People have problems, cities have problems, but overall, how is Oklahoma City doing compared to municipalities across the country. There’s no doubt, we’re in an envious position.

This afternoon, I want to spend a few minutes to talk about priorities, direction and focus. Take stock of 2004 and certainly to look ahead to the rest of 2005 and beyond.

As most of you know, the list of projects and ideas that come through City Hall is both incredibly large in number and incredibly diverse. Nonetheless, to get things accomplished, you must have priorities. Nearly a year ago I spoke to many of you and identified three of my priorities for 2004.

Number one is the continued successful implementation of MAPS for Kids.

Number two was determining the appropriate funding solution for the improvements that we wanted to make at State Fair Park.

And number three dealt with our City budget and to begin to work toward finding a long-term solution to the City’s budgetary stress in the General Fund.

Let me first brief you on those three issues.

During my readings, I collect quotes that I think might serve me at a later date and one that I scribbled down applies well to MAPS for Kids. It applies well because there are so many highly visible positive initiatives playing out around the City—so much positive energy—that I think sometimes it’s easy to forget the generational, sociological, and economic impact of MAPS for Kids. So, yes, there’s a large number of positive things going on but, its important to focus. The quote that I use to help focus my perspective and have made part of my message to you and other citizens of Oklahoma City is….

The big thing to remember is that the big thing is the big thing. And the big thing is MAPS for Kids.

[floater]

Yes, there are some new and exciting projects, concepts and ideas in Oklahoma City but we must not lose our focus and our commitment to ensuring that MAPS for Kids is implemented successfully. Our children, our quality of life and our growth depend on it.

So with that in mind, here’s a quick overview and an update.

MAPS for Kids is funded by two sources. A penny on the dollar sales tax for seven years will generate just over 500 million dollars. And there was a 180 million dollar bond issue passed at the same time. So, that’s a total of nearly $700 million dollars. Of that nearly 700 million, nearly 550 million will be spent on projects in the Oklahoma City Public School System and the rest will be spent on improvements in our suburban school districts.

So, we collect the penny on the dollar for seven years. We have three years behind us, and four years to go in that process. This summer, we will pass the halfway point of collecting that penny on the dollar. The seven-year tax will cease at the end of 2008. Because we pay for these MAPS projects as we go, the construction schedule will continue to roll out projects through 2010.

So we’re still early in the process. Here’s where we stand:

1. Construction Projects

* $470 million for 72 major projects
* 2 projects completed (Star Spencer, Wheeler Phase 1)
* 4 projects under construction (Douglass, Grant, Ridgeview and Telstar)
* 12 projects under design (2 high school, 10 elementary)
* 4 projects in design contract negotiations
* 4 projects in architectural selection

We’re entering a phase of MAPS for Kids where we’ll have groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon cuttings on a monthly, and sometimes weekly, basis for several years to come.

2. Transportation Projects

* $9 million total
* 160 new buses provided to the Oklahoma City Public School District

That’s an entirely new fleet. 80 buses have already been delivered. The other 80 buses will arrive later this year.

3. Technology Projects

* $52 million total
* Over 700 new computers installed throughout the school district
* Over 1000 new presentation stations installed throughout the school district
* Network upgrades proceeding as a part of the construction projects

4. Suburban School District Program

* $150 million total
* 23 suburban school districts receive funding based on the number of OKC students enrolled. Some receive just a little, some will receive a lot. The Putnam City school district will receive about 50 million dollars from MAPS for Kids.
* So far, the 23 districts have requested and spent approximately $30 million on 140 different projects

The MAPS for Kids Program is proceeding as planned, with projects being completed as scheduled. And again, since final revenues for the program will not be received until January 2009, the last projects are not scheduled for completion until late 2010.

It’s my opinion that MAPS for Kids will have significant, long-term effects on the City. There’s obviously the educational aspect, there’s an economical impact and there’s an impact on urban sprawl.

For over 100 years, we’ve been a City that has grown and expanded on the edges, and this century of perimeter growth has left us with a 21st century City that has more than its share of inefficiencies. Cities in general, because of their size, are always looking for ways to become more efficient. For our City, MAPS for Kids is our best long-term weapon toward creating a market in the inner City for housing, and retail, and job creation.

