Mayor Will Joyce

2025 State of the City – Mayor Will Joyce

Progress Together

Good afternoon, everyone – It’s an honor to be here with you to talk about the amazing state of the City of Stillwater.

First, thank you to our presenting sponsors and to everyone who made today possible. Let’s also take a moment to recognize Alane and her team at the Chamber for their outstanding work representing Stillwater and our business community.

And thank you — truly — to all of you for being here today and for all you’ve done, and continue to do, for Stillwater. Your efforts are critical for continued progress.

This is my 8th State of the City and since 2022, we’ve introduced a theme each year – Vision, Vision Forward, and Vision at Work – to focus our efforts and keep us moving in the same direction.

However, this year… we changed it up a bit…

As the video reminded us, our town is where tradition meets tomorrow – where strong roots, paired with ingenuity and drive, continue to shape a diverse, resilient, and welcoming Stillwater.

Stillwater is a place of connection and opportunity, where we are investing in infrastructure, expanding green spaces, preserving quality of life, leveraging new relationships, and building a sustainable, successful future.

These are some of the reasons why I believe, that today, in Stillwater, we are pursuing Progress Together.

This past week, I and some of our city staff have been at the Oklahoma Municipal League’s Annual Conference, learning from and collaborating with Oklahoma’s 500 plus cities and towns. I’m proud to serve on their Board and represent Stillwater in the conversations.

And, no matter where I go – at OML, around the country, or in our Sister City of Kameoka, Japan, I always run into people who say: “Oh, I love Stillwater.” People can’t wait to share a memory or experience they’ve had here. That instant connection speaks volumes about who we are as a community.

We are living in a time of remarkable momentum, an economic and cultural renaissance – driven by people who believe in Stillwater’s future and are investing their time, energy, and resources to make it a reality.

No single project, no single leader, no single organization can create – on their own – the Stillwater we want for tomorrow. It takes all of us, rolling up our sleeves and working side by side.

The results are everywhere – visible in the projects we’ve completed, the investments underway, and the opportunities we are just beginning to unlock.

Let’s talk a little about our Progress Together and where we’re seeing it in projects we’ve completed this past year, those underway now, and those on the horizon.

Let’s first look at:

Music, Culture, Art, and Quality of Life

Block 34 is now open and being enjoyed by residents and visitors, thanks to the generosity of Steve and Becky Irby and the KICKER family, Simmons Bank, and many others who made this possible. Thanks are also due to the Stillwater Community Center Foundation, and Jim Beckstrom, for their tireless work.

The vision for this block has been years in the making – an amphitheater and recreation space, an area to honor musicians, outdoor playscapes, and gathering spaces.

Today, that vision is a reality. From the KICKER Amphitheater to Simmons Bank Pavilion, the Beer Garden, recreational spaces, and multiple infrastructure projects including drainage, parking, and roadways – Block 34 is now a gathering place for concerts and community celebrations, home to Market 34 and local vendors, and a prime example of what Progress Together truly means.

The Rails to Trails project is a major step forward for active transportation in Stillwater. Our unused railroad corridor is being transformed into a safe, functional pathway that will connect our city from north to south, expanding on and finally completing the Kameoka Trail.

Both segments of the project – Lakeview to McElroy, and McElroy to 6th Avenue. Thanks to a trail use agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the path is clear to move forward. We are now in the bidding phase to remove the existing rails and ties.

This project is made possible in part through over $2 million in grants from ODOT. We’re especially grateful to the City’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, our Engineering and Finance teams, our Grants Manager, and City Manager Brady Moore for their commitment to making this long-envisioned project a reality.

From its roots on the Farm and through a decades-long procession of talented musicians who have honed their craft and their sound in venues throughout our community, we are the Original Home of Red Dirt Music. Festivals like the Bob Childers Gypsy Café and Calf Fry Music Fest celebrate this legacy, underscoring our vibrant musical identity and Stillwater’s role in nurturing the originality and authenticity that define “Red Dirt”.

Earlier this year, we experienced “lightning in a bottle” with the four-day Boys From Oklahoma music festival, featuring Stillwater and Oklahoma’s own – The Great Divide, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Stoney LaRue, Turnpike Troubadours, lots of special guests, and of course -- Cross Canadian Ragweed.

And just a week or so ago, OSU Athletics announced that we’ll have Round 2 of Boys From Oklahoma coming this April – where Stillwater’s hometown sensation Wyatt Flores will be part of the bill!

We are incredibly grateful for these artists (more on that in a minute)  but also for the leadership, hard work, and commitment from the visionaries at OSU Athletics and the OSU Administration – and the businesses, hoteliers, and residents who showed incredible hometown hospitality and embraced the chaos of this kinda nerve-wracking, but ultimately galactically successful event.

