MAPS 4
A breakdown of the 1-cent sales tax designed to invest in city services and infrastructure
About MAPS 4
Oklahoma City voters will soon decide the fate of MAPS 4, the fourth edition of a 1-cent sales tax designed to invest in city services and infrastructure. The proposal includes 16 projects that would cost nearly $978 million and would be located across the entire city.
The Oklahoman is taking a comprehensive look at MAPS 4 projects and costs, as well as potential benefits and pitfalls, in a multi-story series. This coverage will publish from now until the city-wide vote in December, and every story will be made available here upon publication.
Most recent coverage
Steve Lackmeyer: MAPS 4 win represents shift under new generation
The generation that launched MAPS as a tool to transform Oklahoma City is still very much involved a quarter century later, but on Tuesday night it was the MAPS generation writing the next chapter, Steve Lackmeyer writes.
Streets still lag, MAPS 4 voters say
Southwest Oklahoma City voters who favored MAPS 4 nevertheless had a message for city leadership — keep street repairs front and center.
MAPS 4: What they’re saying about the measure passing
Oklahoma City voters passed the MAPS 4 package by a margin of over 70%. Community leaders gathered at the Yale Theater for the official watch party. Here’s what they had to say about the results.
MAPS 4 passes by landslide margin
The 1-cent sales tax will be used to fund 16 civic projects estimated to cost nearly $978 million. The tax covers an eight year span, with a possibility additional funds could be collected in that time.
MAPS 4 Unfolded: OKC voters set to decide fate
OKC voters set to decide fate of MAPS 4 temporary one-cent sales tax to fund 16 civic projects.
Big dreams that never were
From burger joints to citywide internet service, read what OKC residents asked for in MAPS 4.
A MAPS 4 Q&A with Mayor David Holt
You have questions about MAPS 4? Mayor David Holt has the answers.
Part 18: MAPS 4 includes proposals for ‘diversion hub’ and for enhanced mental health, substance abuse services
MAPS 4 would provide $17 million for a “diversion hub” to relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail and help low-level offenders establish a more productive life. It also would provide $40 million for two new mental health crisis centers, temporary housing for people experiencing mental illness and homelessness while transitioning out of a crisis center and a new restoration center that would include a crisis center, methamphetamine detox and substance abuse services.
Part 17: Proposal includes 500 bus shelters, fleet expansion and rapid transit routes
If approved, funding for transit proposed as part of MAPS 4 would include expanding the EMBARK bus fleet to increase frequency and drop overall schedules to less than 30 minutes.
Part 16: Civic reinvention constant with MAPS initiatives
MAPS 4 follows a long history of changes within Oklahoma City, all with roots tracing back to the original MAPS projects.
Part 15: MAPS 4 would include $30 million for beautification projects, staff
MAPS 4 would include $25 million for beautification projects and $5 million for an operating fund to provide permanent staff dedicated to beautification and ongoing maintenance.
Part 14: Park projects get largest chunk of MAPS 4, worries remain about maintenance costs
Many still worry about the ability of the city’s parks and recreation department to operate and maintain any new facilities or features, but Doug Kupper, the department director, said this investment is long overdue.
Part 13: ‘Big dreams’
MAPS 4 would fund new, permanent home for Palomar, OKC’s Family Justice Center.
Part 12: MAPS 4 affordable housing proposal to address homelessness, create opportunities, though some details still vague
When it comes to addressing homelessness, service providers believe Oklahoma City is at a tipping point.
Part 11: MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium would open doors for new events
MAPS 4 includes $37 million for a new multipurpose stadium suitable for professional and high school sports, concerts and more. It also provides the Oklahoma City Energy FC soccer team a permanent home.
Part 10: New coliseum would replace The Big House
It’s long been the dream of small-school basketball players to play in The Big House. If MAPS 4 passes, their dream will have a new destination.
Part 9: Proposal for Chesapeake would prolong life of arena
MAPS 4 proposal for Chesapeake would prolong life of arena, backers say.
Part 8: Proposed animal shelter envisioned to take city to no-kill status
The proposed $38 million project would include a new 67,000 square foot shelter with larger kennels and an outdoor space for animals.
Part 7: MAPS 4 would dedicate millions for youth, senior facilities
As MAPS 4 proposes a massive project to build youth facilities, the impact of youth investment is already visible at Oklahoma City’s few existing centers.
Rotary hears transit proposals
Embark Director Jason Ferbrache says MAPS 4 aims to give more people more reasons to ride the bus. Ferbrache spoke to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, reviewing details of the $87 million in proposed transit system improvements included in MAPS 4.
Part 6: Innovation district promotes connections
The $71 million proposal is focused on connecting neighborhoods and economic growth.
Part 5: Promotion goes to neighborhood level
Oklahoma City deploys neighborhood leaders to promote MAPS 4.
