Population Growth for OKC

[soonerguru]

Oklahoma has about $500 million its rainy day fund coffers. Does it have to be raining to tap the fund & fix the state capitol building and complete construction of the American Indian Cultural Center Museum in OKC--the state owns this project & should finish it. We're in jeopardy of losing the $40 million in private donations & pledges already collected to match the state's portions. It's costly to let this center remain unfinished as costs to secure the site accumulates each year.

American Indian Cultural Center & Museum (AICCM)

Oklahoma City

Our city is experiencing an important phase of growth; this is not the time to stagnate that growth.

The rainy day fund has accumulated as a result of cuts, shifts, exchanges & transfers over the years to valuable programs like education. A percentage of funds the state receives from the state lottery & the Indian gaming casinos goes toward education. Once the Indian casinos & state lottery were approved; Oklahoma cut the general education funds earmarked for education replacing some of it with revenue taxes collected from the casinos & the state lottery. Does anyone know where we rank in this region (Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico) among states in per pupil funding for education?

Compare States Education Spending for 2014 - Charts

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

I think we are 49th in spending. In an economic energy boom! I know "throwing money at education" is not "the" answer, but that argument has become stale and hollow. You get what you pay for. You prioritize what's important. Paying educators is not a priority of our leadership; if it were, they would work just as hard for teachers and students as they do the oil titans they reward with ridiculous tax incentives. This oil and gas is our God-given resource. If we were like North Dakota, we could tax people to extract our resources to pay for our quality of life. And it wouldn't affect their willingness to drill or frac one iota.

And policy wise, we are not moving in the right direction. Barresi's "my way or the highway" approach probably sounds great to angry conservative activists, but it is a disaster in practice. Yesterday's testing debacle, the second in two consecutive years, is unacceptable. I understand that occasionally outsourcing government services is wise and efficient, but is the GOP's answer to everything "privatize?" As with the military, it often costs more to privatize government services and contracts. We're paying that stupid testing company multimillions and they are bungling the job. I don't know about most of you, but I grew up in this state and our standardized testing was seamless. A couple of sharpened number 2 pencils was all that was required.

How did things get this bad this fast?

One other note on edit: Our state's voters passed a constitutional amendment many years ago that makes it nearly impossible to raise taxes. That's why any tax cutting should be seriously debated up front. What value are we going to receive for a 1/4% income tax cut? What are we sacrificing? The fact is that whether or not we cut income taxes we have to fund services; we cannot run a deficit like the Feds. So in the end, we'll end up paying more for our tires, being taxed to put solar panels on our homes, paying more for our car tags, and other forms of regressive taxation that disproportionately impact those of us who have to work for a living. This is a phantom tax cut, because they'll make up the revenue somehow, some way, and it won't be in our best interest, while we continue to strangle the budgets for education, corrections, and roads.

I've never self identified as a "conservative," obviously, but we have had many great Republican leaders in Oklahoma over the years. We have one running our city right now. But the ALEC-funded, Koch Brothers, religiously dogmatic government we have in Oklahoma is not in any way conservative. Reactionary would be a better description. Because I'm not a Republican I have no impact on what happens in that party, but for those of you who are, please nominate responsible leaders for office. Win or lose, we need statesmen / women running our government, regardless of party. We are seriously lacking in that area right now and the state's legislature is the worst I've ever seen it, and I cannot think of a worse governor than what we have right now.

[Laramie]

soonergugu:

True, you've brought up some good points.

We can't throw funds at education then look for immediate results; it takes time. The state's funding system is flawed; yet we continue to give tax breaks/incentives to companies who pay very little in taxes.

School bonds & millage elections are hitting the aging property owners who no longer have a stake in public education because their children are grown. Funds need to grow in proportion with the growth of education. Oklahoma wants to do away with state income taxes--they believe that this will put them on a more level playing field to compete with Texas for jobs.

Salute MAPS II for Kids which helped with renovations and several new school buildings (capital improvements) in the Oklahoma City metropolitan areas. An environment that's conducive to learning is a start. Schools use other sources (candy money, vending machines, fund-raising) to supplement the individual school's general fund accounts.

If we want to attract & maintain teachers; bottom line, you're going to have to pay them or they will relocate. There are separate fund sources the state allocates for capital improvements & teacher salaries.

The investment in an individual's higher education has skyrocketed. The average college student invests nearly $15,000 per semester--leaving a four year degree program with debts in the neighborhood of $125,000. Out-of-state tuition & fees are much higher. These government & private student loans have to be repaid.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[soonerguru]

And then there's this. No, I didn't write this article.

Oklahoma faces budget crisis despite economic boom | News OK

[HangryHippo]

And then there's this. No, I didn't write this article.

Oklahoma faces budget crisis despite economic boom | News OK

I tried to start an article with this because we've been discussing it. Just a damn shame. This type of nonsense is going to hurt Oklahoma.

[Laramie]

And then there's this. No, I didn't write this article.

Oklahoma faces budget crisis despite economic boom | News OK

Good reporting by the Oklahoman's Sean Murphy.