[floater]

Still, some of the toughest work and tougher decisions involving MAPS for Kids remains in front of us. From a standpoint of population growth, some sections of the school district are growing faster than others. I believe the appropriate response will be to make some alterations to the original plan that was conceived four years ago. I know the school district is currently seeking public input before it requests any changes. Hopefully, whatever alterations that might be necessary can be made in 2005. Overall, it’s important to remember that the overall program has plenty of capaCity. And by that I mean, if you look at MAPS for Kids as a whole, even with these demographic shifts, there’s plenty of classroom space and there’s enough money to complete the projects. So, student capaCity and financial capaCity are both in good place. The question is, with these demographic shifts taking place, where are the kids going to be living in 2010 and 2015 and what do we need to do to make sure there’s classroom space for them in their neighborhood.

For example, it’s interesting to note that the Putnam City school district no longer considers itself a suburban district, but an urban one faced with many of the same challenges as traditional inner-city schools.

The implementation of MAPS for Kids was our number one priority in 2004 and it is number one in 2005.


Our second priority for 2004 was working on a funding solution for the improvements we need to make at State Fair Park. The issue is probably still fresh on your minds. We took a funding solution to the voters just over a month ago. It passed. The result is that Oklahoma City will remain the Horse Show Capitol of the World. There’s still a lot more that we’d like to do at the Fairgrounds but we’re very pleased that this first phase is underway. The first action you’ll see at the fairgrounds is the demolition and removal of All Sports Stadium. That will start here in the first half of 2005.

The third priority was to begin to address a budgetary issue that affects the City’s general fund. As Mayor, I want to ensure we are on a long-term track for budgetary success and continue to manage our resources efficiently. Therefore, I have organized a task force to ensure we are doing just that. Ultimately, it will lead to positive effects for under-funded City services for parks, animal welfare, code enforcement and other areas.

So there you have my top objectives for 2004. Now, to know where we’re going – and to know where to focus – it’s important to look at where we’ve been:

As you know, this City began on a single day. They fired a pistol and at the end of that day, our City’s population had grown from zero to 10,000. Think about that, in one day, we went from a spot on the prairie to a City of 10,000 people. That’s rapid growth… and I think our Planning Department is still paying for it. The citizens elected a mayor, then they shot him. But I’m proud to say that the citizens have not shot any of the last 34 mayors. Doesn’t mean they didn’t want to….

Our City and our state grew rapidly. Remember that in 1930, our population was at a point that we had 9 U.S. House members, up from our current 5. Boom and bust since then, and more bust than we’d like to admit.

All along there’s been a healthy dose of aviation. It has led to Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA, and the Air National Guard. The latest aviation landmark will take place next winter with our latest round of improvements at Will Rogers World Airport. I am told they have only been working on this airport project for 2 or 3 years but I swear it seems like 20 or 30. I know the airport employees are as anxious as the passengers.

[floater]

We talk a lot about the annexation of the 1950’s and 60’s. Let me show it to you.


The blue area on the first map illustrates where we were in 1940 with a population of 205,000.

The second shows our City in the 1960’s when our population was at 324,000.

The third is pretty much what it looks like today with a population of nearly 525,000 and a MSA population of 1.1 million.

More recently, the period of 1985 to 1995 can be summarized as follows.
The economy was suffering from the oil bust. The OKC school facilities were declining with no hope in sight. Our triple A baseball franchise was considering a move to another City.

We had worked on some economic initiatives but had failed, specifically a United Airlines facility, a large federal defense facility, and the era was capped with the bombing of the A.P. Murrah Federal building.

"The citizens, the business community, and City Hall have worked in unprecedented solidarity."

Since then, much has been accomplished. And it’s been accomplished in an environment of teamwork and consensus building. The citizens, the business community, and City Hall have worked in unprecedented solidarity. This has been a key component to our success – the ability of the public and private sectors to work together is easy to say, but something many cities fail in actually doing.

Those early City leaders of 100 years ago and 50 years ago that came before us were a hearty bunch. They made certain that we rode on the crest of scientific advancement whether it was in a new industry like the oil business or whether it was in agriculture, a business nearly as old as the land itself. They created a City that grew at an incredible speed.

And this generation—our generation – is making clear that we do not intend to be a follower when it comes to new ideas and a higher standard of life in the 21st century American city. We intend to lead. There are bigger cities but none that should draw our envy.

What’s the state of the City? That’s a question that’s not answered by the mayor; it’s a question each citizen answers themselves.

We’ve created a lot of new jobs, but if you need a job, then things could be better. We’ve made great strides in not only recruiting new companies, like Dell, but also in seeing our existing businesses grow and flourish. Let me assure you, more good news on the job front is coming.

