Would be pretty cool if OK/Tulsa could pull this off!

https://www.tulsaworld.com/business/tesla-picks-tulsa-austin-as-finalists-for-new-u-s-factory/article_812dda5f-75f2-5493-aca9-6463f8efe17d.html?fbclid=IwAR3nftxVMJQwdX4Qn25Uki-QL1KvYLDMeS9MlR5kac2mhkxmArqzzdxS2Kk#utm_campaign= blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Bet it'll be Austin and this is just a ploy to get the two cities in a bidding war to get more incentives.

I fail to see the positives in Tulsa getting this, in terms of OKC. It would harm OKC a lot if this happened. It is one thing if OKC had more momentum on other fronts, like DFW does (they could not care less about Austin, given their own momentum). OKC is barely hanging on, so Tulsa getting Tesla would hurt OKC far, far more than OKC could recover from any time soon.

All that said, I think they pick Austin.

And it's not clear it's just Tulsa vs. Austin.

There may be more cities involved.

I fail to see the positives in Tulsa getting this, in terms of OKC. It would harm OKC a lot if this happened. It is one thing if OKC had more momentum on other fronts, like DFW does (they could not care less about Austin, given their own momentum). OKC is barely hanging on, so Tulsa getting Tesla would hurt OKC far, far more than OKC could recover from any time soon.

All that said, I think they pick Austin.Couldn't disagree more. It's not like they would be moving jobs from OKC to Tulsa. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Let's hope that Elon care more about property than income taxes, and that George kaiser has some extra land to donate. That may do the trick.

Also, would the no income tax even come into play here? I assume it helps greatly with corporate HQ, but when it comes to manufacturing plants do they necessarily make money?

It would be great for all involved if it was Tulsa. Okc, ok, Tulsa, rural, etc.

But it’s going to Austin.

Bet it'll be Austin and this is just a ploy to get the two cities in a bidding war to get more incentives.

Austin doesn’t have a port so at least that’s one major advantage to Tulsa

Also, would the no income tax even come into play here? I assume it helps greatly with corporate HQ, but when it comes to manufacturing plants do they necessarily make money?

It comes into play for the workers, the same way school and education rankings are factored in, because it entices workers.

Let's hope that Elon care more about property than income taxes, and that George kaiser has some extra land to donate. That may do the trick.

Also, would the no income tax even come into play here? I assume it helps greatly with corporate HQ, but when it comes to manufacturing plants do they necessarily make money?

There is the Navistar bus plant at TIA that the city has publicly been trying to kick out because they haven’t been maintaining the facility. It has access to the airport and close proximity to the port. Not saying this is where they would go but it’s a possibility.

And don’t put it past George Kaiser to offer up some land or incentives of their own. They are committing hundreds of millions of dollars to Tulsa this would fall in their wheelhouse.

This would be insane. Obviously from bias I would prefer it in OKC but if it came to Tulsa I would be ecstatic!

This would be an incredible coup!

A billionaire successfully dealing with another billionaire for the public good would be unusually cool.

If it didn't convene Friday, the Oklahoma Legislature should hold off from adjourning in case it's needed to make an incentive deal with Tesla.

It would be great for all involved if it was Tulsa. Okc, ok, Tulsa, rural, etc.

But it’s going to Austin.

I think Austin was in the running before for a Tesla plant, but lost.

The Dallas World article certainly made it seem like Austin was all but a lock and quoted Musk saying one would be going there regardless.

Austin doesn’t have a port so at least that’s one major advantage to Tulsa

Was coming here to say this. Also musk is a funky dude. Austin isn’t funky anymore, it’s pretty much in that stereotype booming city: Nashville Denver Austin.

Cost of living is very high in Austin.
Local Austin politics maybe tired of the growth.

It’s probably Austin but Tulsa does have a few advantages.

Also George Kaiser. He’s shown he’ll do whatever it takes to better Tulsa. There’s a scenario where he tells Musk I’ll take a $2 billion position in Tesla if you come to Tulsa.

Sounds like the old familiar "Quality of Life" issue that landed United in Indianapolis over Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Quality Jobs program just may be the tipping point that brings Telsa to Tulsa.

Good luck, Tulsa...

