Okla. Stat. tit. 74, § 74-5003.2

and EDGE and CORE divisions created.

A. Recognizing the geographic diversity of this state, Oklahoma

needs one central, primary public-sector economic development agency

for the state in order to manage or coordinate all public sector

economic development activity.

B. There are hereby created two separate and distinct divisions

within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be known as the

Division on Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) and

the Division on Community Outreach and Revitalization Enterprise

(CORE). EDGE and CORE shall collaborate to encourage economic

stability in the state, to improve the economic competitiveness of

this state, and to implement the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s

strategic plan.

C. The Division on Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion

(EDGE).

The purpose of EDGE shall be to serve as the state’s lead

economic development point of contact. EDGE shall exercise the

powers and duties granted to it by this act to perform an essential

governmental function for matters of public necessity for which

public monies may be spent and property acquired. EDGE shall have

duties pertaining to the economic development of the state

including, but not limited to:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 74. State Government Page 1014

1. Being empowered to strategically drive opportunities for

economic growth and diversification across the state;

2. Collaborating with local, regional, and state entities;

3. Coordinating the funding and investment activities of each

element of the state’s economic development efforts and marketing

campaigns to achieve better results for the state’s recruitment and

retention of businesses; and

4. Acting as the principal point of contact regarding

investment in this state for public officials, businesses, and the

public.

D. The Division on Community Outreach and Revitalization

Enterprise (CORE).

The purpose of CORE shall be to focus on the long-term

development of local communities to increase competitiveness and

enhance economic opportunities. CORE shall have duties pertaining

to local economic opportunities and community development including,

but not limited to:

1. Creating new and higher-quality jobs for the people of the

state through long-term development of local communities;

2. Maintaining communication of information between the

Department and communities through regional organization and

representation;

3. Carrying out policy development and research in support of

the long-term competitiveness of this state;

4. Providing technical assistance to local communities in

securing federal funding, incentive availability, and community

development;

5. Providing assistance and funding in development of potential

sites for economic development;

6. Coordinating with other state agencies deploying federal and

state funds for infrastructure development including, but not

limited to, the Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Water

Resources Board, and the Oklahoma Broadband Office; and

7. Assisting in compliance with the laws and regulations of

economic incentives and economic development initiatives.

E. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is hereby constituted an

agency of state government.

F. Whenever the terms “Department of Economic Development” or

“Department of Economic and Community Affairs” appear in the

Oklahoma Statutes they shall mean and refer to the Oklahoma

Department of Commerce.