WWW.LAWTONOK.GOV CITY OF LAWTON FORT SILL A CITY OF PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY
LAWTON FORT SILL, OK A CITY OF PROG PROSPERITY AT A GLANCE CITY OF LAWTON FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA WHAT: A dynamic city focused on economic development, infrastructure revitalization, and quality-of-life improvements WHERE: Southwest Oklahoma WEBSITE: www.lawtonok.gov BALANCING GROWTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
GRESS AND Lawton Fort Sill, a city in southwestern Oklahoma, stands as a regional symbol of community strength and forward-thinking leadership.. As the city continues to grow, leadership is focused on issues like infrastructure revitalization, economic development, and ensuring the quality of life for its residents. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
Naturally, many of the town’s efforts are centered around attracting new businesses and industries that create high-paying jobs, enhancing educational initiatives—particularly in STEM fields—to build a skilled workforce, and fostering a business-friendly environment to stimulate investment. Strong partnerships between local government, businesses, and community organizations further support these efforts, creating sustainable economic opportunities that benefit all residents. Always mindful of its residents, Lawton Fort Sill also prioritizes revitalizing its neighborhoods, ensuring that residential areas remain safe, well-maintained, and inviting. The city’s consistency in demolishing dilapidated structures, cleaning up litter, and improving parks and public spaces speaks to a broader vision of creating an environment where families and businesses alike can flourish. In this regard, infrastructure development, including road improvements, upgraded water systems, and traffic signal enhancements, has also played a key role in supporting growth. The results of these developments have solidified Lawton Fort Sill’s reputation as a vibrant,economically diverse city with thriving businesses, modernized infrastructure, and engaged residents who take pride in their community. In this city, opportunity meets innovation, families enjoy happy, healthy lifestyles, and businesses— both large and small—have the support they need to prosper. With its impressive balance of largescale economic initiatives and everyday community improvements, Lawton Fort Sill is paving the way for a prosperous future. A CITY BUILT ON TRADITION, PROGRESS, AND COMMUNITY Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma, a city with deep community roots and a strong military presence, is making powerful strides to position itself as the region’s epicenter of economic and infrastructure development. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 LAWTON FORT SILL, OK
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With a strong connection to Fort Sill, a major artillery training post, Lawton Fort Sill supports both military families and long-term residents. “The city’s a major army artillery training post, and with that, we have a lot of families that come to the Lawton Fort Sill area every year… so we want to make sure that they have somewhere that they can enjoy and look forward to when they get stationed here,” says Director of Public Works Michael Watrous. In addition to its families, the city also greatly supports its businesses and encourages visitors. Through a combination of infrastructure investment, neighborhood revitalization, and economic initiatives, Lawton Fort Sill is determined to become an even more attractive place to settle down. “The future of Lawton Fort Sill is focused on becoming a “Community of Choice Where Families Thrive,” said Stan Booker, Mayor of Lawton Fort Sill, Oklahoma. “By enhancing infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and promoting inclusivity, Lawton Fort Sill is preparing for sustained success and a vibrant future.” Lawton Fort Sill also prides itself on its civic engagement and strong public-private partnerships. “We’re very sensitive to and reliant upon our partnerships in the community with businesses, different civic organizations, and the citizens themselves,” says City Manager John Ratliff. Community input plays a central role in shaping city initiatives, with leadership actively involving residents in decision-making processes. The city fosters collaboration through numerous advisory 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
We’ve been in Oklahoma for over 30 years and have a longstanding history with municipalities and utilities in the state. As we’ve invested ourselves in the state’s highways, bridges, water, and airport runways, we’ve been guided by care for the people driving those roads, crossing those bridges, and boarding flights to new places or back home. Connecting Oklahoma communities is personal because they’re our communities. We’re Oklahomans. And we’re committed to shaping the future of Oklahoma. Garver’s commitment to Oklahoma includes our partnership with the City of Lawton, where we’ve built a legacy of reliability and expertise and shown a commitment to meeting the city’s evolving infrastructure needs. Garver has played a pivotal role in assisting Lawton with water supply planning, water and wastewater pipeline design, wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation and expansion, SCADA upgrades, as well as other master planning services — laying the groundwork for the city’s longterm development. Beyond our engineering achievements, Garver is deeply invested in Lawton’s community.Through our I AM STEM initiative, we’ve helped inspire and support the next generation of engineers by cultivating a passion for STEM fields and empowering young minds to dream big. Garver is proud to be a part of Lawton — its past, present, and future. National resources, local expertise Since 1919, Garver has been on the ground floor of the highways, bridges, airport runways, and water treatment plants that our communities need to grow and prosper. What started as a one-person engineering firm with a short list of projects, has evolved into a leading multidisciplined engineering and consulting firm impacting communities across the country. Our local, client-focused teams are committed to providing efficient and innovative solutions for Oklahoma’s critical infrastructure needs today and for decades to come. GarverUSA.com LAWTON FORT SILL, OK