Was coming here to say this. Also musk is a funky dude. Austin isn’t funky anymore, it’s pretty much in that stereotype booming city: Nashville Denver Austin.

Cost of living is very high in Austin.
Local Austin politics maybe tired of the growth.

It’s probably Austin but Tulsa does have a few advantages.

Yep, those were my other points to some friends of mine as well. Elon could be the guy that puts Tulsa on the map...he isn’t going to do that for Austin. It would definitely serve his ego better to go to Tulsa.

Yep, those were my other points to some friends of mine as well. Elon could be the guy that puts Tulsa on the map...he isn’t going to do that for Austin. It would definitely serve his ego better to go to Tulsa.

Well according to Rolling Stone Tulsa is the next Austin so Elon would just be getting ahead of the game :) https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tulsa-oklahoma-music-scene-938316/

Well according to Rolling Stone Tulsa is the next Austin so Elon would just be getting ahead of the game :) https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tulsa-oklahoma-music-scene-938316/
Which would literally fit his personality. That’s like who he is.

https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2015/03/tulsa_emerging_as_hipster_hub.html

In MY OPINION, Oklahomas poor educational system and even poorer health care system will ALWAYS keep great business from locating in the State. Back Office, call center, distribution yes but Oklahomas failure to improve in the two areas mentioned above keeps the State relegated to 3rd tier status. But people in Oklahoma love the status quo.

In MY OPINION, Oklahomas poor educational system and even poorer health care system will ALWAYS keep great business from locating in the State. Back Office, call center, distribution yes but Oklahomas failure to improve in the two areas mentioned above keeps the State relegated to 3rd tier status. But people in Oklahoma love the status quo.

I agree with you it’s a major detriment. But look no further than Tennessee to see how major private investments can change a state for the better. I see Oklahoma as the next Tennessee.

Tulsa will soon have a whole lot of former American Airlines maintenance and repair people unemployed, they will be highly motivated and should be worth considering for a Tesla Assembly Plant.

Tulsa needs the jobs. I hope they get it.

In MY OPINION, Oklahomas poor educational system and even poorer health care system will ALWAYS keep great business from locating in the State. Back Office, call center, distribution yes but Oklahomas failure to improve in the two areas mentioned above keeps the State relegated to 3rd tier status. But people in Oklahoma love the status quo.
I’m just stunned you came here to post this

I’m just stunned you came here to post this

I’ve never been more stunned by anything in my life...

In MY OPINION, Oklahomas poor educational system and even poorer health care system will ALWAYS keep great business from locating in the State. Back Office, call center, distribution yes but Oklahomas failure to improve in the two areas mentioned above keeps the State relegated to 3rd tier status. But people in Oklahoma love the status quo.

If its so bad why does our population keep growing? Why no mass exodus?

I never understand why people rail about OK when its grown nicely. Those fast growth Texas cities have major growing pains all you hear externally is companies moving in. Overcrowded schools and roads. City services struggling to keep up. Lots of problems for those who live there.

What is this magical ideal growth number? Can anyone tell me what exact percent of growth is perfect for a city? I say if a person loves those cities better then move.

If its so bad why does our population keep growing? Why no mass exodus?

I never understand why people rail about OK when its grown nicely. Those fast growth Texas cities have major growing pains all you hear externally is companies moving in. Overcrowded schools and roads. City services struggling to keep up. Lots of problems for those who live there.

What is this magical ideal growth number? Can anyone tell me what exact percent of growth is perfect for a city? I say if a person loves those cities better then move.

Sir, the State of Oklahoma may well not get to 4M residents in 2020 census. Nevada, Utah, gaining on the State, Formally peer States like OR, KY CO leaving OK in their wake. Saying prosperity in another State is bad is simply accepting that you cannot compete. Oklahoma CONSISTENTLY ranks in the BOTTOM 1/3 in almost any meaningful economic and educational measure. You want to DEFEND mediocrity rather than demand improvement from elected officials. OK

I would be surprised to see Oklahoma ever get another auto plant after what happened with GM back in the 70s. They were promised all kinds of tax incentives if they located here, including not having to pay ad valorem tax. They built their plant and the school district sued. The deal was found to be unconstitutional. They did operate For a few years, but I think that deal tainted future tax incentive offers for large plants.

