The City Council of Lawton held a special meeting on December 2, 2024, focusing on the importance of industrial development for the community's economic growth. Council members discussed the pressing need for quality jobs, highlighting that the median family income in Lawton is $10,000 below the state average, which translates to a significant annual economic shortfall of approximately $331 million. This gap, they argued, affects various community issues, including homelessness and education.

Rich, a council member, emphasized that improving job quality could lead to enhanced community well-being, suggesting that economic growth could "buy happiness" through better living conditions and opportunities. He criticized the historical mindset of competing for limited resources, advocating instead for a strategy that expands economic opportunities for all.

Dan Bachelor, representing the Center for Economic Development Law, reinforced this perspective by explaining that economic growth is not a zero-sum game. He outlined the council's plan to stimulate non-retail economic development, which aims to create job opportunities and increase wages, thereby boosting consumer demand and improving living standards.

The meeting also addressed the procedural aspects of a project plan amendment necessary for establishing tax increment districts. Bachelor noted that a review committee, including representatives from affected taxing jurisdictions, unanimously recommended the approval of this amendment. The council is set to hold a second public hearing to further discuss the project plan, which aims to streamline the process for new development opportunities in Lawton.

Overall, the discussions underscored a collective commitment to fostering economic development as a means to enhance the quality of life in Lawton, with a focus on creating a more prosperous community through job creation and increased economic activity.