boards, commissions, and committees composed of dedicated volunteers who help shape policies. “They’re all volunteers doing this in their free time. They come in and do government work. It’s such a fundamental part of what we do. If we didn’t have that level of engagement with our citizens, we wouldn’t be able to function because it’s so key to how we operate as a government,” Ratliff explains. Additionally, regular city council meetings encourage public participation, giving residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and contribute to the city’s development. “Community input plays a significant role in shaping initiatives, ensuring that the needs and voices of residents guide decisions,” Booker said. “The city’s commitment to long-term planning, transparency, and measurable success demonstrates its dedication to creating a safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment where families and businesses can thrive.” The reason for Lawton Fort Sill’s civic enthusiasm is evident in its healthy list of community-unifying events. For example, Freedom Fest and the International Festival are two of Lawton Fort Sill’s largest occasions. Year after year, they bring the community and tourists together while showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage. Events like these attract considerable state-wide and national attention. Still, to further promote Lawton Fort Sill’s appeal beyond its borders, the city’s Communications and Marketing Department also leverages several partnerships and digital media channels. “It’s our job to make sure that Lawton Fort Sill is marketed as best as possible. So, of course, we use social media like Facebook and Instagram. We also have our media channels; KSWO is our local TV station that also reaches down into North Texas and 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
Wichita Falls,” says Communications and Marketing Manager Caitlin Gatlin. LAYING AN ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS Lawton Fort Sill’s leadership is proactive in engaging with platforms that highlight the city’s economic potential, ensuring that both residents and prospective businesses see Lawton Fort Sill as an opportunity-rich environment. Additionally, collaborations with regional business groups and civic organizations, such as the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, help create a business-friendly atmosphere that supports new enterprises and investment opportunities. A critical aspect of Lawton Fort Sill’s long-term success is its focus on workforce development and job creation. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve really strived to make sure we have good human capital management. The City Council has looked at the pay scale and updated both of our pay scales to be more aligned with all of the cities across Oklahoma,” Watrous states. The city also actively supports small business growth and provides resources to entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the region. “For a while, we’ve been holding small business workshops to arm business owners with the tools they need to be successful here. We let them know what kind of permits and licenses are required, as well as what our government expects of them. They 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 LAWTON FORT SILL, OK
Lawton Airport North Airport Industrial Park Property SW 11th Street Lawton Fort Sill Municipal Airport SW Bishop Rd 71 Acres Lawton Fort Sill Municipal Golf Course Site Airport Property: 43 Acres 34.5580299 -98.4114482 Airport Industrial Park Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma - Brad@lawtonedc.com 580-354-1625 O�ce Richar Richard@lawtonedc.com 580-354-0023 Building a Brighter Brad Coo Fu tur ksey, President d Rogalski, Project C onsultant - e ADDRESS: 302 W. Gore Blvd. Lawton, OK 73501 PHONE: 580-353-7356 www.lawtonedc.com • 2 Industrial parks • Largest retail hub between DFW and OKC • High voltage transmission lines • Zones I-4 Heavy Industrial • Tax and land incentives, TIF districts • Educated and trained workforce • Rail and commercial airport #theLawtonAdvantage Strategic location, immediate access to 650+ Acres of Greenfield Available
get that all in one place,” Ratliff explains. These workshop initiatives are in addition to others, like mentorship programs, which are often held in collaboration with organizations like Rotary and Lawton Fort Sill Businesswomen. Lawton Fort Sill is also investing heavily in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Programs designed to expose students to STEM fields from an early age are expected to provide local graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. By fostering an educated workforce and attracting industries focused on technology and innovation, Lawton Fort Sill is laying the foundation to attract large companies like the already established Goodyear Tires, Republic Paper Board, and Westwin Elements Nickel Refinery. Recognizing the importance of modern infrastructure in the economy, Lawton Fort Sill has taken bold steps to improve roads, utilities, and public spaces. “We have several different projects going around the city right now, and our citizens are really pushing to get more done. In August, we recently passed our Capital Improvement Project Fund (CIP), which has pushed forward a lot of infrastructure needs the citizens have asked for,” Watrous comments. The CIP has allocated substantial resources toward upgrading the city’s aging infrastructure. This includes $10 million in street rehabilitation and an additional $7 million toward complete road reconstruction projects. A key focus of Lawton Fort Sill’s city leadership is downtown revitalization and neighborhood improvement. The city recently completed a major upgrade to Second Street, the main downtown corridor, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics. Further enhancements are planned for the west side of Second Street, reinforcing the city’s intention to 629 SW C Ave. Lawton, OK 73501 4005 W. Gore Boulevard Lawton, OK 73501 weareliberty.bank | 580-351-2265 | Get paid to bank local with our free checking account KASASA CASH BACK® & KASASA CASH® 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 LAWTON FORT SILL, OK