Sir, the State of Oklahoma may well not get to 4M residents in 2020 census. Nevada, Utah, gaining on the State, Formally peer States like OR, KY CO leaving OK in their wake. Saying prosperity in another State is bad is simply accepting that you cannot compete. Oklahoma CONSISTENTLY ranks in the BOTTOM 1/3 in almost any meaningful economic and educational measure. You want to DEFEND mediocrity rather than demand improvement from elected officials. OK

Again, if its so bad here why are we growing?

What is this fixation with trying to compete with large states? All I read here is how everyone hates how we keep building in suburbs and expanding our service needs. What happens when we grow too fast.

Look at Paycom its a great homegrown company. Yet complaints about roads that can’t handle traffic. Too many apartments being built. Thats what happens when you grow fast.

Why do a few want all this influx of massive growth? I say if someone likes bigger cities like Dallas then move. The rest enjoy our city and can drive to Dallas on weekends and then leave all that hustle bustle behind in Sunday drive back.

Where does it stop? 3m? 4m? 10m? Whats the magic number? Some are never satisfied with what they have. I say enjoy what we have. If a company moves in great. If not great. Why do we have to keep up with the Jones? Why can’t we be happy with what we got? If your quality of life can only be served by living in bigger cities then move.

I happen to think OKC is a great city and place to live.

Again, if its so bad here why are we growing?

What is this fixation with trying to compete with large states? All I read here is how everyone hates how we keep building in suburbs and expanding our service needs. What happens when we grow too fast.

Look at Paycom its a great homegrown company. Yet complaints about roads that can’t handle traffic. Too many apartments being built. Thats what happens when you grow fast.

Why do a few want all this influx of massive growth? I say if someone likes bigger cities like Dallas then move. The rest enjoy our city and can drive to Dallas on weekends and then leave all that hustle bustle behind in Sunday drive back.

Where does it stop? 3m? 4m? 10m? Whats the magic number? Some are never satisfied with what they have. I say enjoy what we have. If a company moves in great. If not great. Why do we have to keep up with the Jones? Why can’t we be happy with what we got? If your quality of life can only be served by living in bigger cities then move.

I happen to think OKC is a great city and place to live.

That’s not what happens when you grow to fast, that’s what happens when a company chooses a stupid spot to build an office complex.

Again, if its so bad here why are we growing?

What is this fixation with trying to compete with large states? All I read here is how everyone hates how we keep building in suburbs and expanding our service needs. What happens when we grow too fast.

Look at Paycom its a great homegrown company. Yet complaints about roads that can’t handle traffic. Too many apartments being built. Thats what happens when you grow fast.

Why do a few want all this influx of massive growth? I say if someone likes bigger cities like Dallas then move. The rest enjoy our city and can drive to Dallas on weekends and then leave all that hustle bustle behind in Sunday drive back.

Where does it stop? 3m? 4m? 10m? Whats the magic number? Some are never satisfied with what they have. I say enjoy what we have. If a company moves in great. If not great. Why do we have to keep up with the Jones? Why can’t we be happy with what we got? If your quality of life can only be served by living in bigger cities then move.

I happen to think OKC is a great city and place to live.

Not sure if serious. What do they say about idle hands? I feel like that applies to complacency (see 23rd street and our garbage financial state).

That’s not what happens when you grow to fast, that’s what happens when a company chooses a stupid spot to build an office complex.

So now you get to decide where a company gets to build. I sense a trend. Only a few select citizens get to decide who moves in and where they can operate. They built in a wide open spot. Thats what growth does. They outgrew old location. Its a never ending cycle look at Dallas metro for proof.

Look, I’d love to have Tesla. Either here or Tulsa. But if they choose Texas its not an indictment about OK. Many factors go into decisions. It might be that its unrelated to the actual city in regards to quality of life. It could be that Texas is truck capital of world and new plant builds trucks and wants to capture that market. Building in Texas captures more of those truck owners who can say its built in their state. Its not saying OK is bad.

I am not one needing to worry about who carries a bigger stick. Population does nothing for me. I like my quality of life here. I’d rather we focus on existing citizens than worry about getting new ones. Our MAPS projects have been hugely positive (except one imo) and I take pride in new park and CC and OMNI. I take pride we can support our NBA team. I love we can drive anywhere in metro in 20 minutes or so whereas Dallas you have to plan all your drives around traffic.

