Kevin Stitt has signed the Building Utilities and Infrastructure for Long-term Development (BUILD) Act into law, introducing a new approach to expand infrastructure and support housing development across Oklahoma—without raising taxes or increasing government debt.
The legislation comes as Oklahoma continues to see strong population growth, with officials noting the state ranks among the top 10 nationwide for net migration. More than 10,000 new residents have moved to the state in the past year alone, increasing demand for housing, utilities, and public infrastructure.
Addressing Growth Without Raising Taxes
Governor Stitt emphasized that the BUILD Act is designed to meet rising demand while protecting taxpayers.
“Something special is happening in Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “More families and businesses are moving here than ever before… But with that growth comes a new challenge. We need more homes and stronger infrastructure to keep up.”
The law aims to balance rapid development with fiscal responsibility, ensuring communities can expand without placing additional financial strain on residents.
How the BUILD Act Works
The BUILD Act allows cities, counties, and developers to create special development districts. Within these districts, private investment will fund essential infrastructure projects upfront, including:
- Roads and transportation systems
- Water and sewer infrastructure
- Parks and public spaces
- Other community improvements
Developers can later recover these costs through fees tied to properties within the district. Importantly, the law requires approval from both local officials and property owners before any district can be established.
This structure is intended to speed up development while shifting initial costs away from taxpayers.
Support From Lawmakers and Local Leaders
State lawmakers backing the bill say it offers a practical solution to Oklahoma’s infrastructure challenges.
John Haste described the measure as a forward-looking approach that avoids adding new taxpayer burdens.
Mark Lawson added that the law helps remove financial barriers that often slow down large-scale development projects.
Supporters argue the flexibility built into the legislation allows local governments to tailor development plans to their specific needs while encouraging private-sector participation.
Modeled on Other States, Tailored for Oklahoma
Governor Stitt noted that similar infrastructure financing models have been used successfully in states like:
- Texas
- Florida
- Utah
However, he said Oklahoma’s version strengthens local control and includes added safeguards to protect taxpayers.
A Step Toward Managing Rapid Growth
With continued population increases and economic expansion, the BUILD Act represents a strategic move to prepare Oklahoma for the future.
Stitt credited legislative leaders in both chambers for advancing the bill, calling it a key step in ensuring the state can handle long-term growth while maintaining affordability and quality of life.
The BUILD Act positions Oklahoma to handle its rapid population growth by modernizing how infrastructure projects are funded. By leaning on private investment instead of public debt, the state aims to expand housing and utilities efficiently while keeping taxpayer costs in check.
As communities begin to implement the new law, its long-term impact on development and affordability will become clearer—but for now, it marks a significant shift in how Oklahoma plans for the future.
