Masters of Scale Anti-polarizing strategies from a purple city, with OKC Mayor David Holt
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Jan 20, 2026 
David Holt, the Mayor of Oklahoma City and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, offers insights into effective urban governance. He discusses the unique, less polarized role of mayors compared to federal politicians. Holt highlights Oklahoma City's growth strategies, like the transformative MAPS program. He emphasizes bipartisan approaches to problem-solving and the importance of collaboration with businesses. Holt also touches upon the necessity of controlled immigration for economic growth and how cities can combat societal polarization through pluralism.
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Turning An Oil Bust Into A Quality-Of-Life Push
- Oklahoma City rebounded after an 1980s oil bust by investing in quality-of-life projects like arenas and parks through MAPS.
- Voters approved 15 MAPS initiatives totaling nearly $10 billion, transforming the city and attracting people and jobs.
Elections Shape Politicians' Incentives
- Oklahoma City's top-two, all-voters election system incentivizes mayors to appeal to the 70% in the middle rather than primary extremes.
- David Holt argues this electoral design explains why local elections are less polarized and more pragmatic than state or federal races.
Service Imperatives Reduce Partisanship
- Mayors must deliver essential services, which forces pragmatic, results-focused governance over partisan posturing.
- The urgent, tangible nature of municipal services reduces tolerance for ideological bickering.