Joint efforts with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, suburbs, and county governments have helped address many regional issues, such as 911 phone service. The City s experience serving 600-plus square miles for more than thirty years gives it unique abilities and perspectives in dealing with issues over a large and varied area. Oklahoma City s current status as water supplier for much of the region, may make it the logical choice to be the regional water source. Much potential remains for growth in the city and for cooperative ways to achieve mutually beneficial development patterns with adjacent communities. The plans of all cities in the region should reflect interdependent cooperation by addressing region-wide issues and relationships with other cities.
Opportunities exist for joint services.
Some communities may find a specialized service niche to fill for other municipalities, such as electricity utility service, code enforcement, animal control, or construction inspection. Prospects are promising for the reduction of competition and for the positive evolution of cooperative arrangements while cities retain unique identities as separate units. Oklahoma City s share of all new hosing construction in the region has increased from 46 percent in 1990 to 55 percent in 1997. In 1990, the City had 62 percent of metro area sales subject to sales tax. Although the need for regional cooperation may be recognized, state legislation may be needed to provide a structural framework.