Our community and county – including all of the OSU staff, City staff, Visit Stillwater, Payne County officials, OHP, and so many others – ensured this event was a safe and incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for hundreds of thousands.

Over the past year, we’ve increased our emphasis on public art as an essential part of our community’s character. The  Stillwater Art initiative, will not only celebrate creativity but also work to build a sustainable funding stream to support it for years to come, with sculpture, murals, our awesome utility box art contests, and more all fostering  vibrancy and ensuring that the arts remain a defining feature of Stillwater’s identity.

At the same time, we are making progress on branding and wayfinding initiatives that help residents and visitors alike navigate and experience Stillwater more fully. This work has been shaped by the City partnering with Visit Stillwater, our core commercial districts, and community stakeholders who recognize the importance of creating a stronger sense of place. Wayfinding is about more than just signage, it’s about how people feel when they arrive here, how easily they can connect with what we offer, and how our community is represented to the outside world.

Together, we’ve brought on consultants to guide this year-long process, making sure the outcomes are lasting, meaningful, and a true reflection of Stillwater.

Our goals are to strengthen Stillwater’s identity, improve the visitor experience, and contribute to economic growth. Just as importantly, wayfinding and branding inspire pride and unity among our residents. By investing in these efforts, we’re not only enhancing the quality of life today, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term cultural and economic value that will benefit Stillwater for generations.

The 12th Street Health Corridor is a powerful example of what we can accomplish through partnerships. Construction on the new YMCA will begin soon, funded through private donations and public collaborations, and the new soccer fields behind the SMC campus on 12th have been filled with activity thanks to the contributions of Behfar Jahanshahi, Ed Gallegos, and the Stillwater Soccer Club, SASA, and dozens of community people and businesses who have pitched in to help.

At the same time, City administration and staff are working closely with the City Council Parks Sub-Committee to evaluate and develop a bond proposition for a new City pool, that would be operated, maintained, and staffed by the YMCA at their new location. The proposition would allow our community to decide whether an outdoor public pool is the right, next step for Stillwater.

We’re looking at plans to add pickleball courts and additional ballfields already, expanding opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active and connected.

These projects remind us that great things happen when people are encouraged and empowered to make a difference.

Now, let’s talk about:

Health, Safety, and Education

Just last month, we celebrated the opening of our new Fire Station 2 on Western Road. This state-of-the-art facility, with five bays and state of the art communications equipment, will improve response times and strengthen service across the community.

Beyond faster response, the station includes modern safety, health and living facilities for our firefighters, ensuring they have the resources and environment needed to protect both themselves and all of Stillwater.

It is one of the key projects made possible through the TIME bond initiatives, “Together Investing in Municipal Excellence,” and a clear example of how voter-supported investments directly enhance public safety in Stillwater.

Another recent TIME initiative, approved by voters this past April, is the new Animal Welfare facility. Currently in the design and engineering stages, this facility will more than double kennels and catteries, and provide for modern, efficient care of animals and improved protection of our public safety personnel. It will be located on Hargis Road, across from the Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center… and just a few miles from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine – to allowing easy access and increased opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

The design emphasizes both animal and public health and safety and with calls for service continuously rising, we are excited to begin construction and open the doors in winter 2026/2027.

We are grateful to our voters for supporting these initiatives, and to our firefighters, first responders, City staff, and volunteers whose dedication turns these investments into real, lasting improvements for our community.

Construction is well underway on the new Stillwater Regional Airport terminal. The 31,000 square-foot facility will have two gates, expanded parking, and a modern design that reflects the character of our community.

Due to partnerships and support from the FAA, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Oklahoma State University, our Federal delegation, and other community stakeholders, this terminal will have a profound impact on our community.

Construction is more than 30 percent complete and on track to open by the middle of next year – around the time of our 10th anniversary of American Airlines commercial service.

Alongside the terminal itself, we are also making major infrastructure improvements, including new utilities, a new access road, and a LARGE, easy to navigate roundabout designed to improve traffic flow and accommodate everything from charter buses to fuel trucks. This investment not only enhances passenger experiences but also strengthens Stillwater’s role as a regional hub for air travel and economic development.

This year, GRAND Mental Health opened its new Payne County Urgent Care Recovery Behavioral Health Clinic right here in Stillwater. This 24/7 facility provides immediate crisis care, connecting individuals with trained professionals and treatment when they need it most. The project was made possible through strong partnerships with local leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations, and it represents a major step forward in addressing mental health needs in our region. GRAND’s presence here strengthens public safety, supports families, and ensures that help is always close to home. I would like to personally thank former Vice Mayor Pat Darlington for her lifetime commitment to support mental and emotional health efforts in Stillwater and Payne County.

