Sales Tax Funding Helps Oklahoma City Expand Smart Infrastructure

In Oklahoma City, through MAPS, they invest in smart city infrastructure — bike lanes, transit lines, mental health centers — all for a sustainable future.

Oklahoma City has made a proposition for smart infrastructure through its Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) program, all funded by a one-cent sales tax that was enacted in 1993. The program is now being seen as a hallmark in regard to the city transformation. Mayor David Holt is currently presiding over the fourth renewals approved by the voters in 2019, which aims to garner a total of about $1.1 billion through the public facilities programs over the next eight years.

Rather, the newly construed programs of changing humanity include mental health centers, justice facilities, and improvements in public transport while most other focus on active projects, such as 100 miles of trails, improved bike lanes, and two bus rapid transit lines-all expanding the infrastructure for a healthier, more sustainable future city. Holt stressed the importance of providing these enabling physical infrastructures to continue walking and cycling as a connected, resilient community.

However, Oklahoma City's commitment to smart infrastructure stands as a great example of civic engagement and a catalyst for all future dreams of the city.