For the most part, our children live in a faith-based City which clings to long-held American values. But opportunity is not knocking on every door of every neighborhood in this City. We have work to do.

We have fewer homeless people than most cities our size, but we still have too many. We have work to do. We passed a plan in Council this year that will work to unite our resources so that we can make a difference in this area.


I do want to say that I am extremely proud of our private sector’s support for homeless issues. People give their time. Corporations and citizens give their money. One such group is the City Rescue Mission, run by Rev. Glenn Cranfield who is here today. They are doing remarkable work in this area. Incredible success stories are emerging at this and other shelters. And most of these miracles are being created without a penny of governmental assistance.

We know, from the experience of other cities, that homeless populations don’t necessarily decrease as a City’s economic situation improves. And there is a painfully growing trend of single mothers joining the homeless population. We have work to do.

[floater]

Our level of education is showing a healthy upswing. By percentage, we now have more college graduates than Dallas. But we still have too many high school dropouts. And a lack of education is a direct reflection on many of our social problems. We must continue to push our students to seek higher levels of education. We must continue to create educational environments that will attract quality teachers. And we must continue the recent trend of electing responsible citizens to school boards and other political positions.

We must create a community that supports its educational leaders because we must continue to pass our school bond elections. The great strides that are being made as part of MAPS for kids will only transcend generationally if the public retains confidence in school boards and administrators. At the current time, we are very blessed, with a growing amount of trust between our citizens and our educators. We must be protective of this critical balance of confidence.

If you want someone to live in your City, whether you want to keep them here or recruit them here, you must have a ‘quality of life’ that will be appreciated. As a whole, compared to other cities, our quality of life is outstanding.

Natural resources? We have all the fresh water this generation will ever require, and we’re actively seeking to sew up water rights for the rest of this century.

As for fresh air to breathe, Oklahoma City ranks as the 2nd large City in the nation – just behind Jacksonville, FL – in compliance with the Clean Air act.

Affordable housing? We offer great value to the homeowner. There is probably no better City in America to own a home.

Traffic congestion? There’s a trouble spot here or there, but go visit another City our size or larger. You can get from one part of our City to another with incredible ease any time of day. In fact, we’re one of the few cities where the police can actually watch for speeders during rush hour!

[floater]

As for demographic patterns, people continue to move to the edges of our City. It’s been that way for over 100 years and seems likely to continue for the near future.

But we are also seeing the beginning of a new trend in downtown housing. Past housing market studies tell us there is a market for more than 6,000 housing units in the downtown area. We currently have only 800 units! And, we’re about to begin a new market study to examine how much the demand for downtown housing has grown.

I think we’re seeing the very beginnings of a generational shift toward the inner City. With all of our investments in streetscape projects, the work of civic groups like Downtown OKC, and most importantly, with initiatives like MAPS and MAPS for Kids, we are creating a marketplace in the inner City. We have streetscape projects in Capitol Hill and the Stockyards to the south. I drove through Capital Hill the other day and was reminded of the opportunity that exists. To the north, we’re working on 5th, street and 10th street and 23rd. We are building an elaborate trail system that connects the inner City to our suburban rim.

It’s our view at City Hall, from an efficiency standpoint, that the citizens of Oklahoma City will be much better served if we create a more densely populated City.

One thing I have learned in the past ten months as mayor is that a lot of people like to write you letters. Some are friendly letters, some are not. Some are critical, and some offer lots of free advice.

I recently received a letter that said simply: "Mayor Cornett, I hope we can develop the river."


And you know, not long ago, I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to find very many people who had an idea and the funding for developing the river. But, I think the question is quickly becoming, not 'can we develop the river?' but rather, 'will we be able to control development on the river?' Here’s my concern. What we don’t want to do is have river development compete with downtown development. Rest assured there will be development along the river. But while we consider development along the river, we must make sure we don’t create two downtowns. We should develop the river with projects that make sense for the river. But always remember that a City receives its primary identity from its downtown. We saw what happened a generation ago when downtown retail and businesses deserted downtown for the suburbs. We’ve made some important headway in that area; let’s not repeat that mistake.

This is probably a good time also to speak on the ever-increasing attention given to downtown. Some would say too much attention is given to downtown. I don’t think so. If you live in Oklahoma City, downtown is important to you. It’s where the City receives it’s image, it’s where tourist pay your taxes which support your police officers, pay your firefighters and raise money to fix your streets. One example, the Ford Center has become one of the most successful concert venues in the world. Concertgoers travel regionally to see top-level entertainment in Oklahoma City. Maybe you live 10 miles from downtown like I do, maybe you live 20 or 30 miles from downtown, it still affects you because it’s the heart of our City.