Part 4: OKC’s Civil Rights history gains attention
$25 million proposed for renovations and new construction of facilities dedicated to Oklahoma City Civil Rights history.
Part 3: Supporters promote sales tax extension
Campaign organizers say they’ll have a robust effort to convince voters to provide nearly $1 billion to a range of Oklahoma City projects.
Part 2: A penny sales tax could fund the $978 million MAPS 4 projects, but how much will it cost consumers?
The fate of the project rests with voters who must decide if the 16 projects associated with MAPS 4 are worth such a cost. But how is that money raised? Who pays for it? And how does this compare to past MAPS projects?
Part 1: MAPS 4 brings new projects under old format
MAPS 4 is headed for a vote of the people Dec. 10 to approve a group of 16 city projects, funded by a temporary 1 cent sales tax, aimed at continuing the same kind of reinvestment into Oklahoma City as preceding MAPS projects.
OKC Central: MAPS 4, Thunder Alley lead chat topics
Oklahoman Business writer Steve Lackmeyer took questions from readers during a OKC Central Live Chat, which is hosted every Friday at 9:30 a.m. at www.oklahoman.com
Shadid to high court: Look again
Former Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to reconsider its rejection of Shadid’s challenge to MAPS 4.
Oklahoma City refutes lawsuit claims, says Shadid doesn’t like politics of MAPS
Oklahoma City’s new proposal for tax-funded projects doesn’t violate the state’s constitutional prohibition against multiple subjects in legislation and the city is bound by that provision in any case, the city told the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
OKC Mayor David Holt invites residents to enjoy their new park
When it came time to plan what might fill the space left by the relocation of Interstate 40, any number of ideas could have been adopted. But why a 70-acre park? After all, we already had one relatively large park downtown; surely that was enough.
Council gives MAPS 4 final OK
The Oklahoma City Council took the final step toward placing MAPS 4 before voters on Dec. 10, passing a sales tax ordinance that, with voter’s approval, would take effect April 1, 2020.
OKC Central Live Chat guest – Katy Boren discusses MAPS 4 Innovation District
Guest Katy Boren leads the Innovation District program in the area historically known as the Oklahoma Health Center east of downtown.
‘Power of we” part of Palomar vision with MAPS 4
OKC Central Live Chat: Steve Lackmeyer was joined by Kim Garrett-Funk, executive director of Palomar, Oklahoma City’s family justice center. Palomar is set to receive $38 million to build a new, bigger home if voters on dec. 10 approve the MAPS4 ballot which would extend the current expiring Better Streets/Safer City sales tax for eight years.
Council OKs MAPS 4, sets Dec. 10 vote
The Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved sending MAPS 4 to voters, agreeing to a pivot from pricey downtown building projects to more neighborhood revitalization and efforts to better meet the needs of residents threatened by mental illness, addiction and homelessness.
Longtime challenges, dreams, addressed with OKC’s MAPS 4
Sixteen projects, 75% aimed at addressing stubborn social issues for our community, others consisting of arena and stadium investment and yet others representing some interesting opportunities to take on other long-nagging economic development challenges.
City councilors discuss concerns with MAPS 4 proposal at community event
Three city councilors emphasized one central point at a community event: The MAPS 4 proposal has its issues.
OKC Central Live Chat: MAPS 4 to include bus rapid transit, 500 new shelters, additional bus fleet
Steve Lackmeyer was joined by Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon and EMBARK Director Jason Ferbrache to discuss the MAPS 4 proposal to fund $87 million for new buses, bus rapid transit, park-and-rides, new bus shelters and priority signalization.
MAPS 4 goes to the council
Mayor Daivd holt says the outline for MAPS 4 he will present to the city council “takes MAPS and the power of MAPS out to the neighborhoods and into people’s daily lives.”
Soccer stadium, new fairgrounds arena among MAPS 4 proposals
The Oklahoma City council will consider a MAPS 4 proposal that includes several sports-specific improvements for the city.
MAPS 4 marks a shift away from large downtown construction projects to neighborhood ‘human’ needs
The city council is to review Mayor David Holt’s recommendations for MAPS 4 with an eye toward a December election.
MAPS prepares to go to the people
Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell wanted to know whether advocates going after MAPS 4 dollars would be held to account, required to produce measurable results.
JoBeth Hamon before the swearing in ceremony for the Oklahoma City Council, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Photo by Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman
Many OKC residents want MAPS 4 to focus on social services, human needs
Earlier this year, Tena Jefferson received a late-night call from Oklahoma City police while she was out of town. Her house had been broken into, and the officer had the suspect in custody.
A crucial moment for innovation in Oklahoma City
For five years, we’ve been talking about what an Innovation District might look like in Oklahoma City. At long last, in the past few weeks, we’ve been presented with a clear picture.
