Oklahoma City’s growth story is getting national attention as Christy Gillenwater recently joined two economic development-focused podcasts to discuss how the region built its momentum and where it is headed next.

Gillenwater joined Dane Carlson on the Econ Dev Show, where the conversation centered on the MAPS program and how it has helped shape Oklahoma City over the past three decades.

“We run the campaign; we never issue debt, so we do not start the projects until that revenue is at the city,” Gillenwater said.

That approach, she said, has allowed the city to make steady, intentional investments in quality of life, infrastructure and people, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and major wins.

You can listen to the full Econ Dev Show episode featuring Gillenwater for free here.

She also sat down with Zach Silber on the Standard & Works podcast, where the focus turned to Oklahoma City’s role in the LA28 Olympic Games and how those same investments made it possible.

Over more than 30 years, MAPS has helped deliver projects like RIVERSPORT Rapids and Devon Park, which will host canoe slalom and softball during the games, making Oklahoma City the first city outside a host metro to stage two full Olympic sports.

“It’s been 30 years of intentional investment that has really led us to this level of momentum,” Gillenwater said.

The conversation also highlighted the region’s broader economic development pipeline, including major aerospace and defense assets like Tinker Air Force Base and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, which continue to support job growth and attract new investment.

You can listen to the full Standard & Works episode featuring Gillenwater for free here.

Together, the appearances reflect how Oklahoma City is continuing to elevate its story on a national stage, reinforcing its position as a competitive market for growth, investment and talent.