Business Leaders Poll: Oklahoma Has Momentum, But Execution Matters
OKLAHOMA CITY (April, 2026) – Oklahoma business leaders remain confident in the state’s economic direction and continue to plan for growth. However, they remain concerned about workforce availability, infrastructure needs and the state’s long-term competitiveness. This data and more are the findings of the 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll. The study provides the latest and most comprehensive insight into the thoughts and opinions of the state’s business community.
The State Chamber, the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and The State Chamber Research Foundation collaborate each year to produce the Business Leaders Poll. The annual survey asks business leaders throughout Oklahoma incisive questions about the state of business in Oklahoma. The poll’s purpose is to create a comprehensive overview of business leaders’ top concerns and provide a guide for growth to the legislators who shape the state’s economic and business development initiatives. BLP is the only scientific, statewide survey that annually measures business community perspectives. This year’s Business Leaders Poll surveyed 401 business owners and executives across Oklahoma.
Key Insights from the 2026 BLP:
- 64% believe Oklahoma is moving in the right direction relative to the national economy.
- 81% of businesses plan to hire in the coming year.
- Workforce and education remain the top concern, with 74% identifying them as one of the two most important issues facing Oklahoma business growth.
- Nearly half of respondents say workforce recruitment and retention is their single greatest obstacle to profitability and growth.
- 59% say Oklahoma’s physical infrastructure is worse than that of competitor states.
- Nearly 60% say the state should invest surplus funds in public priorities rather than return the money through tax cuts.
- 89% agree the state should prioritize funding and resources for improved education outcomes, particularly in elementary reading and math.
“Oklahoma business leaders are optimistic, but they are also realistic about the challenges ahead,” said Amanda Hall, policy director at The State Chamber Research Foundation. “Employers are planning to hire, invest and grow, but they continue to identify workforce as the central issue affecting their ability to compete. The data shows business leaders want practical, targeted investment in the fundamentals that support long-term growth.”
“This poll provides positive data points, but more importantly, it highlights trends we cannot ignore,” said Mark Funke, president, Oklahoma Business Roundtable. “Workforce, education, and healthcare will define our state’s long-term success over the next five years, and these are the issues we must address now.”
“Oklahoma’s business community is sending a clear message: the state has momentum, but execution matters,” said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber of Commerce. “Workforce, infrastructure and innovation are not abstract policy issues. They affect whether companies can hire, expand and compete. Business leaders are looking for solutions that strengthen the pipeline, support growth and position Oklahoma to win.”
Click here for the full 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll report.
Media Contact: Brent Skarky – 405-818-1939, brent@okstatechamber.com
