Last night, Oklahoma City voters cast their ballots in the “Better Streets, Safer City” special election. The Oklahoma City Council had initially voted to call the special election for voters to consider investing more than $1.2 billion in critical infrastructure like streets and sidewalks. The American Heart Association engaged advocates to attend City Council meetings leading up to the vote, and the Council ultimately approved three proposals to present to voters, with two of them addressing bicycle and walking improvements that will increase access and opportunities for physical activity across the city:

The ballot also included separate proposals for each of the proposed bond projects. Oklahoma City voters approved the two funding packages listed above as well as five projects that will improve biking and walking in Oklahoma City.These results are encouraging for the American Heart Association’s Complete Streets campaign, which is being supported by a Voices For Healthy Kids grant. The AHA is partnering with the City Planning Department as they develop implementation plans for the city’s “Livable Streets” policy. Funding from the GO Bond is integral to ensuring that the improvements included in the plan are fully implemented.In addition to reaching out to the City Planning Department, advocates joined and coordinated with the Citizens for a Better OKC coalition to help educate residents and coordinate on the timing and content of advocacy efforts.Congratulations to the advocates working to make Oklahoma City safer for walking and bicycling! 
Learn more about making streets built to share.