This is a great era in Oklahoma City for parks. Our last two bond issues have allowed us to do a lot of great things for our Parks department. Topical issues right now include Edwards park in Northeast Oklahoma City when completed it will have one mile of fishable shoreline. Biggest park related event in 2004 was the opening of Southlakes Park in South Oklahoma City—the first regional park to open in our City in 20 years. It’s loaded with amenities. If you have not been out to see it, make the trip. And we held a groundbreaking for Route 66 Park in northwest Oklahoma City. It will open in 2006 and you will be impressed.

[Karried]

Wow, this makes me proud to have moved to Oklahoma!

[Patrick]

This makes me extremely proud of our mayor! Great speech, and I believe every word he said! I especially like his vision for major league sports in our city! Also, his planfor the river sounds great! Sounds like Mayor Cornett is on the right page!

[floater]

I am surprised that he is so vocal about a major sports franchise. I do not think he would be so brazen about it if there wasn't some confidence we could attract one. Usually officials are so hush-hush they don't want to reveal something that could happen but isn't set in stone.

[mranderson]

I am surprised that he is so vocal about a major sports franchise. I do not think he would be so brazen about it if there wasn't some confidence we could attract one. Usually officials are so hush-hush they don't want to reveal something that could happen but isn't set in stone.

We will attract one. It just takes time and the right one. We rank high on the list for afl, and probably others. Remember, Mick Cornett was a sports anchor for years and is a God send in his job as Mayor to attract a team or two.

[floater]

Good to know mranderson. The range of Mayor Cornett's speech reflects well on him and the city staff. The best thing about it was the end -- that improvement never stops. What a great attitude.

[JOHNINSOKC]

I wonder what he's referring to when he says that he can assure us that more great jobs are coming? It makes me wonder if we are about to land something HUGE.

[Proactive Volunteer]

Congratulations to Mayor Cornett!!

He makes one proud to be from Oklahoma City!

He makes one proud to still be living in Oklahoma City!

Thank you Mayor for your hard work and understanding and dedication to all facets of our city!

You will go down in Oklahoma City history as one of our great mayors!

[Luke]

I thought it was great as well. I like how he stressed that this city is doing everything first rate. And I look forward to an NBA or NHL team coming to town.

[Midtowner]

Hmmm.. not one word about the bus station

[JOHNINSOKC]

I really can't wait to see the proposals for a MAPS III. I think one of the projects should be to do a MAJOR enhancement of our mass transit system. This city really needs to double the amount of buses and routes so that people have options other than a car. Then, once we get to that point, we start planning for light rail and/or commuter rail. Even though traffic overall is low compared to other cities our size, 10-20 years down the road may be completely different.

[Patrick]

I do agree that we need to start considering rail transit. But, as several on this site have said, until we achieve a higher population density, a complete rail system probably wouldn't be self-sufficient. MAPS III could provide funding for a start up line, maybe a trolley line downtown. But, I really don't think a commuter rail line until maybe MAPS IV or V.

Sounds like for now though, the mayor is just going to focus on getting MAPS for Kids completed. That's probably a good move.

I must admit, I like the optimism in the mayor's speech. I also wonder if something else big is coming to town.

[floater]

There's another statement to highlight that just made so happy to read -- that river development ought not compete with downtown development. We've smarted from NW Expressway and other cities that have built major business and entertainment corridors outside downtown. While I would like to see some residential development similar to Tulsa's Riverside, I agree the river shouldn't develop in a way that cannibalizes downtown activity. Downtown should always be the place of concentrated commerce and nightlife.

[mranderson]

Yes. Downtown and the riverfront are important. We need to consintrait on the I-240 area also.

Lou Barlow, the candidate I am endorsing for Ward eight said he thinks Memorial is nearing completion (at least that is what I got out of it). So, I-240 is next. There are some buildings that need to be rebuilt and some that need new tenants.

[Patrick]

Speaking of city council candidates, check out Poll Vault. The mayor was curious if anyone had expressed any comments on the council elections. Thus, I decided to post an opinion poll in Poll Vault. Please put a lot of thought into the topic and post a good reply. The mayor will be reading your thoughts on the elections.

The following link will take you directly to the thread:

http://www.okctalk.com/t2054-city-co...andidates.html