Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll 2026

Oklahoma business leaders remain confident in the state's economic direction and continue to plan for growth — but they remain concerned about workforce availability, infrastructure needs, and the state's long-term competitiveness. These are among the key findings of the 2026 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll, the only scientific, statewide survey that annually measures business community perspectives.

The Oklahoma Business Roundtable collaborates each year with The State Chamber and The State Chamber Research Foundation to produce the Business Leaders Poll. The annual survey asks business leaders throughout Oklahoma incisive questions about the state of business — creating a comprehensive overview of top concerns and a guide for growth for the legislators who shape Oklahoma's economic and business development initiatives. This year's poll surveyed 401 business owners and executives across the state.

Key Insights from the 2026 BLP:

• 64% believe Oklahoma is moving in the right direction relative to the national economy.

• 81% of businesses plan to hire in the coming year.

• Workforce and education remain the top concern, with 74% identifying them as one of the two most important issues facing Oklahoma business growth.

• Nearly half of respondents say workforce recruitment and retention is their single greatest obstacle to profitability and growth.

• 59% say Oklahoma's physical infrastructure is worse than that of competitor states.

• Nearly 60% say the state should invest surplus funds in public priorities rather than return the money through tax cuts.

• 89% agree the state should prioritize funding and resources for improved education outcomes, particularly in elementary reading and math.

  
  

"This poll provides positive data points, but more importantly, it highlights trends we cannot ignore," said Mark Funke, President & CEO of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable. "Workforce, education, and healthcare will define our state's long-term success over the next five years, and these are the issues we must address now."

To read the full Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll Report, click here.