Full list of proposed MAPS 4 projects

[Pete]

As per a resolution included in the agenda packet for a meeting to be held on August 24th, city council will vote to approve the following slate of projects for MAPS 4, which is likely to appear on a public ballot for a December 10th, 2019 election.

The additional $.01 sales tax is proposed to commence April 1, 2020, run for 8 years and is anticipated to collect $978 million.

******************

Subject to available revenues, the Council’s administrative intent is for MAPS 4 to include the following capital projects and operating funds, supported by allocations of estimated revenues as listed:

PARKS: $140M
For the purpose of transforming our parks across the city, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $63 million to upgrade every municipal neighborhood and community park outside of the central business district. Such improvements shall be based on need and neighborhood feedback that comes from neighborhood meetings. Such improvements could include but are not necessarily limited to bathrooms, playground equipment, shade structures, splashpads, furnishings, trees, paths, activity facilities, and signage that could include but is not limited to signage that provides information on the historical significance of the park’s name.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $16.5 million to an operating fund to provide for the operations and maintenance of the park improvements described above.

For the purpose of further transforming the public spaces of our city, it is the intent of Council to further allocate $60.5 million for the following specific parks-related projects:

• Youth and adult soccer and park facilities at C.B. Cameron Park near Lake Hefner and soccer facilities at Southlakes Park in south Oklahoma City ($29 million)
• Oklahoma River enhancements ($11.5 million)
  - Pedestrian bridge connection and boat landing at American Indian Cultural Center
  - Low water dam to retain water east of Eastern Avenue
  - Community stage near American Indian Cultural Center
  - Improvements to River bank and River-adjacent public land Community gardens ($500,000)
• Outdoor basketball and pickleball courts ($500,000)
• Placemaking at Lake Stanley Draper in southeast Oklahoma City ($2.5 million)
• Renovation of Booker T. Washington Park in northeast Oklahoma City ($5
• million)
• Pavilion and other improvements at Minnis Lakeview Park ($500,000)
• Enhancements to Northeast Community Center ($2 million)
• One new park in Canadian County portion of Oklahoma City ($2.25 million)
• One new park in Cleveland County portion of Oklahoma City ($2.25 million)
• One new park in southeast Oklahoma City ($2.25 million)
• One new park in far northeast Oklahoma City ($2.25 million)

YOUTH CENTERS $110M
For the purpose of transforming the lives of our young people, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $70 million to the construction of at least four new state-of-the-art youth centers to provide afterschool and summer programming. It is the intent of the Council that these new youth centers will offer programming that includes but is not necessarily limited to athletics, arts, family, health and educational resources.

If funds allow, more than four new centers can be constructed and/or refurbishments of existing buildings could be pursued. In addition, it is the intent of Council that prioritization be given to ensuring that the youth facilities at the previously-funded new Douglass Recreation Center are equitable to facilities found at the new youth centers. It is the intent of the Council that the operational policies of these new youth centers will facilitate partnerships with existing community groups who serve young people. It is the intent of the Council that capital and operational partnerships with community organizations could be considered in the implementation of these youth centers.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $30 million to an operating fund to provide for the operations of the MAPS 4 youth centers.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $10 million to an operating fund to provide for ongoing capital improvements to the MAPS 4 youth centers.


SENIOR WELLNESS CENTERS $30M
For the purpose of continuing the transformational effect that senior wellness centers have had in the lives of our city’s seniors, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $15 million to the construction of a fifth senior wellness center similar to the MAPS 3 senior wellness centers. Placement shall be based on geographic need after evaluation of placement of the MAPS 3 senior wellness centers. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of an operator before December 31, 2026 who can offer a self-sustaining operational model similar to the MAPS 3 senior wellness centers.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $15 million to an operating fund to provide financial assistance for low-income seniors to utilize the MAPS 3 and MAPS 4 senior wellness centers, with guidelines to be created that prioritize the sustainment of MAPS 3 and MAPS 4 senior wellness centers located in geographic areas with predominantly lower-income populations.


MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION $40M
For the purpose of transforming the mental health system of Oklahoma City, to diminish pressures on the county jail, and to protect and serve our residents, it is the intent of the Council to provide for a comprehensive upgrade to mental health facilities and services in our city.

