The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is dedicated to addressing systemic problems in the criminal justice system of central Oklahoma. In fact, 2025 marks a decade of our sustained effort under the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC). Perhaps an unexpected line of work for a Chamber of Commerce to take on, we have seen the undeniable damage of ineffective justice policy, and addressing this issue has made a significant, positive impact on our city’s economic potential.
Justice reform is important to economic-minded organizations like the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber because it strengthens the economic fabric of a community. By decreasing reliance on incarceration and increasing workforce participation, reforms have not only saved millions in taxpayer dollars but also expanded the pool of skilled workers, reducing hiring challenges for local businesses.
The Chamber’s work began with an invitation to the Vera Institute of Justice. The organization’s in-depth research into Oklahoma County’s justice system revealed that smarter justice policies could save the county millions annually, freeing up resources for infrastructure and economic growth. The takeaway from this research was a set of recommendations that have guided CJAC in our work.
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