Skip to main content

By Tulsa for thebenefit of Tulsa

TAEO is the economic development engine working to make big things happen in Tulsa using the financial tools, strategic investments and community connections.

Good Things Happen
When You Choose Tulsa

Tulsa offers something increasingly valuable: the connectivity,
affordability, workforce and quality of life needed to grow.

Strategic Location

Situated in the center of the country, Tulsa has direct access to major highways, rail, air and inland port systems, enhancing logistical capability.

Accessible Opportunity

Lower operating costs, business-friendly incentives and an affordable cost of living help businesses and employees do more.

Talent & Workforce

A growing collaborative ecosystem of industry partnerships, technical programs and universities, enabling a skilled workforce pipeline.

Quality of Life

Home to nationally-ranked parks, award-winning restaurants, influential arts and culture and a community where people are able to build lives.

Tulsa by the Numbers

It’s Hard to Argue
With the Data

Tulsa stacks up against markets twice its size on the metrics
that matter most to businesses.

8 mi

Distance from downtown to TUL International Airport

#3

Lowest cost of doing business out of 50 states

18 min

Average commute vs. 27 min national average

17% below

Cost of living national average

$260k

Median home sales price

528.6K

growing labor force

Data collected 2025/2026

Insights & Resources

Insights for Builders, Investors, and Decision-Makers

TAEO is Tulsa’s economic insight hub, sharing research, market intelligence and economic trends.

News

Alex Rodriguez’s Journey Fueled by Drones, Design and Innovation

For Alex Rodriguez, a passion for drones, technology and engineering has shaped his journey from his high school’s drone team to PartnerTulsa. Through his experience with drones and his interest in design and development, he has built a strong foundation…

News

Building a Future Through STEM and Innovation with Tristan Anderson

Driven by his passion for robotics, drones and STEM, Tristan Anderson is building a future focused on innovation and impact. During his time as a PartnerTulsa STEM intern, he connected his interests in technology and community service, gaining perspectives on…

News

Meet the Intern: Sheena’s Journey to PartnerTulsa

From Taiwan to Tulsa, Sheena’s summer internship has been a journey of discovery. We caught up with her to talk about her background, what she’s learned at PartnerTulsa and why Tulsa continues to surprise and inspire her. Tell us a…

Our Staff

The People Behind the Work

As Tulsans ourselves, this work is personal. That means the relationships we build are real, the expertise we bring is hard-earned, and every win for Tulsa is one we celebrate with you.

Ronita Wade

Chief Executive Officer

Ronita Wade

Chief Executive Officer

Ronita Wade serves as the Chief Executive Officer for TAEO. She brings over 16 years of experience working in finance, economic development and entrepreneurship. Ronita started her career with MainStay Investments in New York before transitioning into development, including as project manager at the United Nations Democracy Fund.

She is passionate about aligning teams and stakeholders with organizational strategy while navigating a world of consistent change. Prior to TAEO, Ronita worked at the fintech company NerdWallet. Ronita received a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from NYU, and a MSc. in Globalization and Economic Development from the University of Manchester.

Gary Hamer

Chief Strategy Officer

Gary Hamer

Chief Strategy Officer

Gary Hamer currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for TAEO, focusing on optimizing organizational revenues, assets, risk management, performance and strategic planning. Additionally, he oversees key outreach and capacity building initiatives within TAEO's Community Development team. Prior to joining TAEO, he served as the City of Tulsa's Capital Planning and Grants Manager, where he was responsible for the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the oversight of the administration of the City’s annual Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement funds.

He has served in a number of capacities during his 29 years in local government, including transportation planning, zoning and subdivision administration, and project management. He is committed to researching and implementing best practices, is fascinated by Legacy Cities, and believes strongly in the advocacy for equity.

Linn Cain

Chief Financial Officer

Linn Cain

Chief Financial Officer

With a decade of experience at the City of Tulsa, including roles as Senior Accountant and Accounting Manager, Linn brings exceptional expertise and dedication to her new role. Driven by her passion for Tulsa’s transformation and growth, Linn is committed to leveraging financial insights that will help propel TAEO’s mission of creating a thriving and inclusive community for all Tulsans. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in aligning our financial strategies with the city’s dynamic future.

The Opportunity is Here.
Let’s Make It Yours.

Whether you’re building, investing or dreaming,
TAEO is here to help you make it happen in Tulsa.