It is the intent of the Council to allocate $11 million to the construction of two new mental health crisis centers. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of operational funding from a non-municipal source as well as operating agreements that include measurable benchmarks, all prior to December 31, 2026. It is the intent of the Council that operating agreements provide prioritization where possible for the use of the crisis centers by Oklahoma City residents.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $22 million for a “restoration center” to include a crisis center, methamphetamine detox, substance abuse, and other comprehensive services. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of operational funding from a non-municipal source as well as operating agreements that include measurable benchmarks, all prior to December 31, 2026. It is the intent of the Council that operating agreements provide prioritization where possible for the use of the “restoration center” by Oklahoma City residents.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $7 million for housing for residents experiencing mental illness and homelessness and transitioning out of a crisis center. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of operatingfunding from a non-municipal source as well as operating agreements with a government agency that includes measurable benchmarks, all prior to December 31, 2026. It is the intent of the Council that operating agreements provide prioritization where possible for the use of the housing by Oklahoma City residents.


FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER OPERATED BY PALOMAR $38M
For the purpose of sustaining the transformational services that were established when the Oklahoma City Police Department created the family justice center known as Palomar to offer services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking, and to support children exposed to trauma, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $38 million to the construction of a new, permanent family justice center. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the approval of an operating agreement that includes measurable benchmarks with Palomar prior to December 31, 2026.


TRANSIT $87M
For the purpose of continuing the transformation of our city’s public transit system, it is the intent of the Council to pursue numerous dramatic improvements to the public transit services provided to our residents.

It is the intent of the Council to allocate $10 million for upgrades to existing bus stops, including lighting for all stops and approximately 500 new ADA-accessible shelters.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $60 million to advanced transit options to include one or more of the following options:

• Bus rapid transit lines from downtown to south Oklahoma City, prioritizing connectivity with Capitol Hill and/or other points to the south; and to northeast Oklahoma City, prioritizing connectivity with locations such as the
• Health Sciences Center, Northeast 23rd Street, the Adventure District, and other points to the northeast. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of operational funding.
• Park and ride facilities, to facilitate commuting by transit.
• Micro transit and/or other transit innovations.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $12 million for additional buses and traffic signal prioritization to increase frequency and reliability of service.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $5 million for future planning and land acquisition needs.


SIDEWALKS, BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND STREETLIGHTS $87M
For the purpose of continuing to transform the infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycle riders in our city, it is the intent of the Council to pursue numerous investments in our built environment.

It is the intent of the Council to allocate $55 million for the construction of sidewalks, sidewalk amenities, and placemaking, including but not limited to trees, sustainable infrastructure, landscaping, drainage and public art, prioritizing the “Pedestrian Priority Areas” and schools identified by the BikeWalkOKC plan, as well as other districts and community assets, including the Clara Luper Corridor, Capitol Hill, Stockyards, Windsor District, Old Britton, and MAPS youth and senior wellness centers.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $20 million for the construction of bicycle lanes and related bicycle facilities, taking into consideration the guidance of the BikeWalkOKC plan.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $8 million for trail connectivity to Lake Stanley Draper and the Oklahoma River in south Oklahoma City, as well as trail amenities including but not necessarily limited to bathrooms, fountains and signage throughout the Oklahoma City trail system.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $4 million to fund ten years of operating costs relating to the construction of approximately 1,000 new streetlights to be placed along arterial roads in areas currently underserved by lighting. Commencement of operations will be conditional on agreement with relevant agencies.


HOMELESSNESS $50M
For the purpose of transforming our city’s approach to reducing and eventually eliminating homelessness, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $50 million for the provision of truly affordable housing to implement a “housing first” strategy to address homelessness in Oklahoma City. It is acknowledged this funding will potentially leverage over $400 million in housing funding available from various sources. Commencement of expenditures is conditional on approval of an operating agreement with a government agency that includes measurable benchmarks.


CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA AND RELATED FACILITIES $115M
For the purpose of sustaining the transformational effect that the downtown arena currently known as Chesapeake Energy Arena and related facilities have had in facilitating economic development and the arrival of major league professional sports, top tier concerts and other entertainment, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $115 million to address necessary capital maintenance and provide fan and tenant enhancements to Chesapeake Energy Arena and the related sports facility at 9600 North Oklahoma Avenue. It is the intent of the Council that no more than nine percent of this total allocation may be utilized for the latter facility and that such improvements at the latter facility are conditional on a lease extension with the existing tenant prior to the end of the current lease term in 2023. It is the intent of the Council that future long-term lease agreements with professional sports teams for the use of the improved facilities referenced in this paragraph contemplate and include a mechanism for revenues to be directed toward a fund for future capital improvement needs.


ANIMAL SHELTER $38M
For the purpose of transforming our city’s main location for intake, care and adoption of animals in our city, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $38 million for the construction of a new main animal shelter to replace the existing aging facility.


FAIRGROUNDS COLISEUM $63M
For the purpose of sustaining and growing the transformational economic impact of the events held at the Jim Norick Arena, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $63 million for the construction of a new coliseum to replace the existing aging venue. It is expected that this funding will be supplemented by at least $25 million of Hotel Tax revenues earmarked by law to improvements at the OKC Fairgrounds, as well as funding from MAPS 3 excess funds, naming rights and other sources.


DIVERSION HUB $17M
For the purpose of transforming the City’s approach to criminal justice and to diminish pressures on the county jail, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $17 million for the construction of a “Diversion Hub” to assist low-level offenders in establishing a more productive life. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the identification of operational funding from a non-municipal source as well as approval of operating agreements that include measurable benchmarks, all prior to December 31, 2026. It is acknowledged that an offer of a $20 million philanthropic donation to provide operational funding for a Diversion Hub has been made by a private donor, and it is the intent of Council to secure a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect prior to December 10, 2019.


INNOVATION DISTRICT $71M
For the purpose of transforming our entrepreneurial ecosystem to create jobs and foster a more diverse economy, it is the intent of the Council to pursue several projects at the Innovation District in near northeast Oklahoma City.

It is the intent of Council to allocate $15 million to open the Henrietta B. Foster Center for Northeast Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship, to specifically include minority small and disadvantaged businesses. Commencement of renovation of the existing Foster Center will be conditional on the approval of operating agreements with an operator prior to December 31, 2026.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $25 million for connectivity in and around the Innovation District, including improvements to the Northeast 10th Street bridge over Interstate 235, as well as additional bridges over Interstate 235 if funds allow. At least half of this allocation must provide for connectivity improvements from the Innovation District core to surrounding neighborhoods and neighborhood assets.

It is the intent of the Council to further allocate $10 million for the purpose of matching up to $10 million raised from non-MAPS sources for an “innovation hall” and related infrastructure where activities to grow our city’s innovation economy can be facilitated. Such activities could include but are not necessarily limited to learning academies such as coding training for all ages; versatile space for meetings and events related to innovation and entrepreneurship; and pop-up spaces for entrepreneurs to showcase new ideas and build connections. Matching dollars must be identified by December 31, 2026. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the approval of operating agreements that include measurable benchmarks with an operator prior to December 31, 2026. It is the intent of the Council that if co-working services are offered, that such agreements relative to co-working services prioritize, where possible, relationships with existing operators in Oklahoma City providing coworking services.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $21 million to an operating fund to provide for the operations of the Foster Center and the “innovation hall.” It is acknowledged that both projects are expected to receive operating dollars from other sources as well.

It is acknowledged that the Booker T. Washington Park project within the larger Parks project and the northeast transit enhancement project within the larger Transit project can also be contributors to the success of the Innovation District project.


FREEDOM CENTER AND CLARA LUPER CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER $25M
For the purpose of transforming our city’s knowledge of its civil rights history and positively influencing the future of northeast Oklahoma City and all our city, it is the intent of Council to allocate $16 million for the renovation of the historic Freedom Center, home of the Oklahoma City civil rights movement, as well as construction of an adjacent civil rights museum and community gathering place to be named for civil rights pioneer Clara Luper. Commencement of renovations and construction will be conditional on the approval of operating agreements with an operator prior to December 31, 2026.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $9 million to an operating fund to provide for the operations of the facilities described herein.


