AGP Executive Report

Tulsa Expansion: Lufthansa Technik is nearly doubling engine-service capacity at its Tulsa facility, from 28 work bays to 46, with more than 100 jobs expected by 2030. Construction is also underway on new Tulsa labs for the National Center for Addiction Studies and Treatment, funded by Oklahoma’s opioid settlement. Manufacturing: Norman’s Hitachi Vantara facility is advancing automation, while Spain-based Escofet has opened its first U.S. factory in Elk City. Health Care: Integris Health is set to join Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed group, reshaping Oklahoma’s hospital sector. Retail and Tribal Business: IKEA’s first Oklahoma store is opening in Tulsa, and Chickasaw Nation’s gaming subsidiary has acquired Wyoming horse-racing operations, expanding its portfolio beyond Oklahoma and Texas. Workforce: State Regents approved a plan to address Oklahoma’s workforce needs, as officials weigh ways to make the state more attractive to employers.

Manufacturing & Aerospace: Norman’s Hitachi Vantara plant—one of only two worldwide—makes data-storage systems and develops automation technology. Spanish design company Escofet opened its first U.S. factory in Elk City, and Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million mission-control and hangar facility at Burns Flat, with flights planned for 2027. Investment & Jobs: Greenheck plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, while IKEA’s first Oklahoma store has opened in Tulsa. Integris Health is set to join Kaiser-backed Risant Health, reshaping the state’s health care sector. Energy & Infrastructure: TransAlta sold a minority stake in its Oklahoma wind portfolio for $305 million. State transportation officials say construction inflation has left Oklahoma about $255 million short annually to maintain roads and bridges. Workforce & Growth: Oklahoma leaders are examining how to attract businesses and retain workers, as a study finds the state keeps fewer than half of its STEM graduates.

Energy Investment: TransAlta sold a 49% stake in its 500-megawatt Oklahoma wind portfolio for US$305 million, while retaining operational control. State Finances: Oklahoma’s annual revenue has reached another record, though no new total was reported. Business Climate: Tulsa leaders are weighing how to attract companies and retain workers as a state panel studies ways to make Oklahoma more appealing to business. Local Growth: IKEA is opening its first Oklahoma store in Tulsa, adding a major retailer to the market. Public Funding: Oklahoma lawmakers are seeking more than $500 million in federal funding for local projects. Energy Leadership: Expand Energy named Daniel Brown its new CEO.

Consumer Relief: Oklahoma residents are set to receive about $18 million in canceled lease payments under a multistate settlement with Snap Finance, which will let eligible customers keep their merchandise. Healthcare: INTEGRIS Health is joining Risant Health, a Kaiser Permanente-backed nonprofit, gaining access to greater purchasing power and resources while keeping its name and staff. Retail Growth: Oklahoma’s first IKEA opens Friday in Tulsa Hills, bringing a 51,000-square-foot store and more than 5,000 products to the state. Workforce Development: A $30 million career-training campus planned for Piedmont will prepare people with intellectual disabilities and autism for jobs in agriculture, culinary arts, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Aerospace: OU has opened a $17.2 million air traffic control tower at Max Westheimer Airport; the airport generates about $212 million a year and supports 1,227 local jobs. Film Industry: Jason Momoa’s “Copperhead” production is drawing attention in Oklahoma City, with local businesses and crew members pointing to new work and opportunities for the state’s film workforce.

Agriculture: Oklahoma farmers are among those eligible for a new $8 billion federal relief plan, as drought-damaged summer crops and high diesel costs squeeze farm and ranch incomes. Energy: Expand Energy named Danny Brown, formerly CEO of Chord Energy, as its next chief executive, effective Oct. 26. The natural gas producer says it produces nearly 6.9 billion cubic feet a day. Development: Oklahoma City unveiled a multibillion-dollar, 25-year expansion plan for Will Rogers World Airport. Jobs and Industry: Leaders say workforce development will be key to the proposed aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola. Local Business: Thunder season-opener excitement is giving Oklahoma City businesses a boost, while the team’s broader impact on the city remains a focus. Banking: BOK Financial reported third-quarter 2026 earnings.

Airport Expansion: Oklahoma City unveiled a 25-year, multibillion-dollar plan for Will Rogers International Airport, a major long-term investment in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Energy Technology: Oklahoma City-based ROAM-AI launched a platform to help oil and gas companies build applications and deploy AI using company data and field operations. Business Climate: At a legislative study, business leaders said Oklahoma’s tax competitiveness has improved, but urged lawmakers to address education and health-care gaps to attract and retain workers and companies. Retail and Events: Tulsa State Fair attendance held near 1 million, but vendors said high parking, admission and concession costs hurt sales.

Data Center Investment: Host Digital authorized a $15 million share buyback while advancing its northeast Oklahoma facility, a 55-megawatt site backed by a 15-year lease worth about $1.25 billion; tenant delivery is targeted for early 2027. Manufacturing: Centrus completed its $116 million purchase of Westerman Holdings, bringing a supplier with an Oklahoma facility into its nuclear-fuel operations. Water Infrastructure: Azuria Water Solutions acquired Texas-based Horseshoe Construction, which serves Oklahoma and four other states in water, wastewater and energy markets. Workforce: Cherokee Nation opened a $22 million Catoosa childcare center with capacity for 100 children, as Oklahoma leaders warn that limited, costly childcare is worsening workforce challenges. Thunder Business: Oklahoma City extended guard Cason Wallace on a reported five-year, $139 million deal, locking up a key young player as the new NBA season begins.

