Articles
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Local Government
Changing work patterns raise questions about OKC tax hike, commuter-rail plan
Before asking voters to approve a sales-tax increase to build and operate a commuter-rail system, Oklahoma City metro-area officials should demonstrate that the projected ridership reflects today’s employment patterns—not yesterday's commuting habits.Ray Carter | November 11, 2026
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Local Government
Minnesota’s failed rail project raises questions about Oklahoma City’s economic promises
Oklahoma City-area officials promoting a proposed $1.8 billion commuter rail system say the project will spur commercial development and strengthen the regional economy, but Minnesota’s experience offers a cautionary example.Ray Carter | November 3, 2026
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Local Government
Minnesota’s failed commuter rail offers cautionary tale for Oklahoma
As Oklahoma City-area officials consider a tax hike and a 39-mile commuter rail line, Minnesota’s recent shutdown of its 40-mile Northstar commuter rail service offers a cautionary example.Ray Carter | October 29, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Local Government
OKC rail plan would add roughly $200 a year to the average resident’s sales tax burden
The tax hike required for the proposed passenger rail line connecting Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman would add an estimated $226 to the annual sales-tax burden of the average Edmond resident, $204 for an Oklahoma City resident, and $182 for a Norman resident.Curtis Shelton | October 9, 2026
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Local Government
OKC mayor says rail will ease traffic. Transportation experts disagree.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt is pitching a proposed 39-mile passenger rail system (and tax increase) as one way to ease traffic congestion. But according to one expert, “It’s an established fact among researchers that transit does not meaningfully reduce congestion, and nobody should argue that it does.”Ray Carter | October 8, 2026
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Law & Principles, Local Government
Report finds socialists are targeting state, local, and school board elections
A new State Policy Network report finds that the Democratic Socialists of America is pursuing political influence primarily through state, local, and school board elections.Ray Carter | October 7, 2026
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Local Government
OKC’s proposed commuter rail won’t be faster than driving
Oklahoma City metro-area officials are asking voters to help fund a $1.8 billion, 39-mile commuter-rail system connecting Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman. Available evidence suggests the train will not get commuters to their destinations faster than driving.Ray Carter | October 6, 2026
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Local Government
‘It’s endless’: Seattle’s rail system shows the potential cost of OKC’s plan
Oklahoma City metro-area officials are proposing a $1.8 billion commuter-rail system funded roughly half by federal grants and half by a local sales-tax increase. But Seattle’s experience suggests the initial tax could be only the beginning of taxpayers’ costs.Ray Carter | September 30, 2026
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Local Government
OKC pushes commuter rail as riders remain missing from trains nationwide
Oklahoma City-area officials are advancing a proposed $1.8 billion commuter rail system linking Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman even as most U.S. commuter rail systems continue to have fewer riders than before the COVID-19 pandemic.Ray Carter | September 24, 2026
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Local Government
Nashville’s commuter rail struggles raise questions about Oklahoma City’s $1.8 billion plan
Nashville’s nearly 20-year-old Music City Star commuter rail line offers a cautionary example for Oklahoma City as metro officials promote a $1.8 billion rail system connecting Edmond, Oklahoma City and Norman.Curtis Shelton | September 16, 2026