BEAUTIFICATION $30M
For the purpose of transforming the appearance of our city to elevate our daily experiences in it and to improve the first impression we give visitors, it is the intent of Council to allocate $25 million for beautification projects along major corridors, which may include but are not necessarily limited to, as funding allows:

• City entrance gateways along the interstates
• Approaches to Will Rogers World Airport including:
• Creation of a Bessie Coleman Garden near the airport
• State Highway 152 from Meridian Avenue to Interstate 44
• Interstate 44 from State Highway 152 to Interstate 40
• Enhancement of the three pedestrian bridges over the interstates in south Oklahoma City
• Interstate 240 from Interstate 44 to Interstate 35
• East and west entrances to the Clara Luper Corridor
• Intersection of Northeast 23rd and Martin Luther King Avenue, including up to $5 million for potential land acquisition and remediation of the northeast corner
• Oklahoma City University corridor along Northwest 23rd Street
• Reno Avenue and Eastern Avenue corridor between Bricktown and the American Indian Cultural Center
• Interstate 35 bridge over Oklahoma River
• Interstate 44 bridge over Oklahoma River
• Interstate 44 from Portland Avenue to Classen Boulevard
• Interstate 40 and Council Road interchange
• Route 66
• Public art and/or monuments at key intersections around city, including a statue of Ralph Ellison
• Updated and low maintenance landscaping along key arterials
• Trees (a minimum of a $1 million allocation)

Commencement of projects will be conditional on the approval of agreements with relevant entities.

It is the intent of Council to further allocate $5 million to an operating fund to provide permanent City staff dedicated to the issue of beautification, as well as provide funding for ongoing maintenance, as funds allow. It is the intent of Council that once funding is secured, the Council will add the positions to the budget of the City, with the intent for the positions to promote and facilitate beautification within public and private capital projects, pursue grants, coordinate public-private partnerships to clean public areas, assist and encourage private businesses to keep their property clean and updated, troubleshoot issues like mowing and graffiti on public property, pursue murals and other public art, and coordinate efforts with local beautification organizations, among other activities.


MULTIPURPOSE STADIUM $37M
For the purpose of pursuing the transformational power demonstrated by previous MAPS projects like the ballpark and the arena, it is the intent of the Council to allocate $37 million to a multipurpose stadium suitable for professional and college soccer, high school football and soccer, concerts and other events, similar in concept to multipurpose stadium venues found in every other large American city. Commencement of construction will be conditional on the approval of operating agreements with an established professional soccer operator / lessee before December 31, 2026 who can offer a self-sustaining operational model similar to the ballpark.

[kevin lee]

This is like getting only socks and clothes for Christmas. Even though you needed them, it's not quite what you was hoping for.

[OKCRT]

This is like getting only socks and clothes for Christmas. Even though you needed them, it's not quite what you was hoping for.

If that's it,I am voting NO

[5alive]

We can't always get all we want...sometimes we get what we need. This is known as being an adult

[OKC Guy]

Horrible. And some are creating new positions yet nothing about how many and what they will pay and administration of them. Plus this is for 8 years that means nothing else gets approved for all those years.

The first 3 worked because they were transformative and needed the big/long term timeline. But now we are dreaming up projects and very vague in them. I see a lot of potential for abuse.

Most here know I am not supportive of the streetcar because I felt we needed to get buses fixed first to get people to downtown and then could have used micro luxury buses around downtown which can also adjust routes based on needs and changing dynamics. Having said that what if after CC, Omni and CP open the SC takes off and the near west downtown becomes the new Bricktown? If SC does great we might want to expand it to newly ID’d areas. But now its locked out for at least 8 years. And this M4 doesn’t truly transform buses either.

Thats the issue here is at 8 years long it locks out ability to adjust as our city grows. When we started M1 our downtown was dead. We mostly focused on Bricktown. After M3 we have grown and changed a lot. Bricktown is no longer the only game in town and if one looks back 8 years to how our downtown was and look at now - its changed dramatically. The same thing will happen going forward and with another 8 year Maps we will have no ability to do any other projects.

I strongly feel we need to tailor Maps down to 2 year cycles. Another need or transformative project might gain support but will be lost due to length of M4. If Aquarium is popular then it won’t have any chance for at least 8 years. Doing 2 year cycles we could create a permanent Maps community committee composed of citizens who would be changed out often. This allows ideas to constantly be formulated and would allow us to adjust to new needs faster.

