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: 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. Added by Laws 1986, c. 207, § 9, operative July 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 222, § 9, operative July 1, 1987. Renumbered from § 5003 of this title by Laws 1987, c. 222, § 122, operative July 1, 1987. Amended by Laws 2024, c. 377, § 2, emerg. eff. June 5, 2024.
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