We are proud to announce the full implementation of the first countywide interoperable radio system, giving ALL public safety agencies in Payne County, including OSU, Stillwater Police and Fire, and the Sheriff’s Office, the ability to respond to calls more quickly and with greater reliability.

This $20 million project, funded through a combination of county and City support, ARPA dollars, and forward-thinking partnerships, represents a major investment in public safety. From design to implementation, this system has been six years in the making.

I want to thank Emergency Management Director Rob Hill for taking lead on this, Payne County, OSU, our City administration and Finance team, County Commissioners, and our State leaders for their partnership in making this possible. Because of their work, our first responders now have the tools needed to communicate seamlessly and keep our community safe.

Our educational institutions continue to achieve phenomenal milestones that benefit all of Stillwater.

Oklahoma State University is leading the way with groundbreaking research, growing programs, and expanding opportunities for students both on campus and around the world – including, a historic $250 million state funding appropriation for a new veterinary teaching hospital.

Northern Oklahoma College continues to provide accessible, high-quality education and workforce training, preparing students for careers that strengthen our regional economy.

Meridian Technology Center continues to be a cornerstone of workforce development, offering more than 25 full-time programs designed to equip students with skills for Health Careers, Information Technology, Welding, Electrical Technology, and Business Technology – skills local employers need. Through hands-on training and strong partnerships with industry, these programs ensure our workforce remains competitive and ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow, which strengthens our economy and opportunities for all residents.

Stillwater Public Schools continues to excel in fostering academic excellence and community engagement. The district has been recognized for the 10th consecutive year as a 'Best Community for Music Education'. Additionally, the district ranks among the top 3.5% of U.S. school districts, reflecting its commitment to high-quality education. In athletics, Stillwater High School has achieved over 60 state championships, demonstrating a strong tradition of excellence.

We are also excited to welcome our new Supt. Tyler Bridges and hope his first year with Stillwater Public Schools is a great success.

Let’s also look at our medical leadership for the region… Stillwater Medical Center and their outstanding contributions to health and well-being. They’ve dramatically enhanced surgical care with a 24,400-square-foot addition and nearly 20,000 square feet of renovated space, with multiple operating rooms, prep and recovery rooms, and advanced technology including newly upgraded da Vinci Surgical Robots and airborne infection control system.

They’ve also expanded women’s and maternal health services with the Women’s Health Center and the opening of North Central Oklahoma’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The NICU was made possible through a generous financial gift from OnCue. These areas and equipment ensure that newborns and parents receive vital care locally.

Thanks to Stillwater Medical’s continued investment, innovation, and partnership – and especially to CEO Denise Webber and her outstanding team – we are strengthening our local healthcare infrastructure and safeguarding the health of families across our region.

This past spring, our community faced an unimaginable crisis, the wildfires that swept through parts of Stillwater. The speed, intensity, and threat of these fires tested all of us, and the impact was felt across neighborhoods, businesses, and lives. But even in the face of such adversity, the incredible strength, resilience, and compassion of our community shined through.

These fires were devastating, but they also revealed the very best of Stillwater – our neighbors, friends, first responders, and our City staff from every department all stepped up immediately to fight fires, provide support, and protect lives and property. Local organizations and businesses immediately joined the efforts, showing extraordinary generosity and care.

I especially want to highlight the leadership of Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski. She and I talked first thing Saturday morning, while I was preparing to meet Gov. Stitt to tour the area, and her first question was “What do we tell all these people who are asking how they can help?” Within a few hours, Amy helped launch the Stillwater Strong Relief initiative.

Working alongside Rachael Condley, Executive Director of Our Daily Bread; long-time community advocate Becky Taylor; Ruth Cavins, Executive Director of United Way; City Administration; Carolynn Walstad with SASA; and many other dedicated stakeholders, this team quickly developed a resource center for those in urgent need of living supplies. They created a trusted system for donations and established a fair process to distribute more than half a million dollars to residents directly impacted by the fires.

So many others jumped in to have community fundraisers and events to not only provide financial assistance, but moments of escape and relief from disaster, as reminders that we are here, in this together, to support in any way possible.

Even now, many in our community are still displaced or in the process of rebuilding their lives. I spoke just this week with the spouse of one of our Police Officers whose home was destroyed about their saga of moving from one temporary home to another, and their excitement that construction has started on their rebuilt home. Her optimism and gratitude were incredibly inspiring. And we must continue to support our neighbors, with resources where needed, but also just by being a friend, someone to listen -- a fellow Stillwegian – to remind us all that our strength is rooted in community and shared commitment to one another.

Addition – Mayor Joyce recognized City staff for their efforts throughout the wildfire crisis and the relief efforts.

Lastly, we’ll see how Progress Together is also happening in:

Infrastructure and Economic Development

After several years of seeing plants close and sit vacant, we are seeing incredible growth in our industrial sector.

