New survey finds Oklahoma employers remain optimistic about the state’s economy but increasingly concerned about workforce shortages, education outcomes and infrastructure investment.
Oklahoma business leaders remain optimistic about the state’s economic direction, but a new survey suggests many would prefer state leaders focus on education, workforce development and infrastructure investments rather than additional tax cuts.
The 2026 Business Leaders Poll conducted by the State Chamber, Oklahoma Business Roundtable and State Chamber Research Foundation found that workforce and education issues continue to dominate employers’ concerns about Oklahoma’s future growth, the Tulsa World reported.
The survey found that 74% of respondents identified workforce and education as one of the two most important issues facing Oklahoma businesses. Nearly half said recruiting and retaining workers is the single greatest obstacle to growth and profitability.
One of the survey’s most politically significant findings may complicate the long-running tax-cut debate at the Capitol. Nearly 60% of respondents said Oklahoma should invest surplus state revenues in public priorities rather than return the money through tax cuts.
The findings arrive as candidates for governor and legislative leaders debate competing visions for Oklahoma’s future, including whether additional state revenues should be used for tax reductions, education investments or other priorities.
Business leaders also voiced strong support for improving educational outcomes. Nearly 89% agreed that the state should prioritize funding and resources aimed at improving elementary reading and math performance, according to the survey.
Infrastructure emerged as another concern. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said Oklahoma’s physical infrastructure is worse than that of competing states.
At the same time, employers expressed confidence in the state’s overall economic trajectory. The survey found that 64% believe Oklahoma is moving in the right direction relative to the national economy, while 81% reported plans to hire additional workers during the coming year.
The survey included responses from 401 business owners and executives across Oklahoma. The Tulsa World reported that neither the news release nor the published report included a detailed polling methodology.
The results suggest Oklahoma’s business community continues to support economic growth policies but increasingly views workforce readiness, education performance and infrastructure investment as prerequisites for sustaining long-term growth.
Source: Tulsa World