make its downtown a vibrant commercial and social hub. ADAPTIVE INITIATIVES THAT SECURE TOMORROW Beyond downtown, Lawton Fort Sill is embarking on an ambitious neighborhood revitalization campaign. “Over the next year, we are going to take on a very aggressive campaign of knocking down 40 dilapidated structures a month, whether those be commercial or residential,” Ratliff says. The initiative intends to help remove all vacant buildings that contribute to urban decay. By addressing blight, the city aims to increase property values, improve safety, and create more attractive neighborhoods. Enhanced litter removal efforts and beautification projects are also part of the plan, reinforcing the idea that well-maintained neighborhoods foster stronger communities. One of the most innovative projects in Lawton Fort Sill, symbolizing the benefits of such revitalization, is the repurposing of its local shopping mall into the Fire Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA). As malls across the country struggle with declining foot traffic, Lawton Fort Sill saw an opportunity to transform a struggling retail space into a thriving economic hub. Now home to Department of Defense vendors and contractors, FISTA has become a cornerstone of Lawton Fort Sill’s downtown area, serving as both a business incubator and a driver of economic growth. This successful adaptive reuse strategy sets Lawton Fort Sill apart and offers a model for other cities looking to reinvigorate underutilized commercial spaces. 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC ALL-STATERS ATHLETIC FACILITY RENOVATIONS MAKERSPACE CLASSES AT EVERY ELEMENTARY SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS AT EACH SCHOOL 2024 MAGNA AWARD WINNER GRAND PRIZE lawtonps.org facebook.com/LawtonPS @lawton.ps By strategically placing FISTA in the heart of the city, Lawton Fort Sill has ensured that what could have become a symbol of economic decline is instead a catalyst for innovation and business expansion. Over the next five years, Lawton Fort Sill’s leadership is focused on ensuring long-term economic sustainability through continued investment in business development, infrastructure, and workforce education. Attracting companies with high-paying jobs remains a top priority, as economic prosperity will, in turn, improve the overall quality of life for residents. By creating a business-friendly environment, Lawton Fort Sill hopes to generate a ripple effect—increased employment opportunities lead to higher consumer spending, stronger schools, and an enhanced public services sector. Lawton Fort Sill’s leadership understands that a city’s success is measured not just by its economic indicators but by the well-being of its residents. Through a combination of strategic investments, community engagement, and forward-thinking initiatives, Lawton Fort Sill is positioning itself as a model for mid-sized cities aiming to balance growth with quality of life. As Lawton Fort Sill continues to evolve, its pursuit of progress remains unwavering. With a clear vision, dedicated leadership, and active community participation, Lawton Fort Sill is well on its way to becoming an even more dynamic and prosperous place to live and work. 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 LAWTON FORT SILL, OK
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Sparklight Business www.business.sparklight.com Sparklight, part of the Cable One family, is a leading broadband provider serving over 1 million customers in 24 states. Offering highspeed internet, cable TV, phone, and advanced Wi-Fi, Sparklight delivers reliable connectivity and local support. With scalable business services and a strong commitment to community, Sparklight keeps customers connected to what matters most—at work, in school, and at home. n Garver www.garverusa.com Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services. In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,300 employees, Garver has a people-first culture that drives innovative, client-first service. n Lawton-Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation www.lawtonedc.com Lawton-Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation provides comprehensive support to help businesses start, relocate, or expand. We make growth easier with incentives like land grants, fast-track permitting, and forgivable job loans. Our experienced team partners with you through site selection and beyond to ensure long-term success in Lawton. n Liberty National Bank www.weareliberty.bank Liberty National Bank has been serving the community since 1892. Committed to personalized banking solutions, they offer a full range digital products and financial services, including personal and business banking. Known for their customer-first approach, Liberty National Bank strives to build lasting relationships with every client. n Lawton Public Schools www.lawtonps.org Lawton Public Schools is a premier school district with 25 educational sites in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma. LPS’s focus is on preparing Life Ready Graduates where every student will graduate employed, enlisted or enrolled. We serve a diverse population of 13,670 students and nearly 2,000 staff members. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
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