As written my vote is a solid no on M4. There are a few good projects but nothing that says “I have to have that”. I see huge waste potential and will vote no to give me my penny per dollar back.

[king183]

Were they any projects that had official, dedicated presentations to the council that did not make the list?

[Zuplar]

You know after reading through this list I’m more inclined to vote yes now. Sure there is not as much that’s big and sexy, but so much of this will enhance existing projects. It’s like all the little details that’s go no one thinks about but really bring everything together and I think it might just work.

[king183]

Were they any projects that had official, dedicated presentations to the council that did not make the list?

To be more direct: Were the council presentations just part of a PR effort dressed up as a "transparent, public process" to support a predetermined list of items chosen behind closed doors long ago? That may seem iike a loaded question, but it's an honest one--I don't know. But it does seem suspicious given the historical way decisions have been made in this city.

I'd like to know what changes were made to the proposed projects as a result of the public process.

[Ed Shadid]

It is difficult to overstate the stress on future budgets which this fiscally irresponsible, logrolled package of projects will induce.

Bowing to the pushback on the lack of operations funding to accompany hundreds of millions of dollars in capital projects, Holt has pushed the idea of setting aside roughly $100 million of MAPS4 dollars and investing the money to achieve what he hopes to be an average annual rate of return of 4% or roughly $4 million/year to pay for the operations of these roughly $1 billion in projects.

There are several problems with this approach.

First, it takes years to collect the $100 million while trying to complete the 16 projects. This leads to a lost decade of increased pressure on the budget without a corresponding increase in funds for operations.

Second, the endowment fund will perform the worst at exactly the time when we would need it the most; during a recession/depression. Every downturn in the OK/OKC economy leads to sharp cuts in services by the City of OKC and it is usually departments such as parks and transit which get hit the hardest. A dedicated fund for operations (such as the 1/8 cent for the zoo etc..) would provide funds for operations even in a downturn while the endowment fiasco is potentially going to have a negative return during such times and for the privilege of losing money you get to pay a management fee to the banker administering the fund.

Third, the council is not being honest about the continued stress on the budget from the MAPS3 projects. Months ago the council met in small groups to discuss the fact that, for the second year in a row, the Boathouse Foundation was requesting millions of dollars from the City's general fund to plug hemorrhaging budgetary holes; roughly $3 million is being sought this year. The Mayor/Council are keeping this hidden from the public presumably until after the MAPS vote in December. In other words, 75% of the expected return of the MAPS4 endowment fund to pay for the operations of the $1 billion in MAPS4 programs would be eaten up by the Boathouse Foundation shortfall alone.

The MAPS 4 program in which a maximum number of constituencies were appeased (logrolling) in an attempt at securing passage without adequate funds for operations is incredibly fiscally irresponsible and there will be great pain to be endured during the inevitable future economic downturns.

A dedicated quarter cent for operations would have gone a long ways towards fiscal responsibility and protecting us from the pain headed our way.

[OKC Guy]

It is difficult to overstate the stress on future budgets which this fiscally irresponsible, logrolled package of projects will induce.

Bowing to the pushback on the lack of operations funding to accompany hundreds of millions of dollars in capital projects, Holt has pushed the idea of setting aside roughly $100 million of MAPS4 dollars and investing the money to achieve what he hopes to be an average annual rate of return of 4% or roughly $4 million/year to pay for the operations of these roughly $1 billion in projects.

There are several problems with this approach.

First, it takes years to collect the $100 million while trying to complete the 16 projects. This leads to a lost decade of increased pressure on the budget without a corresponding increase in funds for operations.

Second, the endowment fund will perform the worst at exactly the time when we would need it the most; during a recession/depression. Every downturn in the OK/OKC economy leads to sharp cuts in services by the City of OKC and it is usually departments such as parks and transit which get hit the hardest. A dedicated fund for operations (such as the 1/8 cent for the zoo etc..) would provide funds for operations even in a downturn while the endowment fiasco is potentially going to have a negative return during such times and for the privilege of losing money you get to pay a management fee to the banker administering the fund.