Getting or not getting Tesla would not change my life. Its not gloom and doom if they choose Texas.

Getting or not getting Tesla would not change my life. Its not gloom and doom if they choose Texas.

Unfortunately, there are certain posters on here that are gloom and doom, no maater what. Everyone goes through times they are unhappy about something, but with some, virtually everything posted runs from negative connotation to crticism of something or someone, to just outright negativity - even if the point is valid - it starts to point to a real problem.

One poster here, just seems to go from thread to thread posting the same negativity if he feel it applies. Whether the thread is a good news thing or a potential massive positive, here comes Mr. Gloom and Doom to throw mud on it all. It's gone on for years and the mud is always the same.

Really, making a valid point once or twice is fine. When the posts all become virtual copies and pastes over and over and over again, the person really needs to step back and examine themselves a bit. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is great but chronic negativity is damaging and tiring , especially when the message is always the same.

Unfortunately, there are certain posters on here that are gloom and doom, no maater what. Everyone goes through times they are unhappy about something, but with some, virtually everything posted runs from negative connotation to crticism of something or someone, to just outright negativity - even if the point is valid - it starts to point to a real problem.

One poster here, just seems to go from thread to thread posting the same negativity if he feel it applies. Whether the thread is a good news thing or a potential massive positive, here comes Mr. Gloom and Doom to throw mud on it all. It's gone on for years and the mud is always the same.

Really, making a valid point once or twice is fine. When the posts all become virtual copies and pastes over and over and over again, the person really needs to step back and examine themselves a bit. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is great but chronic negativity is damaging and tiring , especially when the message is always the same.

Yup. We got Costco call center and I even seen some complaints in that thread. We will never be the utopia some have planned out in their head. I choose to enjoy what we do have. Am proud to say I live in OKC

Again, if its so bad here why are we growing?

What is this fixation with trying to compete with large states? All I read here is how everyone hates how we keep building in suburbs and expanding our service needs. What happens when we grow too fast.

Look at Paycom its a great homegrown company. Yet complaints about roads that can’t handle traffic. Too many apartments being built. Thats what happens when you grow fast.

Why do a few want all this influx of massive growth? I say if someone likes bigger cities like Dallas then move. The rest enjoy our city and can drive to Dallas on weekends and then leave all that hustle bustle behind in Sunday drive back.

Where does it stop? 3m? 4m? 10m? Whats the magic number? Some are never satisfied with what they have. I say enjoy what we have. If a company moves in great. If not great. Why do we have to keep up with the Jones? Why can’t we be happy with what we got? If your quality of life can only be served by living in bigger cities then move.

I happen to think OKC is a great city and place to live.

You did not dispute my facts about Oklahoma’s poor educational and health outcomes. Are you Ok with Oklahoma being overall a poor , undereducated and unhealthy State? If so, good for you.

In MY OPINION, Oklahomas poor educational system and even poorer health care system will ALWAYS keep great business from locating in the State. Back Office, call center, distribution yes but Oklahomas failure to improve in the two areas mentioned above keeps the State relegated to 3rd tier status. But people in Oklahoma love the status quo.

Life is how you make it. Too many Oklahomans indulge in bad health habits, such as smoking, lack of exercise, overeating and drinking, leading to less than good health. I don't see why newcomers considering coming to Oklahoma should be concerned about the state's poor health statistics, if they're already disciplined to practicing good health habits. However, I suppose employers might wonder if they will get more sick calls.

Much of Oklahoma is on its way out, not growing. I suspect rural counties drag Oklahoma down a lot. The constant decline there can't reflect well in the quality of life statistics. Education can't be will supported and maintained, due to declining property values and people moving out. Some counties have very little in the way of medical care. Some of the rural legislators think of ways to discourage Oklahoma from advancing, in other words, keeping the status quo. Fortunately, their bills are not always successful.

Once again, plains states, like Kansas and Nebraska support education better than Oklahoma with a higher quality of life, all have Right to Work, yet don't attract major industry, either. At least Tesla isn't looking at Kansas or Nebraska. I wonder how important it is to Musk for his assembly plant to be close to an airport with non stop international destinations.

