Link to image of groundbreaking
Link to image of Mayor Holt addressing crowd
Officials broke ground today on the MAPS 4 Diversion Hub, a 35,575-square-foot building that will allow the organization to provide comprehensive support services to even more people and families impacted by the criminal legal system.
The $19 million MAPS 4 facility will continue transforming the City’s approach to the criminal legal system and relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail. Diversion Hub helps people navigate and exit the system and address needs to prevent future justice contact. Co-located partner agencies will share the space and provide essential complementary services that improve life outcomes for clients and our community.
“Diversion Hub is a life-changing program for many Oklahoma City residents, putting them on a different path than they may have otherwise taken,” Mayor David Holt said. “The proof of concept is certainly working, but now we are excited to see Diversion Hub begin work on its permanent home, which will expand its services and impact.”
Programming will include case management, justice navigation, recovery support, workforce assistance, emergency basic needs, assistance enrolling in benefits, housing navigation, family services, behavioral health and substance use services, civil legal assistance and education support.
“Every person’s needs are different,” Diversion Hub Executive Director Meagan Taylor said. “This building expansion will let us provide more clients with assistance reaching positive outcomes and finding a better way forward. The safest community is one where every person has the support they need to build a healthy life.”
Operational costs will be supported by an endowment established with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
The new facility, located on Linwood Boulevard between N. Western Avenue and N. Klein Avenue, will sit on 2.59 acres with parking allocated for staff and visitors. Construction will be completed in 2026.
The lobby will feature a glass sculpture titled "Our Words are Wings” by Detroit-based artist April Wegner. Tulsa resident and artist Ebony Iman Dallas and Los Angeles artist Floyd Strickland were selected to create two large paintings for the building that evoke hope and restoration. All three pieces of art are funded through Oklahoma City’s 1% for Arts program.
Rees Associates is the project architect, and Wynn Construction is the contractor.
Visit okc.gov/maps4 and diversionhub.org to learn more.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects' operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
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Media Contact: Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov
