Smaller, mid-American cities provide essential services for the rural towns surrounding them, with hospitals, job opportunities and access to education. These cities are entering a new era—and finding a renewed sense of identity as “micropolitans.” Micropolitan communities, specifically cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 that serve as critical hubs offering access to health care, job opportunities and education for their rural neighbors, have a unique opportunity for growth and expansion. 1050 Forward provides resources to help these communities and their leaders connect, network and thrive.

Launched in 2024 through the support of GKFF, the Chickasaw Nation, Partners for Rural Impact and others, this community-led fellowship program has supported local leaders in Ada, Muskogee and Stillwater with plans to expand to additional communities soon. Equipped with the tools to shape their cities’ futures, fellows across Oklahoma are showing that strong connections and cross-community collaboration are key to a vibrant Oklahoma.

The value of connection became clear when a Muskogee fellow faced a complex economic development negotiation. Rather than working in isolation, he sought guidance from a fellow cohort member in Stillwater who had successfully led a similar large-scale project. Drawing on that experience, the fellow recommended engaging an economic development firm with a proven track record of aligning community leaders and navigating high-stakes negotiations. That shared insight helped clear key hurdles, ultimately enabling Muskogee to secure a multi-billion-dollar investment. This moment reflects the core mission of 1050 Forward: replacing competition with collaboration so micropolitan communities can learn from one another and achieve stronger outcomes.

Whether building relationships with government leaders, building opportunities for youth involvement in local politics or spearheading revitalization projects in their communities, the 1050 Forward fellows are making strides to invest in their regions.

Together, Oklahoma’s micropolitan communities form a powerful statewide network, serving as economic engines, healthcare hubs and cultural anchors for the rural regions around them. While each city is distinct, their collective impact is significant: nearly 430,000 Oklahomans live in micropolitan communities, and countless more rely on them for jobs, education and essential services. By strengthening leadership and fostering collaboration across these cities, 1050 Forward is helping ensure that micropolitans are not only sustaining their communities today, but shaping a more connected, resilient future for Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Micropolitan Communities
Ada (16,611)
Altus (18,635)
Ardmore (24,847)
Bartlesville (38,114)
Duncan (23,170)
Durant (20,296)
Elk City (11,279)
Enid (50,557)
Guymon (12,287)
McAlester (18,140)
Miami (12,866)
Muskogee (36,873)
Ponca City (24,306)
Shawnee (31,803)
Stillwater (49,525)
Tahlequah (16,833)
Weatherford (12,023)
Woodward (11,753)

Learn more about 1050 Forward on its website.