Banking: Tulsa-based BOK Financial reported third-quarter results and scheduled a call to review them on Tuesday. Tulsa Development: City leaders unveiled possible BOK Center upgrades, including new seating, restrooms and a scoreboard; voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to nearly double the hotel guest tax to help fund venue improvements. The venues hosted 288 events and generated an estimated $148 million in economic impact last year. City Growth: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt told New Orleans leaders that downtown investment and quality of life help attract residents and businesses, citing roughly $10 billion in city projects over three decades. Manufacturing: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to the state’s industrial base. Workforce and Agriculture: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million budget increase for schools and workforce training, while USDA payments are bringing $307 million in safety-net and conservation support to the state’s agricultural economy.

Thunder Business: Oklahoma City locked up guard Cason Wallace with a five-year, $139 million extension. The deal follows offseason moves to get below the NBA’s second-apron threshold. Small-Business Support: Midtown OKC’s Saturday Walkabout will feature 30 small businesses, vendors and live entertainment; the Choctaw Nation also opened its third small-business center, in McAlester. Airport Investment: Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport opened a $7 million terminal expansion, while Oklahoma City unveiled an expansion plan for Will Rogers International Airport. Energy and Taxes: Oklahoma families faced a record-hot summer and an electricity crisis, as lawmakers weigh the future of property-tax exemptions for renewable energy companies.

Agribusiness: More than 500 cattle producers are in Oklahoma City for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association convention, where speakers will discuss industry policy, operations and the 2027 outlook. Data Centers: A Bernstein report says only 35% of major U.S. data center projects are credible, with grid access, permitting and local opposition driving delays. The slowdown could shape Oklahoma’s debate over a construction moratorium. Tulsa Port: The port is considering legal action against Inola over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a major industrial project and local concerns at odds. Workforce and Utilities: Tulsa-area projections point to demand for health care workers, tradespeople and drivers, while Oklahoma families are contending with the state’s hottest summer on record and an electricity crisis.

Norman Construction Dispute: The city and Norman Municipal Authority sued contractors over alleged leaks, water intrusion and unfinished work at the Young Family Athletic Center. The city is holding back $1.5 million in payments while the dispute is resolved. Health Benefits: Centene plans to offer Oklahoma employees individual health coverage allowances in 2027, shifting plan choices from the employer to workers. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports is considering legal action against Inola over the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, a major project now facing a dispute with the town. Workforce Training: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and job training. Aerospace: Dawn Aerospace has broken ground on a $7.5 million spaceplane facility in Burns Flat, adding to the state’s space industry infrastructure.

Industrial Investment: Greenheck Group plans to open a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to the state’s industrial footprint. Tulsa Port Dispute: Tulsa Ports is considering legal action against Inola over the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a high-stakes development in dispute. Airport Expansion: Will Rogers International Airport has unveiled a plan to handle up to 20 million passengers, while Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport opened a $7 million terminal expansion. Workforce Training: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and workforce programs as employers face skilled-worker shortages. Small-Business Support: The Choctaw Nation opened a coworking business center in McAlester, while the Osage Nation is offering small-business loans to help local borrowers grow.

Local Business: Norman’s Bluebonnet Bar marks 10 years under Michelle and Tanner Miller, who have updated the 1935 institution while preserving its neighborhood character. Manufacturing Investment: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, a major addition to Oklahoma’s industrial base. Industrial Development: Tulsa Ports is moving to sue Inola over the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter, putting a major development proposal at the center of a dispute between the port and the town. Workforce and Transportation: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million funding increase for schools and job training; meanwhile, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has opened a $7 million terminal expansion, and Will Rogers International Airport has outlined a plan to handle up to 20 million passengers. Housing Market: Oklahoma City stands out among large U.S. markets where starter-home listing prices are falling faster than rents, with asking rents down 1.5% and listing prices down 9% year over year.

Industrial Development: Greenheck Group plans a 1.3 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Owasso, while Tulsa Ports is considering a lawsuit against Inola over restrictions on a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73 million budget increase for training as employers face shortages across key fields. Transportation: Will Rogers International Airport has unveiled an expansion plan designed to handle 20 million passengers, adding to a week of aviation investment that included a $7 million terminal expansion at Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport. Housing: Oklahoma City’s home-buying costs are moving closer to rents: starter-home listing prices fell 9% year over year, compared with a 1.5% decline in asking rents.

Airport Expansion: Will Rogers International Airport unveiled a three-phase plan to handle up to 20 million passengers a year, with about $114 million in near-term work and an estimated $1.1 billion in longer-term projects, including more gates and a larger terminal. Workforce: Oklahoma businesses face a skilled-trades shortage as construction and data-center projects increase demand; the state CareerTech system is seeking a $73.37 million budget increase to support training. Small Business: The Choctaw Nation opened its third small-business center in McAlester, adding coworking and support resources for local entrepreneurs. Retail: Tulsa’s first IKEA is set to open this month, bringing a major new retailer to the state. Aerospace: Oklahoma is advancing a $7.75 million operations center for its spaceport, a boost to the state’s growing aerospace sector.

Retail Expansion: Oklahoma’s first IKEA is set to open in Tulsa this month. Banking: Simmons First National reported a $47.1 million third-quarter profit, reversing a year-earlier loss tied to securities restructuring; deposits fell to $18.6 billion from $19.8 billion. Aerospace: Dawn Aerospace broke ground on a $7.5 million spaceplane facility in Burns Flat, while Oklahoma advanced a separate $7.75 million spaceport operations center. Tribal Business: Choctaw Nation opened its third small-business center, in McAlester. Infrastructure: Will Rogers International Airport’s expansion plan targets capacity for 20 million passengers by 2050. Workforce: Oklahoma CareerTech requested a $73.37 million budget increase. Data Centers: Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidates differ on regulation as concerns grow over utility costs and new projects.