Point of View: MAPS thinking matures with Oklahoma City
As the city council considers which projects to bundle for the coming vote on MAPS 4, it’s worth remembering that none of the previous MAPS votes was a cinch to pass.
Sidewalks and bike lanes lead MAPS 4 discussion
Ward 2 Councilman James Cooper and Assistant City Manager Aubrey McDermid joined Steve Lackmeyer during the OKC Central Live Chat to discuss sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and streetlights proposed for MAPS 4.
Farmers Market area an option for proposed MAPS 4 soccer stadium
During a bonus OKC Central Live Chat, business writer Steve Lackmeyer was joined by Bob Funk Jr., co-owner of the OKC Energy FC, to discuss a multi-use soccer stadium being pitched for MAPS 4.
Point of View: Make animal shelter a part of MAPS 4
Miraculously, in just 25 years MAPS has improved Oklahoma City in ways we can’t possibly measure, elevating the city’s reputation and improving quality of life.
Colosseum proposed to replace Norick Arena at Oklahoma’s State Fair Park.
The Norick Arena is 54 years-old and approaching the end of its useful service life. The area is the heart and the central location of the majority of the major activities that occur on the property.
Fourth day of MAPS 4 proposals includes soccer stadium, Innovation District, mental health services
The Energy FC professional soccer club would leave Oklahoma City if funding for a new stadium is left out of MAPS 4, a team co-owner said.
Arena figures in MAPS 4 plans
MAPS 4 could direct $120 million to $135 million toward upgrades and expansion of Chesapeake Energy Arena and improvements of the city-owned Oklahoma City Thunder practice facility.
Plan looks to Innovation District as economic engine for OKC’s future
With a “transition” underway in older industries including energy, a consortium of public and private leaders in the city’s technology, aviation, health and bioscience sectors are pushing a plan to turn the economic engine to drive future growth.
Residents hear new details on MAPS 4 mental health proposal at town hall
New details about what a mental health package would look like if included in MAPS 4 were discussed during Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert’s mental health town hall.
As county commissioner job evolves, women prove effective
On a rock and shale road in Grant County, Cindy Bobbitt’s four-door truck rolled to a stop. She pulled on her brown work gloves — a notable addition to her jeweled belt and sunglasses — and went to inspect a hole in a nearby bridge.
Promises are at the heart of MAPS
Randy Ward was among hundreds of residents who came to City Hall and dozens who spoke July 9 and 11 as the council conducted the first of four meetings to hear presentations on proposed MAPS 4 projects.
Bob Huerta rides his bike away from City Hall after a meeting about MAPS 4 bike improvements, Tuesday, July 9, 2019. [Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman]
Proposed MAPS 4 projects seek to replace aging animal shelter
The Oklahoman’s Steve Lackmeyer talks with Louisa McCune, education director of PAWS for MAPS 4, and Jon Gary, superintendent of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, as he kicked off a weekly series of OKC Central Live Chat discussions about proposed MAPS 4 project.
MAPS 4 process offers transparency, connections
The time invested isn’t cheap. The first two sessions lasted foe several hours each, and the next two likely won’t end any quicker.
MAPS 4 affordable housing proposal asks for $80 million to rehab old, build new units
Studies say Oklahoma City does not have enough truly affordable housing units for the thousands of residents who struggle to pay average rent prices; advocates believe MAPS 4 can help.
Former Mayor Ron Norick leads MAPS 4 coliseum pitch
A significant share of Oklahoma City’s economic well-being hinges on building a new fairgrounds coluseum, former Mayor Ron Norick said.
MAPS 4 reviews begin
Mayor David Holt promised transparency in developing MAPS 4 ideas and asked Oklahoma City residents to dream big.
Family justice center makes pitch for MAPS 4 inclusion
Every 15 minutes in Oklahoma City, someone calls 911 for a domestic-related incident.
Mental health treatment facility proposed for MAPS 4 would also help the county jail
A mental health treatment facility will be one of many proposals for MAPS 4, meeting the increased desire from residents to fund social service projects and help reform the struggling county jail.
A new direction for MAPS
The first three iterations of the Metropolitan Area Projects, or MAPS, had a distinct brick-and-mortar component.
Mayor discusses transit, MAPS 4 during OKC Central Live Chat
Mayor David Holt joined Steve Lackmeyer for an OKC Live Chat.
Initiative aims at neighborhood park enhancements
An initiative drive to enact a dedicated sales tax fund for parks is to begin, seeking new money to benefit neighborhoods throughout Oklahoma City.
Video: MAPS 4 projects outlined
MAPS 4 will be about people as much as, or more than, it will be about buildings.
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Proposed MAPS 4 river wish list includes fourth dam, equestrian park, swimming beach
A fourth dam that would extend the navigable Oklahoma River waterway east of Interstate 35 and into east Oklahoma City is among several improvements set to be added to a growing MAPS 4 wish list being assembled by Mayor David Holt.
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