 Watch a video of the groundbreaking ceremony here.
The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation and city officials celebrated the start of construction on the long-awaited Arrow Forge, the innovation district, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 4.
An innovation district is a concentrated area in an urban environment where entrepreneurs, startups, educational institutions, and research and development-focused institutions cluster together. These districts promote collaborative ecosystems characterized by density, proximity, accessibility, and mixed-use spaces.
This investment by Broken Arrow voters, who approved the initial infrastructure needed to create an innovation district in the 2018 General Obligation Bond, exemplifies the city's dedication to economic growth and innovation.
"Since this piece of property is raw, we have the opportunity to bring together technology companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures that will foster an environment ripe for innovation," said Mayor Debra Wimpee. "The establishment of an innovation district will not only reshape our city's economy, but it will also empower our workforce, enhance local businesses, and foster a culture of innovation that will benefit future generations. This groundbreaking will move us to the next steps, allowing us to forge ahead and bring Arrow Forge to life."
Economic Development Corporation Vice President of Business Resources Amber Miller said today's groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the start of construction; it is a significant step forward for Broken Arrow's economic future.
"Primary jobs are the lifeblood of our economy," Miller said. "These are the jobs that create wealth and drive the local economy. They spur business growth and provide opportunities for everyone in our community. Arrow Forge represents that vision of bringing high-quality, primary jobs to Broken Arrow that will fuel our long-term growth."
The Arrow Forge innovation district’s mission is to create various job opportunities, from advanced manufacturing to technology. These jobs will offer competitive wages and the opportunity for career development and skills building, strengthening our workforce and preparing industries for the future.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon thanked everyone who had a part in making the idea of an innovation district in Broken Arrow a reality. He also underlined the crucial role of the private sector in driving a community. He stressed that it is the government's responsibility to create an environment that supports the private sector's investment.
"We hope that over the next 10 years, we will be able to create between 500 to 1,000 jobs in this area," Spurgeon said.
Today's groundbreaking highlights the start of construction on a spine roadway throughout Arrow Forge and the construction of the sanitary sewer infrastructure and water lines.
"If we have several companies that need more property, we will have the flexibility to put a package together and have an innovation district that meets the needs of our community, and we'll have the land to do that," Spurgeon said. "We've got the infrastructure ready to kick off, and this time next year, there's no doubt in my mind that we will have everything completed, and we'll be working very hard on marketing and site visits to make sure we bring that first company to Arrow Forge sometime in 2025."
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