This approach “is an important way to stimulate the economy, create jobs and help middle class families,” Fallin said defending her plan.

Mary Fallin stood up against the Republican controlled legislature when she was lieutenant governor; as governor, she reminds me of a puppet on a string.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[soonerguru]

I'm so sick of Fallin, Inhofe, Kern, Shannon, and these other dumb retreads. We need a modern government to run this state, not a bunch of corrupt hayseeds. Come on millenials, help move us into the 21st Century.

Please put down the artisan porters and IPAs long enough to register and vote!

[Spartan]

Guru - great post, what exactly does a corrupt hayseed look like?

[soonerguru]

Here ya go, Sparty.



When you click on the image you notice the strange, grimacing faces of Bobby Jindal and that other dude behind her. By the looks on their faces it's as if she allowed a rancid flatulence to escape.

[Laramie]

Here ya go, Sparty.



When you click on the image you notice the strange, grimacing faces of Bobby Jindal and that other dude behind her. By the looks on their faces it's as if she allowed a rancid flatulence to escape.

Escape? Thank goodness that her sphincter muscle allowed for it to seep out or she would have blown the top off Mount Manitoba.

She does look as though she cut some cheese or expelled some lethal gas. Could have saved the state some money on the upcoming executions; the poor guy behind her looks faint. Governor Jindal appears stunned.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[catch22]

^ Lol. You guys are a gas!

[MFracas84]

The city population estimates for 2013 are supposed to be released in May. Well it is the 20th so it should be any time. Also, unless we had a serious downturn in our economy in the last year, we should surpass the 600,000 mark in 2013.

[dcsooner]

I am also awaiting the revised projections. We are closing in on Memphis and Jacksonville

[Laramie]

I am also awaiting the revised projections. We are closing in on Memphis and Jacksonville

American FactFinder - Results *

We should take Memphis in the 2016 census estimates. We gaining 20,000 a year to their 1,000 in Metropolitan population.

The city population estimates for 2013 are supposed to be released in May. Well it is the 20th so it should be any time. Also, unless we had a serious downturn in our economy in the last year, we should surpass the 600,000 mark in 2013.

No results yet...

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[KayneMo]

My guess is around 612,000!

^Memphis is still quite a bit larger by about 55,000 people, and OKC trails Jacksonville by about 237,000 people.

OKC is closing in on Louisville, however. Portland would be a contender as well but that's a tough call. Portland and OKC grew at exactly the same rate from 2010-2012 and Portland was larger by about 4,000 people.

I'm also going to guess that Louisville falls 2 spots from #27 to #29, while OKC and Portland move up a spot each to #28 and #27 respectively. San Jose is very close to 1,000,000 and Austin to 900,000.

[bchris02]

We all know its ultimately metro area population that really matters. I would definitely not consider Portland, Oregon a peer city of OKC despite city populations being relatively close. Their metro population is almost double plus their is the boutique factor so there is nothing in OKC that can remotely compare to Portland.

[betts]

We all know its ultimately metro area population that really matters. I would definitely not consider Portland, Oregon a peer city of OKC despite city populations being relatively close. Their metro population is almost double plus their is the boutique factor so there is nothing in OKC that can remotely compare to Portland.

I usually stay out of the comparison discussions, but was that last line really necessary? People are talking about city populations here, nothing more. Don't worry, we don't have enough hubris to think we compare to Portland in anything but city population. But, we're improving faster than they are. Portland had its leap out of obscurity a couple of decades ago. We're doing that now. In addition, Portland has no Tulsa equivalent to compete with for population. The state of Oregon has about the same population as Oklahoma. So it's no surprise their metro population is bigger.

[GoThunder]

We all know its ultimately metro area population that really matters. I would definitely not consider Portland, Oregon a peer city of OKC despite city populations being relatively close. Their metro population is almost double plus their is the boutique factor so there is nothing in OKC that can remotely compare to Portland.

Are you serious? Literally nothing you said changes the fact that OKC proper and Portland proper are close in population. That's all anyone was saying. No one said "peer city" or "metro area" in any of the posts above you. Give it a rest, man.

[Bellaboo]

We all know its ultimately metro area population that really matters. I would definitely not consider Portland, Oregon a peer city of OKC despite city populations being relatively close. Their metro population is almost double plus their is the boutique factor so there is nothing in OKC that can remotely compare to Portland.

Absolutely correct, Portland has more short and stubby office towers compared to OKC.

And the Trailblazers are not as good as the Thunder.

[PhiAlpha]

Absolutely correct, Portland has more short and stubby office towers compared to OKC.

And the Trailblazers are not as good as the Thunder.

Portland also has nearly a full 2.0% higher unemployment rate and around 70 fewer clear/sunny days per year than OKC. #stillcantbeatcharlotte


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[bchris02]

Absolutely correct, Portland has more short and stubby office towers compared to OKC.

And the Trailblazers are not as good as the Thunder.

