Meeting Summary
The city council held its final special meeting to hear presentations on potential MAPS 4 projects. Proposals included a $42 million mental health initiative, a $67-72 million multi-purpose stadium, and a $100 million innovation district. Council also discussed an aquarium concept, a robotics program, and the overall format, timing, revenue, sustainable design, and public art components for the upcoming MAPS 4 vote.
Upcoming Community Events
OKC Energy FC Women's World Cup watch party
Held at Together Square.
OKC Energy FC block party
OKC Dodgers STEM Day
Held at Bricktown Ballpark, featuring robotics program outreach.
Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival
Celebrated its fifth year in historic Capitol Hill.
Financial Matters
Mental Health Proposal
Capital costs for a restoration center, two crisis centers, and transitional housing.
Mental Health Proposal (Operating Expenses)
Projected annual operating expenses for the proposed mental health facilities.
Multi-purpose Stadium (Option 1)
Estimated cost for an 8,000-seat multi-purpose stadium.
Multi-purpose Stadium (Option 2)
Estimated cost for a 10,000-seat expandable multi-purpose stadium with enhanced concert amenities.
Innovation District Proposal
Capital costs for Innovation Hall, Henrietta B. Foster Center, Booker T. Washington Park, connectivity projects, and an operations fund.
Aquarium Proposal (Aquarium Facility)
Estimated cost for a new aquarium facility.
Aquarium Proposal (Canal Extension)
Estimated cost to extend the Bricktown Canal to the proposed aquarium site.
MAPS 4 Revenue Estimates
Estimated annual revenue from a one-cent temporary sales tax over 7-8 years.
Public Safety Use Tax Allocation
Annual amount from use tax currently allocated for police and fire equipment replacement and technology.
MAPS 4 Endowment Fund (Discussion)
Discussion about a potential endowment fund for MAPS 4 projects, estimated to be around $100 million, with a conservative return of 2-4%.
Public Comments
Citizens expressed strong support for mental health initiatives, emphasizing community-based treatment and jail diversion. The multi-purpose stadium proposal was also widely supported, particularly by the soccer community and youth advocates, though some questioned public funding and location. The innovation district was praised for its economic potential, but speakers stressed the importance of equitable benefits for surrounding neighborhoods. Other topics included sustainable design, public art, and the need for state funding for city projects.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- MAPS 4 election no later than December 10th.
- Council meeting to call for MAPS 4 election no later than September 24th.
- Current streets sales tax ends March 31st, 2020, allowing MAPS 4 to begin April 1st, 2020.
Watch For
- Development of the final MAPS 4 proposal by the city council.
- Future discussions on a bond election for drainage needs beyond current projects.
- Potential state government financial contributions to the Innovation District and other city projects.
- Continued efforts by the NE OKC Food Task Force to address food desert issues in northeast Oklahoma City.
Announcements
- Councilman James Cooper announced the new penalty reduction program for municipal tickets and bench warrants, noting 183 cases have already been processed.
- Councilwoman Nikki Nice announced the dedication of a portion of a highway in Ward 7 to the late Senator Melvin Porter.
- Councilwoman Nikki Nice informed the public about the recent closure of a grocery store in the northeast quadrant and the efforts of the NE OKC Food Task Force (neokcfood.com) to provide transportation and food resources to affected zip codes (73111, 73115, 73118).
Agenda Summary
Mental Health
Presentation on a comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment system, including a restoration center, two additional crisis centers, and 30 units of transitional housing, requesting $42 million in MAPS 4 funding.
Multi-purpose Stadium
Presentation on a multi-purpose outdoor stadium with two options: an 8,000-seat venue for $37-42 million or a 10,000-seat expandable venue with enhanced concert amenities for $67-72 million.
Innovation District
Presentation on the Oklahoma City Innovation District, proposing Innovation Hall, redevelopment of the Henrietta B. Foster Center, renovation of Booker T. Washington Park, and connectivity projects, requesting $100 million in MAPS 4 funding.
Other Projects Brought Forward by Council Members
Council members presented additional project ideas, including a Bricktown Canal extension to an aquarium (estimated $110-130 million for aquarium, $1.5 million for canal extension) and an expansion of after-school robotics programs.
Overview of Format, Timing, Revenue Estimates, Sustainable Design, One Percent for Art
Discussion on the proposed MAPS 4 format (one-cent temporary sales tax, one vote), timing (December election), revenue estimates ($120 million annually), sustainable design principles, and the one percent for art ordinance.
Citizens to be Heard
General public comments on various topics, including the proposed MAPS 4 endowment fund, city budget, and homelessness.