Third, the council is not being honest about the continued stress on the budget from the MAPS3 projects. Months ago the council met in small groups to discuss the fact that, for the second year in a row, the Boathouse Foundation was requesting millions of dollars from the City's general fund to plug hemorrhaging budgetary holes; roughly $3 million is being sought this year. The Mayor/Council are keeping this hidden from the public presumably until after the MAPS vote in December. In other words, 75% of the expected return of the MAPS4 endowment fund to pay for the operations of the $1 billion in MAPS4 programs would be eaten up by the Boathouse Foundation shortfall alone.

The MAPS 4 program in which a maximum number of constituencies were appeased (logrolling) in an attempt at securing passage without adequate funds for operations is incredibly fiscally irresponsible and there will be great pain to be endured during the inevitable future economic downturns.

A dedicated quarter cent for operations would have gone a long ways towards fiscal responsibility and protecting us from the pain headed our way.

Totally agree. And some of the vagueness long term funding is bad as written. We need to address continuing operations and I have stated this many times, each Maps increases future operations to unsustainable levels. Just for street car alone I don’t think the masses realize how much it will cost once the shine wears off. A replacement car is going to run around $3,500,000 and up. We have what, 7? Just imagine the upkeep costs of the whole system and we cannot adjust the route.

This Maps 4 is filled with pork and more pork. And we’ll have a downturn at some point yet are locked in paying a full penny for 8 years with no ability to adjust to changes.

This Maps 4 will be the end of Maps as we’ve known it. We had a chance to shorten it and then address reocurring costs but have failed. All of us pay for operations one way or another and if approved we are voting to pay a ton of future upkeep costs that are not being publicly talked about at local gov level.

[king183]

Bowing to the pushback on the lack of operations funding to accompany hundreds of millions of dollars in capital projects, Holt has pushed the idea of setting aside roughly $100 million of MAPS4 dollars and investing the money to achieve what he hopes to be an average annual rate of return of 4% or roughly $4 million/year to pay for the operations of these roughly $1 billion in projects.

While I believe your general point may stand, you're greatly overstating the particulars of the MAPS4 induced stress on city operating funds when you say endowments aren't big enough or are flawed mechanism to operate $1 billion in new programs. It's not $1 billion in new MAPS programs that require operating funds; it's substantially less. If you read the resolution, many of the projects will receive the capital funding only after they have identified non-municipal operating fund sources. The diversion hub and mental health crisis centers, for example, fall into this category.

Further, many of the high cost projects require no additional expenditure to operate. Chesapeake Energy upgrades, the biggest ticket item, for example, won't require an operating fund.

Third, the council is not being honest about the continued stress on the budget from the MAPS3 projects. Months ago the council met in small groups to discuss the fact that, for the second year in a row, the Boathouse Foundation was requesting millions of dollars from the City's general fund to plug hemorrhaging budgetary holes; roughly $3 million is being sought this year. The Mayor/Council are keeping this hidden from the public presumably until after the MAPS vote in December. In other words, 75% of the expected return of the MAPS4 endowment fund to pay for the operations of the $1 billion in MAPS4 programs would be eaten up by the Boathouse Foundation shortfall alone.

How are they keeping this hidden from the public when you know about it and can speak to it in public forums? Are you delivering more information to Pete and the Gazette about it so it can be reported more widely?

[Ed Shadid]

Repeatedly members of the media refer to the MAPS4 projects as if they are going to appear on the December 10th ballot just as they did in the MAPS1 vote. Here is the actual ballot language which will be presented to voters on December 10th:

Shall ordinance No. 26.255 ("Ordinance") of the City of Oklahoma City ("City") be approved?

The ordinance levies a City excise tax of one percent (1%) upon the gross proceeds or gross receipts derived from all sales taxable under the sales tax laws of the State of Oklahoma for a limited term of eight (8) years. The Ordinance provides for the sales tax levy to become effective at 12:00 am on April 1, 2020, with the eight-year term expiring at 12:00 am on April 1, 2028. Section 1 of the Ordinance would be codified as Section 52-23.7 in Article II of Chapter 52 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code, 2010. The sales tax levied by the Ordinance would be cumulative of other City sales tax levies effective as of April 1, 2020. The Ordinance is subject to approval by City voters pursuant to Section 2705 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

For the Ordinance--Yes [ ]

Against the Ordinance--No [ ]

[OKCRT]

We can't always get all we want...sometimes we get what we need. This is known as being an adult

Looks like a bunch of watered down 1/2 arsed projects.

