Ideas 4 MAPS

[d-usa]

It was approved then, but the work continued until last year if I recall correctly. It was also a multi-school District effort.

But similar to the Streetcar, it might be a hard sell for some considering we “just” completed it. Especially if it focuses on just one school district and becomes an “Oklahoma City” project rather than a Metropolitan Area project. It might be a good idea, but can it pass?

[Jeepnokc]

Use a little to fund the initial cost of a similar program that Tulsa has and provides a noticeable difference, https://www.upwithtrees.org/about-us/mission/

[okccowan]

I would absolutely support a MAPS4 component to pay OKC public school teachers more than Edmond, Norman, etc. Ideally they would be paid more than Ft. Worth/Dallas metroplex teachers. Also the fund should be used for teaching assistants, arts, music, and in-class instruction.

[soonerguru]

It was approved then, but the work continued until last year if I recall correctly. It was also a multi-school District effort.

But similar to the Streetcar, it might be a hard sell for some considering we “just” completed it. Especially if it focuses on just one school district and becomes an “Oklahoma City” project rather than a Metropolitan Area project. It might be a good idea, but can it pass?

I hear you, and I would add, people might be pissed that we just completed improvements on many schools that are proposed to be closed. Ugh.

That said, the remaining quality of life issue that matters the most is the state of the schools. I'm not suggesting that my idea is the right one but I think we have the desire, intelligence, and can-do spirit to make a difference in this area. If we can put a man on the moon we can fix OKC schools, and make them excellent.

1. No more excuses. I've heard them all. Rich, poor, non-English speaking, etc. If we make our schools a real priority we can make them great. We can lead the state, as we are doing in just about every other area, if we commit to doing it.

2. Don't underestimate the political change that has happened in OKC. It has become the most progressive city in the state, eclipsing Norman. People are excited about the future of this city and they see how our investments in ourselves have paid off. But the school system is a drag on our progress. I believe OKC voters (1.) are annoyed with the school closure plan; (2.) Are smart enough to realize how important having a great school system is to our economic development future; (3) and are imaginitive enough to understand how having a great school system could radically change the growth trajectory of this city.

To your point, I don't think the previous MAPS for Kids vote would negatively affect adding educational components to the next MAPS. People voted for MAPS for Kids because our buildings were in extreme disrepair, and didn't even have air conditioning in several schools. And they can differentiate between improving the buildings (something we have already done) with making our educational environment more whole. We have come a long way as a city since then. We now support city bond elections for schools and people care about our schools. I think this is one of the major reasons OKC has become a blue city.

3. OKC has achieved so much to add to the quality of life. There are many issues unresolved but if we can deliver a first-class public education to our future leaders we will differentiate ourselves from virtually every large city. This could and would be a game changer.

[hoya]

There's a political question about school funding that hasn't been considered. If OKC raises taxes to improve our schools, to a degree we're letting the state government off the hook. I'm not involved with any of those movements but I could see how people might make a strategic decision to keep up the pressure at the state level rather than try to address the problem at the city level.

[Pete]

^

Yes, and education is a statewide problem, not just in OKC.

[Midtowner]

In OKC, we do tend to do our schools harm by passing so many huge TIF projects. Those bonds are retired with monies, much of which would go to the schools' building fund. If we had directed the $180 million from Project 180 to school improvement, would we be closing historic school buildings because the upkeep was deemed too expensive?

[Midtowner]

I'd slow your roll on OKC being a "blue" city. Our Congresswoman won with just 50.67% of the vote. Let's not presume things are transformed. OKC (mostly) voters still elected Kevin Calvey to Ward 2.

[hoya]

Seeing the First Christian Church thread made me wonder -- what about using MAPS 4 to create a fund for the acquisition of historic properties? The city could buy the Gold Dome, the Walcourt, and other endangered properties. We could restore them or at least do basic maintenance, slap a historical tag on them, and preserve our local architecture.

Long-term, the city could either look for buyers who would put these locations to good use, or could develop them on their own. But either way they'd be saved from the wrecking ball.

[Pete]

The center part of OKC is blue but that is absolutely not the case where the majority of the population lives, such as out NW Expressway and along the Memorial Corridor.

And the entire OKC metro area is very red overall.

[LocoAko]

Probably a more fair assessment to say that OKC has the largest concentration of progressive voters now compared to Norman, but not that on a town-by-town basis we are not necessarily the bluest.

[Laramie]

Red, white, blue, pink, purple Chrysanthemums it's about unity--not necessarily party affiliation which is fractured on the state & national level. Not directed at your or anyone assessment, LocoAko

OKC is ready to move forward. Mick Cornett, Guy Liebmann, Kirk Humphreys, Andy Coats, Ron Norick, Patience Latting, James Norick, never made it about party; it's never been an issue.

David Holt has requested ideas; keep those ideas coming and don't wait until the very last to begin submitting your ideas. Stimulate your brain power; when it's all said and done, your contributions will be considered.

Submit, not submissions...

