This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
Managing a city, especially a large one, requires balancing diverse public interests with limited resources. Leaders must make critical decisions about essential services, budget allocations and local tax rates.
One effective way to measure the effectiveness of local leadership is by assessing a city’s operating efficiency — how well officials manage and spend public funds compared to the quality of services residents receive.
WalletHub recently conducted a study to compare the operating efficiency of 148 of the largest U.S. cities, revealing which cities are managed best. They created a “Quality of Services” score based on 36 metrics across six service categories and compared this score against each city’s per capita budget.
Oklahoma City emerged as a standout in this study, ranking fifth for Best-Run City in the U.S. and first among large cities. This recognition highlights Oklahoma City’s successful management and efficient use of public funds, ensuring high-quality services for its residents. The city’s impressive ranking is an indication of the effective leadership and strategic decision-making of its local officials.
WalletHub’s evaluation covered six key categories: financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. These categories were assessed using 36 relevant metrics, providing a comprehensive picture of how effectively cities are managed. Oklahoma City’s high ranking in these categories proves its excellent services to its residents while maintaining a balanced budget.
To put Oklahoma City’s achievements in perspective, it’s helpful to look at how other cities performed in the same study. Nampa, Idaho, topped the list with the number one ranking in quality of city services and 45th in total budget per capita. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, came in second, with a 41st ranking in services and second in budget. Boise, Idaho, and Nashua, New Hampshire, also performed well, ranking fourth and third in services and 13th and fourth in budget, respectively.
Oklahoma City’s ability to rank fifth overall, with a 58th ranking in quality of city services and sixth in total budget per capita, demonstrates its efficiency in managing resources and delivering quality services. The city’s leadership has effectively navigated the complexities of urban management, ensuring that residents receive high-quality services without overextending the budget.
Other cities that performed well in the study include Durham, North Carolina (16th in services, 20th in budget); Provo, Utah (6th in services, 29th in budget); and Fort Wayne, Indiana (49th in services, 11th in budget). These cities, like Oklahoma City, have shown a strong ability to balance service quality with fiscal responsibility.
Oklahoma City’s high ranking in WalletHub’s study is a clear indicator of its effective local leadership. By prioritizing efficient resource management and high-quality services, Oklahoma City has established itself as a model for other large cities. This achievement reflects the city’s commitment to its residents and its ability to thrive even in challenging times.
