Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI)

What is CERI?

In 2023, Choctaw was selected as one of two cities to receive a $22,500 grant from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG). This grant supported our participation in the esteemed Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI), led by the Institute for Quality Communities at the University of Oklahoma, which provided us with invaluable planning assistance.

The Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI) is a pioneering program that empowers municipal governments like ours to develop planning demonstration projects. These projects serve as models for strategic community and economic investment, with a focus on Placemaking and Cultural Heritage Tourism.

For Choctaw, CERI provides us with a unique opportunity to explore and unlock the economic potential of the 23rd Street corridor. Historically, this corridor has been the city's economic hub but faces challenges for development due to irregular lot shapes and floodplain issues. The planning process involved community research, active engagement with citizens, gathering valuable recommendations, applying best practices, and developing detailed project implementation strategies.

We are proud to announce the completion of this project. The plan developed through CERI is not just a roadmap for revitalizing the 23rd Street corridor but also a comprehensive framework for growth across Choctaw. It contains innovative ideas and strategies that can be adapted and applied to other areas of our city.

The completed Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI) plan is now available and will serve as a strategic guide for Choctaw's future growth and development.

Surveys

As part of the Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI), the Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) team carried out regular steering committee meetings and developed detailed surveys to collect input from both adults and students in our community. The 23rd Street Corridor Survey was specifically designed to gather feedback on residents' experiences and opinions regarding the corridor. The IQC team asked how they currently use the area, their feelings about it, and their vision for its future development.

Survey results:

SURVEY SLIDESHOW

YOUTH SURVEY RESULTS

SURVEY RESULTS FOR CITIZENS 18+

CORRIDOR PLAN

This comprehensive study offers a strategic framework to transform the 23rd Street Corridor into a vibrant, accessible, and economically thriving area. It captures the community’s vision through extensive local research and inclusive engagement with residents and stakeholders. The plan focuses on enhancing economic vitality, improving safety and accessibility, and fostering a strong sense of community identity.

The team identified four key pillars for NE 23rd Street’s development:

Pedestrian Prioritization
Economic Development
Housing
Placemaking

These pillars were thoroughly examined through conceptual designs, case studies, and a detailed sidewalk gap analysis.

23rd STREET CORRIDOR PLAN

COLLABORATORS

Steering Committee Members

Julie Farmer

Calvin Moore

Wade Moore

Kenneth Smith

Sam Curtis

Dr. Jim Collard

Tawny Shelby

Sarah Huffine

ACOG

Mark W. Sweeney, AICP

Christopher Bluth

Sharon Astrin

OU IQC

Vanessa Morrison

Ron Frantz

Rebecca Blaine

Emily Pendergrast

Natalie Young

Mahathi Akella

Anahita Niknejad

Logan Gray

Brianna Haley

PROFESSIONAL MENTOR

Josh Kunkel

About the 23rd Street Corridor/ Highway 62

In a world where cities often grow and change at a rapid pace, it's easy for their unique heritage and character to fade into the annals of time. That's why the City of Choctaw is excited about the Community Economic Resiliency Initiative (CERI). This initiative presents an exceptional opportunity to not only preserve our city's rich history but also reinvigorate our community for a more vibrant and prosperous future.

The corridor encompasses 23rd Street (also known as historic Highway 62), stretching from Hiawassee to Triple X Rd. This corridor holds a profound connection to Choctaw's historical roots. The original township, dating back to the city's inception in 1889 on John Scott Muzzy's Claim, lies within the section between Harper and Choctaw Road. The area also served as the original grazing range for the 7C Ranch and is situated on what was once the North Slope of Line Creek Valley (now known as Choctaw Creek). Furthermore, the Choctaw Coal and Railway Company wielded a substantial influence in molding our unique heritage. The township derived its name from this very railway company, which was in the process of laying down rail lines through the region when the town was founded.

Over time, this corridor has transformed from an area where agricultural goods were exchanged, featuring a train station, cotton gins, and livery stables, to a space embracing the automobile age with service stations and small-town groceries. It witnessed the establishment of Choctaw Plaza in the 1970's, originally anchored by stores like Otasco and TG&Y, but now is home to national retailers such as Petco, Popshelf, and Dollar Tree. More recently, with the introduction of The Markets, Choctaw has celebrated milestones like the arrival of its first Walmart and Starbucks. Throughout this journey, local entrepreneurs have played a crucial role in sustaining the small-town charm, operating businesses such as restaurants, gas stations, assorted service businesses, doctor's offices, and dental practices. The unwavering commitment of small business has kept the heart of the community beating strong. (BUSINESSES IN CHOCTAW)

The 23rd Street Corridor is Choctaw's main commercial hub. While the city once had a historic Main Street, its original buildings were lost to tornadoes and fires. Looking to the future, the 23rd Street Corridor will continue to evolve. As the ideas from the CERI Plan are implemented along the 23rd Street Corridor, the area will transform into a beautiful, accessible, and thriving space that promotes business growth and economic development. Research indicates that aesthetically pleasing spaces elevate emotional experiences, foster a positive community environment, and promote feelings of joy, well-being, engagement, and inclusivity. This transformation will establish an appealing commercial district, bolstering the local economy and improving the quality of life for all Choctaw residents.