[bucktalk]

"Additional 1,000 new streetlights"....baahahahahah....to go along with the 5,000 which don't work right now???

[chuck5815]

Would definitely prefer that the bulk of the 0.9B be spent on (a) attracting high paying non-O&G jobs; (b) capping the highway between the innovation district and automobile alley; (c) micro capping I-44 to provide additional connectivity and walkability; and (d) building a world class aquarium/extending the canal through the boat house district.

Most of the proposed projects are absolutely terrible and will generate zero in the way of ROI. This tax is supposed to create transformational projects.

[OKCRT]

Mind boggling to think they had a chance to put a World Class Aquarium on the list and we get this. If they did a poll with all these projects plus the Aquarium I would be willing to bet a World Class Aquarium would finish at the top. And it would be a better return for the tax payers. It would be something that would have people flocking to the downtown area ready to spend their money.

[Plutonic Panda]

^^^ No kidding. While these things will likely make the city better, I don't understand why MAPS has to cover all of this. Maybe it is time Oklahoma raises its taxes and goes big league. If the only way for cities to do these kinds of things is through sales taxes, than the cities need to lobby for change at the state level.

I also hope if this maps passes that we get updates on each project frequently. I feel like that was easy with MAPS 3 because it had fewer items. This MAPS will have many projects spread out.

[Plutonic Panda]

https://kfor.com/2019/08/23/maps-4-p...vote-on-plans/

https://oklahoman.com/article/563943...to-the-council

https://oklahoman.com/article/563941...ps-4-proposals

[dankrutka]

While I don't agree with the flashier, capital projects included, I think there are some tremendously important projects included. I am glad to see some attention to boost social service issues, include projects for northwest OKC, etc.

[AnguisHerba]

While I don't agree with the flashier, capital projects included, I think there are some tremendously important projects included. I am glad to see some attention to boost social service issues, include projects for northwest OKC, etc.

I agree with your sentiment. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. I will be voting yes.

[TheTravellers]

"Additional 1,000 new streetlights"....baahahahahah....to go along with the 5,000 which don't work right now???

Yeah, that one just baffled me, wish I could've been at their presentation to ask about that. Fix the ones you have, then figure out how to put more up *and* keep them lit.

[shawnw]

While I have the same beef, the reality is that there are number of places surprisingly not even served by streetlights that should have them.

[Hollywood]

Would definitely prefer that the bulk of the 0.9B be spent on (a) attracting high paying non-O&G jobs; (b) capping the highway between the innovation district and automobile alley; (c) micro capping I-44 to provide additional connectivity and walkability; and (d) building a world class aquarium/extending the canal through the boat house district.

Most of the proposed projects are absolutely terrible and will generate zero in the way of ROI. This tax is supposed to create transformational projects.

Exactly why I’ve added Election Day to my calendar to not forget to vote no. MAPS has been modified to cover what should be done by other entities or by normal municipal means.

Social movement doesn’t elevate the city above others; but outstanding projects result in the increase of sales tax to fund those extras from general operations.

[OKC Guy]

Would definitely prefer that the bulk of the 0.9B be spent on (a) attracting high paying non-O&G jobs; (b) capping the highway between the innovation district and automobile alley; (c) micro capping I-44 to provide additional connectivity and walkability; and (d) building a world class aquarium/extending the canal through the boat house district.

Most of the proposed projects are absolutely terrible and will generate zero in the way of ROI. This tax is supposed to create transformational projects.

This is transformational in that it transforms 3 successful Maps into a complete boondoggle. Like stated adding street lights lol they can’t keep up with current ones. Heck we can’t even get paint to stick on roads and no amount if lights will fix that. This does not move the needle at all it is fraught with potential waste and no real oversight.

Short of bus funding too. They are throwing darts at a board just to dream up stuff and this is not going to make our city better. It will lock us in a death spiral of future costs and not adding anything transformative.

[Laramie]

Our new councilors, one rides a bike, the other a bus. They feel and see the city, experience its inadequacies on a daily basis.

MAPS 4 is not a cure all initiative for our city. Pete has provided an unlimited number of threads to develop on OKCTalk forum for civil discussion.

Just want to commend you Pete for your work; you have been steadfast, as you have addressed as much as you could possibly implement for one individual.