STRATEGIC INVESTMENT & A CLEAR PATH FORWARD
On February 19th, community members gathered for the City of Ada’s State of the City address, where leadership outlined more than $100 million in capital improvement projects and reaffirmed a long-term strategy built around voter-approved sales tax initiatives known locally as the “Penny” programs. Ada’s 4% local sales tax — or “four pennies” for every dollar spent — has become the backbone of the city’s growth strategy. Two pennies support the City’s general fund. Three-quarters of a penny (Proposition 1) is dedicated to infrastructure and was approved by voters as a permanent funding source. One-quarter of a penny (Proposition 2) is dedicated to economic development and will return to voters in 2027. The remaining 1% supports the 15-year city sales tax extension passed in 2023.
This structure mirrors the philosophy behind larger initiatives like the MAPS programs in Oklahoma City — using voter-approved, dedicated funding to invest in transformative community projects without overextending municipal finances. To date, current Penny projects total approximately $72 million in investment.
The Penny programs have consistently earned strong voter support:
- Penny One (2010–2015) passed with 63% approval and generated $19.4 million.
- Penny Two (2016–2023) passed with 78.1% approval and generated $34.7 million.
- Penny Three (2024–2039) passed with 72.9% approval and is projected to generate approximately $60 million.
In addition to outlining these funding mechanisms, the State of the City provided an opportunity for department leaders to highlight projects completed in 2025 and preview what residents can expect in the year ahead. The message was clear: Ada is investing deliberately in infrastructure, recreation, public safety, and long-term economic development.
KEY PROJECT UPDATES
| PROJECT | STATUS/TIMELINE | INVESTMENT | IMPACT |
| Wintersmith Lake Dredging | Construction begins Summer 2026 | Funded by Land & Water Conservation Grant + Penny 3 | Improves water quality, depth, and long-term usability |
| Ampitheather | Design complete; Construction Summer 2026 | Funded by Penny 2 | Expands event capacity and community programming |
| Central Fire Station | Under construction; Completion Fall 2026 | $3.5M (RISE + HUD EDI Grants) | Modern facility with shared workspace |
| Glenwood Park Improvements | Completion by Summer 2026 | $300K, funded by CDBG Grant | ADA sidewalk upgrades, fencing, lighting improvements |
| East Main Reconstruction | Construction begins Fall 2026 | $5M, funded by Penny 2 | Street reconstruction, storm sewer, curb & gutter, lighting, landscaping |
| Ada Municipal Airport | Ongoing East side improvements | $9.6M (PREP + ARPA) in 2024; $15M FY26 federal funding | Strengthens regional aviation infrastructure and economic competitiveness |
| Sports Complex Expansion | New 65,000 sq. ft. facility underway | $31M, funded by Prop 2 | Multi-purpose facility, soccer complex, pickleball courts, trails, new playground |
Together, these investments show a clear plan to improve infrastructure, enhance quality of life, support economic development, and make Ada a place where businesses and families can grow over the long term. Ada’s approach is practical, voter-approved, and focused on the future, helping position the community for steady growth over the next 15 to 20 years. As projects move forward, Grow Ada continues to work closely with the City of Ada, including efforts on the Ada Airport East Side Development Project focused on business recruitment and preparing the area for future industrial use. Grow Ada is also completing a hotel feasibility study to better understand market demand and guide future hospitality development. Together, these efforts help ensure that public investments strengthen the local economy and benefit the community over time.
Written by
Daniel Castaneda
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