Best States to live in ranked by Wallet Hub:
Oklahoma: 42
Kansas: 30
Nebraska: 19

Best States to live in ranked by U. S. News & World Report:
Oklahoma: 43
Kansas: 22
Nebraska: 9

It's hard to measure, but I have always wondered if it is truly an issue with the level of service (health & education) or more a matter of lack of interest in utilization of those services.

You did not dispute my facts about Oklahoma’s poor educational and health outcomes. Are you Ok with Oklahoma being overall a poor , undereducated and unhealthy State? If so, good for you.

No, you tried to tie that to why Tesla would never pick us

Yep, I did. Might happen, hope it happens, but I challenge anyone to bet the house on it, I wouldn’t. Hope I’m wrong

Yep, I did. Might happen, hope it happens, but I challenge anyone to bet the house on it, I wouldn’t. Hope I’m wrong

I’m wondering why you hate Oklahoma so much? It’s actually pretty nice, especially the better parts of OKC.

As much as I like Oklahoma, I had to move away out of State due to dismal, economic lack of good paying jobs. I would love for Oklahoma to win this economic coup, however I strongly believe Austin will be the city that wins! DC Sooner has a lot of valid points about Oklahoma.

So now you get to decide where a company gets to build. I sense a trend. Only a few select citizens get to decide who moves in and where they can operate. They built in a wide open spot. Thats what growth does. They outgrew old location. Its a never ending cycle look at Dallas metro for proof.

Look, I’d love to have Tesla. Either here or Tulsa. But if they choose Texas its not an indictment about OK. Many factors go into decisions. It might be that its unrelated to the actual city in regards to quality of life. It could be that Texas is truck capital of world and new plant builds trucks and wants to capture that market. Building in Texas captures more of those truck owners who can say its built in their state. Its not saying OK is bad.

I am not one needing to worry about who carries a bigger stick. Population does nothing for me. I like my quality of life here. I’d rather we focus on existing citizens than worry about getting new ones. Our MAPS projects have been hugely positive (except one imo) and I take pride in new park and CC and OMNI. I take pride we can support our NBA team. I love we can drive anywhere in metro in 20 minutes or so whereas Dallas you have to plan all your drives around traffic.

Getting or not getting Tesla would not change my life. Its not gloom and doom if they choose Texas.

lol no I don’t decide where companies build. But I do get a say when they beg for millions of our tax dollars to mitigate their poor decision.

You did not dispute my facts about Oklahoma’s poor educational and health outcomes. Are you Ok with Oklahoma being overall a poor , undereducated and unhealthy State? If so, good for you.

So adding more people fixes these problems? Or would it be better to work harder fixing problems without more burdened citizens?

Our state needs this. Hope we get it.

So adding more people fixes these problems? Or would it be better to work harder fixing problems without more burdened citizens?

Sir,
I do not know what you are talking about. My initial comments referred to Education and Health as reasons large Companies may hesitate to locate (plants, corporate offices, R&D facilities etc) in the State. These types of large corporations tend to locate in places where education, health care and quality of life are ranked high. I just have always wondered WHY the leadership of the State knowing this fails to aggressively address these deficiencies by placing emphasis on these areas rather than guns and other agendas that do not promote quality of life unless you think being able to walk around with a pistol on your hip or M-16 on your shoulder like creates jobs. and WHY whatever your politics, people continue to VOTE blindly for one party or the other when that party fails to address the systemic issues that keep the citizens of State poor, uneductated, and economically lacking relative to other States.

My comment had nothing to do with population, (yours did). Go back and look.

As much as I like Oklahoma, I had to move away out of State due to dismal, economic lack of good paying jobs. I would love for Oklahoma to win this economic coup, however I strongly believe Austin will be the city that wins! DC Sooner has a lot of valid points about Oklahoma.

I think it's not disputed he does - what's being criticized, at least by me, is his seemingly desperate need to repeat the same points, on multiple threads, over, and over and over again. The post in question here is a virtual copy and paste of multiple other posts he has made.

There comes a point where it can be said, OK dc, we`ve got it. Now come up with a resolution, come up with alternatives or be quiet and get out of the way.

