ECON DEV 101: Why Housing IS Economic Development

You can’t grow a community if there’s nowhere for people to live. And in Okmulgee, we’re feeling the squeeze.

Here’s the reality:

• Companies may want to locate here.

• Workers may want to live here.

• People who grew up here might want to come back.

But if we don’t have enough quality housing, especially for families and mid-level professionals, it’s a dealbreaker.

So Why Aren’t Developers Building? It’s not because they haven’t noticed Okmulgee—it’s that some data points make them hesitate.

One of the biggest factors?

***Our public school district doesn’t currently have a strong reputation.

That single datapoint can steer developers toward neighboring communities—even if Okmulgee has other assets they like. It’s a tough truth, and we’re not the only community facing it. But we have to acknowledge it if we’re going to change it.

What Gives Us Hope? A lot, actually.

• We’re on the edge of Tulsa’s growth corridor.

• We’re included in the Tulsa MSA.

• We have infrastructure capacity, available land, and leadership that’s actively trying to solve the problem.

• We’re building partnerships and awareness to position Okmulgee as a real option.

  
  

Development moves outward in waves, and we are in the path. Eventually, the momentum will shift in our direction—but we’re also working to shorten the wait.

What Can Be Done in the Meantime?

• Explore alternative housing models (infill, duplexes, senior housing).

• Connect the dots between workforce and housing (if we want to attract workers, they need a place to live).

• Keep telling the full story of who we are and where we’re going—not just where we’ve been.

Housing isn’t just about roofs and walls.

• It’s about workforce.

• It’s about quality of life.

• It’s about our future.

That’s why housing is economic development.