OKC Facts and Figures

Oklahoma City History
Born at the sound of a gunshot, Oklahoma City was settled by a historic land run involving 10,000 homesteaders on April 22, 1889. Located equidistant from both coasts, Oklahoma City has long been hailed as Mid-America’s International Connection. The convergence of I-35, I-40 and I-44 as well as the development of Tinker Air Force Base made Oklahoma City into a major interchange on the interstate highway system – with 130-plus miles of federal interstate and state highways. And with the central location of the nation’s major highway arteries, Oklahoma City became a principal distribution center within the state and the southwest region. Efficient transportation has been the cornerstone in the overall planning of Oklahoma City. As a result, getting to any part of the city (622.5 square miles!) takes about 20 minutes or less. During the 1970s and 80s, Oklahoma witnessed a decline in the inner-city as residents were choosing to live in the suburbs. For that reason, the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) redevelopment project was passed in 1993. Through this initiative, Oklahoma City has succeeded in developing and renovating a series of nine public projects. These include renovations to the Convention Center, Civic Center Music Hall and Oklahoma City fairgrounds, development of the Bricktown Ballpark, Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma City Arena, Library, Spirit Trolley System, and the Oklahoma River and recreational facilities.

Oklahoma City Tidbits

• Most populous city in the State of Oklahoma.
• Nation’s 30th largest city with approximately 563,000 residents.
• Ranked No. 1 most affordable housing market of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in America by Bizjournals.com.
• In land area, it is the 3rd largest in the nation.
• The Greater Oklahoma City area includes 10 counties with more than 1.2 million citizens.
• The capitol building at 23rd and Lincoln is the only capitol in the nation with a working oil well on its grounds.
• Tinker Air Force Base is the 2nd largest military air depot in the nation.
• The world’s first installed parking meter was in Oklahoma City, on July 16, 1935.
• In addition to being the Aviation Capital, it is also the Energy Capital with industry leaders such as Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy.
• Ranked by Forbes as America’s Most Recession-Proof City due to falling unemployment, one of the strongest housing markets in the country and strong growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing.

Oklahoma City Government
Current Mayor Mick Cornett first elected in 2004-2006 has focused on two key priorities-educations and jobs. Cornett’s leadership in the implementation of MAPS for kids has led the way in renovating the school infrastructure in the inner city. Additionally, Cornett has been instrumental in the City’s continuation of an economic renaissance with employment expansion, acquisition of the NBA franchise and infrastructure development.

Oklahoma City Hotels

Total rooms includes 7 properties currently under construction with 779 total rooms.

Oklahoma City Transportation

• Metro Transit - a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) offers more than 25 interconnecting routes, including two Express routes with convenient service and the flexibility of numerous stops throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Local patrons will enjoy the versatility of the operating schedule which generally offers service from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• The Oklahoma City bus systems cover 465 miles of the metropolitan area, including the Edmond area. This transit service provides a convenient Monday-Saturday operating schedule.
• Oklahoma Spirit Trolley-a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) travels throughout the downtown area on the Red & Blue Lines. They also tour the I-40/Meridian corridor on the Orange Line. This transit system provides flexible daily inbound and outbound services.

Oklahoma City Quick Facts

Famous People from Oklahoma City