By John Budd, CEO, Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Forget what you think you know about Oklahoma. We have the sites, we have the energy, we have the workforce and we have the most business-friendly environment in the country. Today, Oklahoma is a state built for the future. Coming off a year of record-breaking capital investment, strategic industry growth and an enhanced workforce pipeline, this is one of the most dynamic economic moments in our state’s history.
Governor Stitt says Oklahoma is the most business-friendly state in the nation. I would add that we are also the most solution-friendly. We operate as a “one phone call state.” When a company needs answers, access or alignment, they get it quickly. That responsiveness, combined with disciplined strategy and strong public-private partnerships, led to a record $14.7 billion in new capital investment in 2025.
The wins keep coming. Google is reinvesting in Oklahoma, committing to spend $9 billion over the next two years on data center expansion projects in Stillwater, Muskogee and other cities, reinforcing Oklahoma’s growing reputation as a hub for AI and digital infrastructure.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is partnering with Century Aluminum on a multi-billion-dollar primary aluminum facility at the Port of Inola called Oklahoma Primary Aluminum. This will be the first primary aluminum facility constructed in the United States in more than 45 years and will double domestic aluminum production.
This project positions Oklahoma at the center of the nation’s aluminum supply chain and strengthens America’s industrial independence. We have seen how aluminum production anchors broader manufacturing ecosystems in other parts of the world. We expect the same here, as suppliers and downstream manufacturers follow production capacity. That is how generational industry clusters are built.
CBC Global Ammunition is investing $300 million to build an advanced manufacturing facility in Pryor, creating 350 new jobs. In Marietta, Dollar Tree is rebuilding its distribution center, bringing back 400 jobs and strengthening the region’s logistics network.
These announcements reflect a broader pattern. Oklahoma is emerging as a national defense hub, an advanced manufacturing leader and a critical minerals powerhouse.
Oklahoma has managed to swing for the fences while also supporting homegrown Oklahoma businesses. In 2025, the state partnered with 201 companies through the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) to create almost 1,000 jobs, representing $82 million in capital investment across 64 communities.
Our competitive edge begins with energy. Oklahoma ranks sixth nationally in oil and natural gas production, fourth in renewable energy production and third in total electricity generation. We produce 61 percent more energy than we consume and have the second-lowest energy costs in the nation.
Equally important is location, location, location. Oklahoma sits at the center of the United States, with 99 million people within 500 miles connected by three intersecting interstate highways. We have nearly 4,000 miles of rail, 131 public-use airports and four inland ports, including one of the largest and most inland ice-free ports in the country. You can literally get barge access into Oklahoma. This logistics infrastructure supports both distribution expansions and advanced manufacturing growth.
Investment in projects is only sustainable when matched with investment in people. Oklahoma has one of the premier CareerTech systems in the country, with an annual enrollment of 500,000 students and a 94 percent positive placement rate. Our CareerTechs work directly with companies to ensure that they are teaching students the skills they need to excel in the workforce.
Students attending our 25 public colleges and universities are also choosing to stay in Oklahoma. More than 91 percent of in-state graduates remain in Oklahoma and work in the state one year after they graduate, and 83.5 percent still work in the state five years after graduation.
Our economic momentum is reinforced by population trends. Oklahoma has ranked in the top ten nationally for positive net migration for three consecutive years, adding nearly 34,000 new residents in 2025 alone. For the second straight year, more people moved from Texas to Oklahoma than the other way around. People are choosing Oklahoma for opportunity, affordability and quality of life.
At the same time, our state is stepping confidently onto the global stage. The Oklahoma City Thunder captured an NBA Championship in 2025, elevating our international profile. As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Route 66, we are preparing to welcome visitors from around the world to experience Oklahoma’s 400 drivable miles of the iconic highway, more than any other state. In 2028, we will host Olympic softball and canoe slalom events in partnership with Los Angeles, demonstrating that Oklahoma can deliver on a global platform.
Economic development is not done in isolation. It requires strategic planning, strong incentives, infrastructure readiness and a highly skilled workforce. Most importantly, it requires collaboration.
Oklahoma is competing and leading in the global economy. With record investment, expanding industry clusters and a workforce prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, we are not simply participating in growth. We are shaping it.
