UTILIZING CARES ACT FUNDS ACOG LAUNCHES LOCAL ECONOMIC DASHBOARD

Interactive Tool Gives Central Oklahoma Leaders a Regional Economic Snapshot 

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Capital Area Economic Development District Dashboard. This interactive tool provides a snapshot of how the economy is performing, post COVID-19 pandemic, in the ACOG region, which is composed of Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma and Logan Counties.

The Dashboard provides independent and objective data on the health of the Central Oklahoma economy and allows local leaders the ability to focus on key factors most important in measuring the region’s economic progress and talent needs.

“ACOG’s dynamic, one-stop-shop dashboard provides on-demand access to all of our communities for a variety of resources that will aid them with their community and economic development strategies and initiatives,” Rachel Meinke, Public Information Director said. “Our dashboard is always up-to-date with the latest and most relevant data and links that can assist local elected officials and business leaders with making better and more informed decisions about how to most effectively pursue their growth strategies.”

ACOG utilized CARES Act grant funds from the U.S. Economic Development Authority (EDA) to pursue a tactical update of its Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the four-county Capital Area Economic Development District (CAPEDD) of Oklahoma, as it specifically relates to planning services for a COVID-type disaster recovery and resiliency plan.

Consultant Thomas P. Miller and Associates (TPMA) was contracted in September 2020 to build the dashboard framework and provide a 2021 CEDS update.

“As our state and country begin the economic recovery process from COVID-19, this dashboard and the data that is provided will give our local officials and business leaders a head start on building Central Oklahoma’s economy back stronger,” Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director said.