By John Dobberstein, Editor
An Alabama consulting firm has entered into a strategic partnership with Wagoner County to enhance retail economic development efforts in the region.
Alabama-based Retail Strategies, a retail and economic development firm, will focus on attracting national retailers “and strengthening the retail landscape” in Wagoner and Coweta, working with the Wagon County Economic Development Authority.
County officials said the initiative “reflects a unified approach to regional economic development, with both (Wagoner) and (Coweta) actively engaged and supporting the effort,” adding that collaboration between key communities will ensure a “broader and more strategic impact.”
Darla Heller, who serves as economic development director for Wagoner County, says Retail Strategies has a proven track record in retail recruitment, “and retail and restaurant industry relationships will be invaluable as we work to attract quality businesses that serve our growing population. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our economic development strategy.”
The Wagoner County EDA serves all communities in the county, including Wagoner, Coweta, Catoosa, Broken Arrow, Porter and Okay. Heller said the city of Broken Arrow is not participating in the project as it “did not fit their needs,” but she added the EDA and Broken Arrow are still cooperative in economic development projects.
The partnership will encompass comprehensive retail market analysis, strategic site identification, and direct outreach to targeted retail brands and developers.
The retail development initiative is expected to generate new sales tax revenue, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for county residents. By attracting complementary retail establishments, the partnership aims to reduce retail leakage to neighboring markets while strengthening the local economic base.
Wagoner County will be one of the benefactors of the TIF district established for the Sunset Amphitheater in Broken Arrow, a 12,500-seat concert venue developed by Venu that is set to open in 2026.
Wagoner County has experienced major residential growth in the last several years and is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, with a 7% population increase since 2017. Coweta was selected by the Muscogee Creek Nation as the site for a $100 million casino and hotel project at Highway 51 and 131st Street.
But other much-anticipated retail projects have been announced in the city of Broken Arrow, including Adams Creek Town Center ($70M) on Hillside Drive on the city’s north side, Aspen Ridge ($31M) at Aspen Avenue and the Creek Turnpike, and, across the turnpike, Hackberry Market ($98M).
The city has also begun building its 90-acre Arrow Forge Innovation District, a physically connected, compact and accessible area offering a variety of housing options, offices, and retail opportunities. Much of the development in south Broken Arrow came after years of waiting for more residential development to occur to attract investment.
Much like Broken Arrow — which has a population of 122,000 — both Coweta (11,501) and Wagoner (8,855) are also growing and need sales tax revenue to help pay for city services and infrastructure improvements.
Lyndsey Bailey of Retail Strategies said Wagoner County’s strategic location 30 minutes from the Tulsa metropolitan area, “combined with its strong economic fundamentals and business-friendly environment,” makes it an attractive destination for retail investment and expansion.
“We’re seeing unprecedented interest from national retailers in growing markets like Wagoner County, and we’re excited to help channel that interest into meaningful economic development outcomes for the community,” Bailey said in a statement.
Retail Strategies said it specializes in data-driven approaches to attract national retailers, working as an extension of municipal government to connect brands, brokers and developers with local property owners and city officials.
Leave a Reply