MAPS 3 Oversight Remains Essential

Now that MAPS 3 has passed, those local citizens who had strong feelings on either side of the issue should ensure city leaders implement appropriate oversight for the $777 million in projects.

The diversity of the projects, from building a new city park and convention center to establishing a streetcar system and improving the state fairgrounds, means there will be more opportunities for waste, budget overruns and other problems.

One of the arguments of some who opposed MAPS 3 is that the overall proposal wasn’t specific enough and future city councils could change or delete the various projects. Consequently, city leaders should be completely transparent about costs and construction timetables about each project.

MAPS 3 will be funded by a one-cent sales tax over a seven-year period. This is public money and the public will essentially own the individual projects. Easy access to the projects for everyone on the social spectrum is vital to ensure the public’s trust.

Those who serve on an oversight board or boards for the projects should come from different stakeholder groups in the city. We don’t need rubber-stamp types on the board. We need engaged watchdogs.

Whether you supported MAPS 3 or not, it’s difficult not to concede its projects could transform Oklahoma City in ways simply unimaginable twenty or even ten years ago. By continuing to invest in its downtown, Oklahoma City is doing the right thing for the future. It’s an exciting time to live and work here.