MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release – August 6, 2026
Oklahoma City mayor has helped guide one of the nation’s most remarkable city transformations.
NEW ORLEANS (August 6, 2026) — The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) will welcome Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt as the featured speaker for its 2026 Annual Luncheon on Monday, October 19, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
Under Holt’s leadership, Oklahoma City has emerged as a national model for growth and civic investment. During his tenure, the city has moved from the 27th-largest city in the nation to the 21st-largest; voters have approved nearly $5 billion in public investments; and Oklahoma City has secured major milestones including an arena being built to keep the Thunder in the city through 2053 and hosting rights for two sports and seven events during the 2028 Olympic Games.
As New Orleans considers its next chapter, Holt will share insights on how Oklahoma City built public support for major investments and sustained momentum over multiple decades.
“Oklahoma City has demonstrated what can happen when a community invests in itself and commits to a long-term vision,” said Rebecca Mowbray. “Mayor Holt’s experience offers valuable insights for New Orleans at a time when residents are asking important questions about where our city goes from here.”
BGR’s Annual Luncheon is the organization’s premier event, bringing together leaders from business, government, philanthropy, higher education, and the nonprofit sector for discussions on issues affecting the New Orleans region.
Event Information
BGR Annual Luncheon featuring Mayor David Holt
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 12–1:30 p.m. | Registration opens at 11 a.m.
Location
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tickets & Tables
Premium Table: $3,000
Reserved Table: $2,000
Half Table: $1,000
Individual Ticket: $225
For ticket and table purchases, visit go.bgr.org/2026luncheon or contact:
Heather Sweeney
Director of Development, BGR
(504) 525-1734 | hsweeney@bgr.org
Sponsors
Presented with generous support from Hancock Whitney and Ochsner Health.
Additional support provided by IMTT and Delta Utilities.
Media Contact
Megan McNeill
Director of Communications & Engagement, BGR
(504) 539-8020 | mmcneill@bgr.org
BGR’s presentation of David Holt is part of the Janet Howard Speaker Series in Governmental Research.
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About the Bureau of Governmental Research
BGR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent research organization. Since its founding in 1932, it has been dedicated to informed public policymaking and the effective use of public resources in the Greater New Orleans area. For more information and to become a member, visit BGR’s website at www.bgr.org.
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