term strategy is the diversification of its economic base. While historically known for its role in the mining and energy sectors, McAlester has embraced new industries to ensure economic stability and growth in the face of shifting market dynamics. “We are the biggest city in the southeast portion of the state. We’re a regional hub for shopping, healthcare, and numerous things, for the surrounding towns in the area,” says Mayor John Browne. McAlester boasts a robust and diverse economy, supported by many sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. The city is home to the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, one of the largest employers in the region, which plays a critical role in the nation’s defense infrastructure. The plant provides stable, high-paying jobs and drives technological innovation and economic development throughout the region. Due to a pre-existing bond debt, the city holds, dating back to 1999, stimulating the local economy with as much development and opportunity is a top priority for McAlester’s leadership. As a solution, city leadership, in collaboration with regional stakeholders, has identified key industries with the potential for long-term growth. In addition to defense, McAlester has become a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare services. These industries provide a solid foundation for the city’s economy and offer a range of employment opportunities. “We’re trying to round out our portfolio by bringing in some manufacturing, and we’re working towards retail on the southeast side of town… we mostly work off of sales tax, so it makes it a challenge,” says City Manager David Andren. As a municipality, while McAlester pays property taxes to the county school system, the city doesn’t receive any monetary benefit from its property taxes. Every city improvement has been made through 92 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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