Companies like Kingspan, Asco, and Platinum Arch continue to invest in Stillwater, bringing jobs, innovation, and growth to our community. These industrial partners play a critical role in diversifying our local economy, supporting workforce development, and creating opportunities for residents across a wide range of careers.

Their presence, combined with our thriving commercial districts – such as Downtown, The Strip, Campus Corner – and high-tech investments, demonstrates that Stillwater is a city where business, industry, and innovation come together to drive progress.

Special thanks to The Chamber and Economic Development lead Kari Moore for the strong work and collaborative partnership to leverage these opportunities.

Our community continues to grow and thrive thanks to new businesses, industries, and the vitality of our commercial districts.

Across Stillwater, we are seeing new restaurants, retail, and service businesses opening their doors, adding energy, jobs, and opportunities.

This year, we also celebrated a true Stillwater icon, Eskimo Joe’s, marking their 50th anniversary. For half a century, Eskimo Joe’s has been more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place, a source of local pride, and a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity that defines our city.

We congratulate them on this milestone and thank all our local businesses for making Stillwater a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Google’s investment in Stillwater continues to move forward, reflecting years of collaborative work to position our city as a hub for innovation and technology.

Their recent announcement to invest an additional $9 billion in Oklahoma over the next two years speaks to our partnerships and increased opportunities.

The new data center campus is now under development, spanning 400 acres and including multiple state-of-the-art buildings to make Stillwater a part of the essential tech infrastructure of the future.

This project demonstrates what can be achieved when government, business, and community work together – bringing future-proof  jobs, economic growth, and new opportunities for our residents. It’s a clear example of ‘Progress Together’.

Beyond the jobs and technological advancements, this project is generating significant new revenue streams for our community. In the first phase alone, almost a million dollars in annual payments will be distributed among Stillwater Public Schools, Meridian Technology Center, Payne County Health Department, and Payne County government. These funds will support critical services and infrastructure improvements, enhancing education, health, and public services for our residents.

Additionally, the City will receive approximately $2.25 million  annually per data center in franchise fees. These funds are dedicated in the project plan to support public amenities and facilities – remember the parks, trails, sports facilities we talked about earlier? These funds will help build and maintain those projects - plus infrastructure enhancements, and future economic development projects.

We’re thrilled that The HUB Stillwater is scheduled to open in the next month or so. This family-friendly destination will offer bowling lanes, a movie theater, an arcade, and pickleball courts – providing fun and entertainment for residents and visitors alike. We are especially grateful to the Tonkawa Tribe for choosing Stillwater as the location for this exciting project, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create for community engagement and economic growth.

Additionally, we have been working with ODOT, the Tonkawa Tribe, and their contractors with Lambert Construction to address the intersections near this new entertainment venue, to ensure there is increased transportation safety measures in place.

Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply is vital for the continued growth and well-being of our community.

That's why the City is undertaking its most significant investment in water infrastructure in over four decades. This $210 million Water Master Plan includes the construction of a new 7-mile raw water pipeline connecting Lake McMurtry to our water treatment plant, a new pump station capable of handling 24 million gallons per day, and a storage facility to meet future demands.

These upgrades will increase our water treatment capacity from 18 to 24 million gallons per day, enhancing water quality and supply reliability for our residents and businesses.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved a $39 million funding package to support these critical improvements, including a $2 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, and a $5 million Congressional Directed Spending Grant. These investments demonstrate our commitment to providing safe, clean, and dependable water for generations to come.

Our commitment to safe, efficient, and connected streets continues with the implementation of the Pavement Management Plan and Sidewalk Connect initiative.

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure, the City Council has approved a $10 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2026 Pavement Management Plan, funded through the Transportation Sales Tax.

The plan allocates $1 million for various sidewalk improvements, as part of the continuing work to maintain and upgrade our transportation network. This will help advance the Sidewalk Connect program, making it easier for residents to safely walk, bike, and access key destinations.

These initiatives reflect our proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing the city's infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all residents.

Specific projects with timelines and updates, can be found online at stillwaterok.gov/roads.

This has been an incredible year for Stillwater.

Our commitment and Progress Together is clear:

• We are pursuing economic development that brings jobs, opportunity, and innovation to Stillwater.
• We are investing in quality-of-life amenities that make our city vibrant, welcoming, and attractive to newcomers.
• We are ensuring that Stillwater has a prosperous foundation to support our residents and businesses for decades to come.

Stillwater’s success is not the result of one big moment, it’s the accumulation of thousands of moments, choices, and acts of generosity. It’s the people in this room and in this community who make things happen.

I am honored to serve alongside you as we continue to build, create, and achieve, together.

Stillwater’s future is bright, and the best is yet to come. Let’s continue Progress… Together. Thank you.