Sir,
I do not know what you are talking about. My initial comments referred to Education and Health as reasons large Companies may hesitate to locate (plants, corporate offices, R&D facilities etc) in the State. These types of large corporations tend to locate in places where education, health care and quality of life are ranked high. I just have always wondered WHY the leadership of the State knowing this fails to aggressively address these deficiencies by placing emphasis on these areas rather than guns and other agendas that do not promote quality of life unless you think being able to walk around with a pistol on your hip or M-16 on your shoulder like creates jobs. and WHY whatever your politics, people continue to VOTE blindly for one party or the other when that party fails to address the systemic issues that keep the citizens of State poor, uneductated, and economically lacking relative to other States.

My comment had nothing to do with population, (yours did). Go back and look.

What does guns have to do with education?

And the theme of your post is to get more “better” companies to move here. Why does it matter who moves here? If we are growing (population) it must mean quality of life is still good.

Your post was just another in a long line of OK bashing, inferring we have a bad quality of life. And my retort is if its so bad go to these other states and enjoy this better quality of life.

What does guns have to do with education?

And the theme of your post is to get more “better” companies to move here. Why does it matter who moves here? If we are growing (population) it must mean quality of life is still good.

Your post was just another in a long line of OK bashing, inferring we have a bad quality of life. And my retort is if its so bad go to these other states and enjoy this better quality of life.

Ok Guy, without being disrespectful, I will say your response lacks for me even a modicum of reasonable argument, but Ok

This factory would be larger than the one in California, and it employs more than 10,000 people...

That's NUTS

This factory would be larger than the one in California, and it employs more than 10,000 people...

That's NUTS

Maybe Musk thinks that high number is nuts, too. I wonder if thanks to advances in automation 10,000+ workers could be reduced to 5000 workers in 10 years.

Friggin' Austin is the last place it should go. Sure, if you want to commute 90 minutes to work on overcrowded streets and highways, pay 5x the property taxes and 2x the housing costs of Tulsa. , then just make "the rich, richer" down there. Let Musk build his house and become a citizen of Austin, but let the factory come to Oklahoma! :)

This factory would be larger than the one in California, and it employs more than 10,000 people...

That's NUTS

And we have a huge workforce of laid off oil and gas service workers that would be a perfect fit for some of these roles. Our economy could really use something like this.

And we have a huge workforce of laid off oil and gas service workers that would be a perfect fit for some of these roles. Our economy could really use something like this.

Not to mention plenty of engineers and mechanics who could lose their jobs. AA hasn’t had any layoffs at the Mx base yet (that we know of) but who knows as the airline industry is ravaged. Per this article AA is still moving forward with a $550M investment in the base. https://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorials/tulsa-world-editorial-american-airlines-doesnt-waver-in-its-tulsa-plans/article_6c79d255-53fc-59b9-8b46-1a06ff193af0.html

BG, that’s really good news. I wondered if they would call that off due to Covid.

Catch is the expert here but I imagine maintenance bases have the 30 year view in mind not 3

Out of curiosity, what makes Tulsa more appealing than the OKC metro for Musk? It will be great for the state if Tulsa gets this, but I'd prefer it to go in OKC :)

Out of curiosity, what makes Tulsa more appealing than the OKC metro for Musk? It will be great for the state if Tulsa gets this, but I'd prefer it to go in OKC :)

I can think of some areas for it to go around OKC. I'm betting they're eyeing mid-America industrial park though. There's a LOT Of land available for expansion there, and it could be a huge hub for IT and manufacturing in the state. I wish we had something like that in OKC. Even half the size.

Out of curiosity, what makes Tulsa more appealing than the OKC metro for Musk? It will be great for the state if Tulsa gets this, but I'd prefer it to go in OKC :)
-The port gives access to the Mississippi therefore the upper Midwest. Also the east coast via the Gulf.
-Tulsa has a unique culture. It’s this mix of old f you money, a great under-appreciated music scene, architecture, arts, and has a real sense of community fabric.
-Gathering place.
-Scenic

I don’t think it’s OKC vs Tulsa.

It’s more likely Musk thought well obviously Austin is in the mix where else, and Tulsa came up.

Tulsa would probably attract Tesla because of its abundance of clean hydroelectric energy.