ECON DEV 101: What is economic development?

We'll start our series with an introductory discussion on economic development. In simplest terms, economic development means focusing on improving a community's economic well-being and quality of life by creating wealth, attracting businesses, and promoting job growth, with the goal of creating a more prosperous and sustainable community.

•  It’s planning for jobs. Attracting new and growing existing employers that bring sustainable, well-paying jobs—especially in target industries.

• It’s investing in people. Workforce development, training pipelines, and education partnerships are part of the work—because talent drives opportunity.

• It’s shaping place. From downtown revitalization to industrial parks and housing—this work builds environments where businesses and families want to be.

• It’s partnerships. We work alongside city hall, chambers, educators, real estate developers, nonprofits, and citizens. Collaboration is not optional—it’s the engine.

All of this doesn't happen over night, nor does it happen easily. Economic development is a long game.

It’s about weaving together people, place, and purpose to shape a better future—one smart step at a time.

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 Next week, we’ll take a look at who’s driving this work forward—because economic development isn’t just one office or one person. It’s a whole network of local teams working in tandem, each in their own lane, building what we’re calling the Okmulgee Superhighway.