[soonerguru]

I'd slow your roll on OKC being a "blue" city. Our Congresswoman won with just 50.67% of the vote. Let's not presume things are transformed. OKC (mostly) voters still elected Kevin Calvey to Ward 2.

remember her congressional district included pottawatami and seminole counties, where she lost. She won Oklahoma County, and more specifically, OKC, by a much wider margin than that. I have no illusions that her reelection will be tough, but she will continue to win OKC handily.

[soonerguru]

There's a political question about school funding that hasn't been considered. If OKC raises taxes to improve our schools, to a degree we're letting the state government off the hook. I'm not involved with any of those movements but I could see how people might make a strategic decision to keep up the pressure at the state level rather than try to address the problem at the city level.

That's why I voted against the statewide initiatives. But as I stated earlier, the funding formula for the state is fixed, and based on enrollment. The state can't arbitrarily withdraw funding from OKC if we choose to invest more in our system. It is literally a set formula, and if we have rising enrollment, they would have to kick in more. So this is a different matter.

For example, when we voted for MAPS for Kids to improve the buildings, the state didn't withdraw funding to us "because we paid for it." We can choose to make strategic investments in our schools AND continue to put the pressure on the state to raise funding levels overall.

[Midtowner]

remember her congressional district included pottawatami and seminole counties, where she lost. She won Oklahoma County, and more specifically, OKC, by a much wider margin than that. I have no illusions that her reelection will be tough, but she will continue to win OKC handily.

She may be reelected in 2020, but CD5 will be redrawn to include more rural counties. Count on it.

[jedicurt]

She may be reelected in 2020, but CD5 will be redrawn to include more rural counties. Count on it.

people keep saying this... but this district hasn't changed much through redistricting... and when eastern Oklahoma was electing dems through the last redistricting, it didn't change much either... i know people think this will happen... but the history of evidence is to the contrary...

[OKCRT]

I don't feel the excitement about this maps like in the previous maps. I could be wrong but this one feels different like there's just not much momentum for it like in previous years. Hopefully they come up with something that can get the masses excited.

[Midtowner]

people keep saying this... but this district hasn't changed much through redistricting... and when eastern Oklahoma was electing dems through the last redistricting, it didn't change much either... i know people think this will happen... but the history of evidence is to the contrary...

We redraw the maps every 10 years. So in 2020, we're due. I watched an OCPAC meeting where they broke down Russell's loss. They were already talking about redistricting.

[Midtowner]

I don't feel the excitement about this maps like in the previous maps. I could be wrong but this one feels different like there's just not much momentum for it like in previous years. Hopefully they come up with something that can get the masses excited.

It just depends on what they propose, doesn't it?

[jedicurt]

We redraw the maps every 10 years. So in 2020, we're due. I watched an OCPAC meeting where they broke down Russell's loss. They were already talking about redistricting.

well it's after the census... so it'll be like 2021... and i doubt much will be done... when it comes to it, there is only so much you can do with such a sparely populated state. the only way there is real change is if we lose a congressional district

Correction... redistricting will be in 2023, as last was 2013... so still two more elections under current districts

[BoulderSooner]

In OKC, we do tend to do our schools harm by passing so many huge TIF projects. Those bonds are retired with monies, much of which would go to the schools' building fund. If we had directed the $180 million from Project 180 to school improvement, would we be closing historic school buildings because the upkeep was deemed too expensive?

With the current enrollment. Yes is the answer

[BoulderSooner]

Reading the tea leaves. Maps 4 is starting to take a little bit of shape

Project that seem likely
Fairgrounds arena 130 mil
Downtown aquarium 200 mil
Street car extension 150mil
Sidewalks 20mil
Trails 20mil
Busses and shelters 50 mil
Chesapeake 50-100mil
Soccer stadium 20mil
That is 650-700

This maps will be 900mil - 1 billion dollars

A cap is being pushed by the chamber at some cost 100-200 mil

Some type of endowment is likely 100 mil

What else ??

[Ross MacLochness]

I'm not trying to cause a stink, but can someone explain to me why an aquarium of all things should be included in maps? I'll admit, I haven't been to a great aquarium since I was a kid but I jut don't see the appeal.

[OKCRT]

It just depends on what they propose, doesn't it?

Yes it does so lets hope they propose something that can get the voters excited.

[OKCRT]

Reading the tea leaves. Maps 4 is starting to take a little bit of shape

Project that seem likely
Fairgrounds arena 130 mil
Downtown aquarium 200 mil
Street car extension 150mil
Sidewalks 20mil
Trails 20mil
Busses and shelters 50 mil
Chesapeake 50-100mil
Soccer stadium 20mil
That is 650-700

This maps will be 900mil - 1 billion dollars

A cap is being pushed by the chamber at some cost 100-200 mil

Some type of endowment is likely 100 mil

What else ??

Why should maps payers pay for an Arena and a stadium? And 20 mil for a stadium gonna get you a pop stand and a chain link fence. Better raise that to min. of 100 mil. and that's on the very cheap end. And 200 mil. will not get a first class Downtown aquarium. Better double that. Your estimates are either way under bid or they will really cheap out on stuff that will need lots of upgrading.