NEW ORLEANS — Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt outlined how decades of voter-approved public investments helped transform his city into a national growth story during the Bureau of Governmental Research’s (BGR) 2026 Annual Luncheon, held Oct. 19. Titled “Taking a City to the Next Level,” the event focused on Oklahoma City’s economic development and revitalization efforts and the lessons they could offer New Orleans.
“I think New Orleans is poised for your own modern renaissance,” Holt told attendees.
Holt, who has served as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, described how Oklahoma City built public support for major infrastructure and community investments over more than three decades. Since 1993, voters have approved 15 consecutive city tax measures totaling approximately $10 billion in local investment, according to figures shared during his presentation…