James Leonard: The Power of a Region

The old saying, “there is strength in numbers” is especially applicable when it comes to Oklahoma’s rural regions and communities. 

I have the privilege of currently chairing an organization that can be considered an emerging regional power and an example for other regions in the state looking for ways to advance economic development.

In 2005, we formed the Northwest Oklahoma Alliance with the goal of identifying existing resources and coordinating efforts to educate and improve our region.

The Northwest Oklahoma Alliance consists of 19 counties and 129 towns and cities.  Of those 129 towns and cities, 117 have populations below 3,000.  

The NwOA formed a sub-committee known as the Northwest Water Action Team.  Then we contracted research and development of a water plan for our region that has been very beneficial for farms, ranches, towns, and cities.  Our quarterly business luncheons are also very well attended.  

Another success has been our annual NwOA Legislative Reception, which is held at the state capitol and draws nearly 500 people.  This event has done much to increase the level of awareness of rural problems among legislative members, as well as state and federal agencies.  

At the end of each year, we also hold a retreat for the purpose of reviewing our activities and establishing new priority issues and projects for the coming year.

We recently held our first ever Teeny Tiny Town Summit in October, drawing an enthusiastic 80 people who learned about rural broadband expansion efforts, American Rescue Plan Act applications and programs, innovative rural retail efforts, water planning, sales tax, and rural health projects.   

There is no doubt that the NwOA is making a difference as this effort helps communities better understand their shared challenges and the way they can work together to solve them.

James Leonard can be reached by phone at 580.735.2030 or by email at buffalo@pldi.net