September 17, 2024 – Councilman John A. Pettis, Jr., announces his intention to seek re-election for Ward 7 City Council.  John A. Pettis, Jr., is one of the nation's leaders in community and economic development, urban and rural planning, diversity, equality, and inclusion.

On April 2, 2013, John A. Pettis, Jr. was elected to serve as the Oklahoma City Council Ward 7 Councilman. Pettis was re-elected with 81% of the vote in 2017.

“My vision for Ward 7 is simple – economic development and jobs, high quality and consistent public transportation, better streets and sidewalks, and safe parks for our children to play in.”

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“My life experience has adequately prepared me for the job. I will continue to fight for Ward 7 to get its share of city bond projects that will lead to high-quality jobs and sustainable growth opportunities for local businesses.  It’s time to continue to improve the quality of life for all residents of Ward 7.”

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During his tenure in office, Pettis led the way for economic development in underserved communities in Oklahoma. He pushed and led the movement to create the first major Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in Oklahoma's African American community. The NE Renaissance TIF District has had significant economic development in the African American community in Oklahoma City. The Northeast Tax Increment District made it possible to develop the first full-size grocery store built in NE OKC in more than 35 years. 

Pettis worked with his colleagues and community to develop the first state-of-the-art community center, Willa Johnson Community Center, in the underserved community in NE OKC in more than 40 years. In addition, Pettis planned and developed the NE Senior Health and Wellness Center. 

During his term in office, he spread economic development and education, bolstered workforce development and jobs, and advocated for affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, police body cameras, and improved streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure. After Pettis left office, our beloved Councilwoman Nikki Nice and esteemed Councilman Lee E. Cooper, Jr., kept the momentum going. 

He served on the City Council Finance Committee, Neighborhood Conservation Committee, and Zoo Trust. He also served as a member of the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust. The Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust supports the City’s community and economic development initiatives and uses its broad powers to carry out those initiatives. The members administer General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds and oversee the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts.

Nationally, Pettis served on the National League of Cities Human Development Committee. The Human Development Committee is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC’s advocacy on issues involving social services, children and learning, poverty and income support, employment and workforce development, equal opportunity, education, Social Security and seniors, individuals with disabilities, public health care, mental health parity, and immigration reform. Most recently, the Committee’s work has focused on workforce investment strategies to support local economies, including career and technical education and investments in training, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform including a legislative solution for Dreamers, and working to ensure that federal resources to combat the opioid epidemic make it to the local level. 

Currently, Pettis serves on the NE Renaissance TIF Review Committee, OKC Innovation District TIF Stem Education and Workforce Development (SEWD) Committee, and Opportunities Industrial Centers Board of Directors. 

Pettis serves as the Community Liaison for Millwood Public Schools. He is also the Associate Minister of the Faith, Hope, & Love Missionary Baptist Church. Pettis is a member of Bright Day Masonic Lodge 165, Great Western Consistory #34, and Alaraf Temple #20.