Oklahoma’s Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell explored Guthrie on Wednesday to view some of the properties being redeveloped in the town.
“As Secretary of Tourism, this truly is the most unique, most authentic opportunity we have when it comes to tourism opportunities in the state,” Pinnell said. “Which means economic development opportunities in the state.”
Pinnell said the opportunities will take public and private partnerships. This means the goal will be to find developers who have a passion for redeveloping towns.
That’s not all Pinnell is interested in. One of the ideas revolves around state employees having an office space to use in the Guthrie area. Pinnelll mentioned the obvious buildings in the Oklahoma City area, but said he has spoken the past few years about getting a state office building in Guthrie to get some density when it comes to state employees.
“I just think it makes a lot of sense logistically,” Pinnell said. “And so, those conversations are happening as well.”
Pinnell was complementary toward Guthrie, calling it “one of my favorite towns in the country.”
“If you want to see America, you’ve got to see Oklahoma,” Pinnell said. “And this is America right here. It’s as authentic as it gets.”