As the Oklahoma City Thunder charge into the NBA Finals, Mayor David Holt is celebrating more than just basketball wins. In a recent episode of The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, Holt showcased the dynamic evolution of Oklahoma City—from a mid-sized prairie town to a national model of smart growth, civic unity, and good governance. “We’ve gone from the 37th largest city to the 20th in my lifetime,” Holt said. “And we’re just getting started.”

Holt, who will soon take over as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, has made a career of saying yes to big ideas—and convincing voters to do the same. Under his leadership, OKC has passed tax initiatives with over 70% support, including a $1 billion arena that kept the Thunder in town, and the MAPS 4 program, a $1.1 billion quality-of-life investment that includes new youth centers, parks, and public transit upgrades. “Good government works when you govern for the 70%,” Holt said. “And when voters see real results, they’ll keep showing up with a yes.”

The city’s momentum doesn’t stop there. In 2028, Oklahoma City will become a Summer Olympic host, staging whitewater and softball events thanks to earlier investments in world-class venues. Meanwhile, Holt is tackling housing and homelessness with Houston-inspired wraparound service models and pushing for fairness with initiatives like Key to Home and Fair Housing Month. “We’re not just a city with a basketball team,” Holt said. “We’re a city building opportunity—block by block.”

In a political climate too often divided by extremes, Mayor Holt offers a refreshing reminder: “The government is us. It’s not them. It’s us.” With unity, vision, and a few more three-pointers from the Thunder, Oklahoma City is writing a new playbook for urban success. Listen to the full conversation at GoodGovernmentShow.com.