Portland has a less impressive skyline but at steet level it's one of the most impressive cities in the US. OKC doesn't have anywhere that can really compare. The diversity and cultural vibrancy in Portland is unmatched anywhere in the South except for maybe in Austin. They may be a lot rainier but their weather is overall milder in both summer and winter and they don't have a severe weather season. Their natural terrain is beautiful as well. Their basketball team isn't as good as the Thunder but you never hear of people moving to Portland for the sports. Portland is liberal, sometimes mindnumbingly and oppressively so. OKC is just as conservative as Portland is liberal. Portland and OKC are in many ways complete opposites.

And in Oregon, Portland does benefit from being the only real city in the state. Tulsa hurts OKC in some ways by siphoning off population and amenities that would otherwise go to OKC.

[Architect2010]

Portland has a less impressive skyline but at steet level it's one of the most impressive cities in the US. OKC doesn't have anywhere that can really compare. The diversity and cultural vibrancy in Portland is unmatched anywhere in the South except for maybe in Austin. They may be a lot rainier but their weather is overall milder in both summer and winter and they don't have a severe weather season. Their natural terrain is beautiful as well. Their basketball team isn't as good as the Thunder but you never hear of people moving to Portland for the sports. Portland and OKC are in many ways complete opposites.

And in Oregon, Portland does benefit from being the only real city in the state. Tulsa hurts OKC in some ways by siphoning off population and amenities that would otherwise go to OKC.

Preachin' to the choir.

[PhiAlpha]

Portland has a less impressive skyline but at steet level it's one of the most impressive cities in the US. OKC doesn't have anywhere that can really compare. The diversity and cultural vibrancy in Portland is unmatched anywhere in the South except for maybe in Austin. They may be a lot rainier but their weather is overall milder in both summer and winter and they don't have a severe weather season. Their natural terrain is beautiful as well. Their basketball team isn't as good as the Thunder but you never hear of people moving to Portland for the sports. Portland and OKC are in many ways complete opposites.

And in Oregon, Portland does benefit from being the only real city in the state. Tulsa hurts OKC in some ways by siphoning off population and amenities that would otherwise go to OKC.

Again with so many points completely irrelevant in a thread titled "Population Growth for OKC" in which we compared the POPULATIONS on Portland and OKC. I didn't realize tornadoes and level of hipsterness factored into total population figures. You do realize we are just throwing out random facts for the sole purpose of making fun of you, right?

Here's to BChris, who will never miss an opportunity to slam OKC no matter the thread subject.

[Spartan]

Again with so many points completely irrelevant in a thread titled "Population Growth for OKC" in which we compared the POPULATIONS on Portland and OKC. I didn't realize tornadoes and level of hipsterness factored into total population figures. You do realize we are just throwing out random facts for the sole purpose of making fun of you, right?

Here's to BChris, who will never miss an opportunity to slam OKC no matter the thread subject.

Good post, but if you were me you'd have four or five idiots telling you to apologize for being snarky. Lol

[Bellaboo]

Portland has a less impressive skyline but at steet level it's one of the most impressive cities in the US. OKC doesn't have anywhere that can really compare. The diversity and cultural vibrancy in Portland is unmatched anywhere in the South except for maybe in Austin. They may be a lot rainier but their weather is overall milder in both summer and winter and they don't have a severe weather season. Their natural terrain is beautiful as well. Their basketball team isn't as good as the Thunder but you never hear of people moving to Portland for the sports. Portland is liberal, sometimes mindnumbingly and oppressively so. OKC is just as conservative as Portland is liberal. Portland and OKC are in many ways complete opposites.

And in Oregon, Portland does benefit from being the only real city in the state. Tulsa hurts OKC in some ways by siphoning off population and amenities that would otherwise go to OKC.

And if you remember back in the early '80's, Mt St. Helens blew it's stack and covered Portland in severaL inches of ash. I was there in 1987 and it still had large mounds of grey ash piled up in parking lots where it had been cleared years earlier. As a side note, I bought a '66 Shelby Cobra from a man in Portland, he said his reason for selling was that it could only be driven 3 months out of the year. It is a beautiful place though.

[soonerfan_in_okc]

The diversity and cultural vibrancy in Portland is unmatched anywhere in the South except for maybe austin.

Except for Oklahoma City....


Portland diversity:

The census reported the city as 76.1% White (444,254 people), 7.1% Asian (41,448), 6.3% Black or African American (36,778), 1.0% Native American (5,838), 0.5% Pacific Islander (2,919), 4.7% belonging to two or more racial groups (24,437) and 5.0% from other races (28,987).[52] 9.4% were Hispanic or Latino, of any race (54,840). Whites not of Hispanic origin made up 72.2% of the total population.[52]

Oklahoma City diversity:

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the racial composition of Oklahoma City was as follows:[52]

White American: 62.7% (56.7% Non-Hispanic Whites)
African American: 15.1%
Native American: 3.5%
Asian American: 4.0% (1.7% Vietnamese, 0.7% Indian, 0.4% Chinese, 0.2% Korean, 0.2% Filipino, 0.1% Japanese)
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1%
Some other race: 9.4%
Two or more races: 5.2%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 17.2% (14.2% Mexican, 0.7% Guatemalan, 0.4% Puerto Rican, 0.2% Honduran, 0.1% Salvadoran)[53]