City Manager presents State of the City

In his 11th State of the City address, City Manager Michael Spurgeon said this is an extraordinary moment in Broken Arrow's story.

"There's so much going on right now, and our community is alive with opportunity, growth, and momentum," Spurgeon said.

The City Manager emphasized private development initiatives that are fueling Broken Arrow's growth in key areas at the invitation of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce at the Stoney Creek Convention Center.

"As a matter of fact, we have large cranes associated with construction currently in the north and east sections of the city, and soon we'll have one down south," Spurgeon said. "I'm not sure if this has ever happened before."

Spurgeon addressed over 500 attendees, emphasizing that the annual State of the City is an effort to provide transparency and accountability to the people of Broken Arrow.

"We ensure citizens and businesses have a voice in public policy," Spurgeon said. "We also work to build strong public and private partnerships. Our community's success relies on private sector growth and prosperity."

Spurgeon continued, "We believe that when the community understands the goals we're pursuing, we can move forward with clarity, purpose, and unity," he said. "And as I say every year during State of the City, we work to stay laser-focused on maintaining the outstanding quality of life that defines Broken Arrow."

With this year's theme, Spurgeon highlighted several key initiatives and partnerships that are "Taking Broken Arrow to New Heights."

Broken Arrow's Gross Regional Product has grown to $6.2 million, a 13 percent increase over 2024. This growth reflects

• An expanding local economy,
• Increased productivity,
• And strong private sector momentum, indicating positive financial and business conditions for the community.

In addition, the city is maintaining its business-friendly climate, which continues to encourage private investment.

"This results in new business, expanding opportunities, and it continues the economic vitality that exists in our city," Spurgeon said.

In 2025, these efforts generated over $350 million in private investment and created about 500 new jobs.

"Plus, we have over 600,000 square feet of retail/commercial space that's under construction," Spurgeon said. "What that means is more new jobs, and more opportunity to shop local. In late 2026 and early 2027, there will be more opportunities for residents of Broken Arrow to spend their tax dollars right here in our community."

Sales tax is the primary source of revenue for municipal operations in Oklahoma. In Broken Arrow, tax dollars are reinvested to maintain and improve streets, emergency services, parks and recreation amenities. These efforts strengthen the high quality of life residents enjoy in Broken Arrow.

In addition to the positive economic gains, the City of Broken Arrow is expected to have around 600 new housing starts by the end of the year.

"This is a strong indicator that Broken Arrow remains a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family," Spurgeon said.

Broken Arrow's population is estimated at 122,000, making it the 241st-largest city in the U.S. The city is growing at about 1.5-2 percent per year.

"Currently, about 25,000 to 30,000 people live in Wagoner County, including unincorporated areas, that have Broken Arrow addresses," Spurgeon said. "This means we serve nearly 150,000 residents who get goods and services in Broken Arrow, attend our schools, and are vital to our community."

The city's strong economic growth is driven by new investment, business expansion, and sustained confidence in what's happening in Broken Arrow.

Spurgeon also discussed the Sunset in Broken Arrow Amphitheater, now under construction in east Broken Arrow.

The city has contributed $30 million in public infrastructure improvements, and Venu (the developer) has contributed well over $100 million.

Over the 25-year life of the city-created TIF, the Sunset Amphitheater project could generate $4 billion in economic impact for the state, region, and local economy. Construction is expected to finish in September 2026, with the first concerts occurring sometime in October 2026.

The City Manager also discussed the 2026 General Obligation Bond package, which is expected to total $415 million across seven propositions.

"I can tell you the focus is going to be on streets and roads, public safety, parks and quality of life, amenities, public facilities, and stormwater. There could also be a proposition to approve funds for the Tulsa City-County Library to help build a new South Broken Arrow Library.

The City Council is considering a proposition of a temporary sales tax increase to raise $56 million, repaid over five years, for major improvements to the city's sports complexes.

"Arrowhead and Indian Springs Sports Complexes have not had major upgrades in decades. The city hasn't had the money," Spurgeon said. "This initiative can provide funds for those improvements within three years. The kids of the parents who vote for these facility improvements will be able to use these facilities."

Spurgeon says a temporary sales tax would let people who visit Broken Arrow to play sports at city facilities also help pay for the improvements. That way, Broken Arrow residents wouldn't bear all the costs alone.

The initiative received strong support in local surveys last fall. Furthermore, the city's sports facilities serve as major economic catalysts, boosting hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses through increased spending by visitors from outside the city.

"It's an amazing opportunity to make Broken Arrow the premier place to play," he said.

The City Manager also spoke about an initiative to expand the Rose District that has now reached its 15-year milestone. A new City Hall is also being planned at the corner of Washington Street and South Main Street. The design is expected to be completed next year, with the facility opening in the summer of 2028.

"What's exciting is we will have a building that meets the needs of the community, and it will allow us to envision with our partners what the downtown will look like," he said.

Spurgeon says the city should build on its momentum rather than just maintain it.

"We want to accelerate what's happening in our community," he said. "If we stop investing, innovating, and planning, we'll become less viable, and people will pick other communities."

Spurgeon says cities are either growing or falling behind.

"However, when you consider the bigger picture, you see the benefits: new jobs, stronger tools, better public safety, improved parks, and more local entertainment and shopping," he said. "That's what can happen when you stay innovative and keep your community's vision in mind."