An estimated $161.2 million from MAPS 4 funding will go towards infrastructure that will foster long-term solutions for justice-involved people. This investment is going to pay off in spades.
Investing in programs and infrastructure for justice-involved people is a smart economic strategy. As Oklahoma City embarks on the MAPS 4 initiatives, we have a unique opportunity to reshape our community for the better by supporting those reentering society from jail or prison.
Among the projects starting this year are facilities to address mental health and substance abuse, homelessness, domestic violence prevention and diversion out of incarceration. All these issues either deal directly with the justice system or put people in a more vulnerable position to interact with the justice system, which can have a profound impact on one’s ability to find employment and live a normal life. As justice reforms continue to unravel our decades-long over-incarceration crisis, we must plan for the services people need to build a life after the justice system.
The impact of these projects will unroll in phases, each more impactful than the last. The immediate impact is, of course, construction and development jobs. As these facilities open, the social workforce- those who dedicate a career to helping folks in need- will grow more robust. Building up social-work jobs will lay a foundation for sustained impact. But certainly, the most far-reaching impact will be the continuous assistance to people who have traditionally been excluded from the workforce- those leaving jail or prison, or families otherwise tied up in the justice system.
One of the most pressing challenges faced by justice-involved individuals is securing stable employment. Without job opportunities, the risk of recidivism increases, perpetuating a cycle of crime and incarceration that strains our economy. By providing comprehensive support services through MAPS 4, such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and transitional housing, we create a pathway for these individuals to rebuild their lives and participate meaningfully in society.
These initiatives will have a ripple effect on the broader economy. People are always worth the investment, and by helping justice-involved people secure employment, we reduce the burden on our justice system and increase the workforce, which stimulates economic growth. The projects under MAPS 4 with a focus on social impact are not just a moral obligation, but also a wise investment in the future of our city’s economy and well-being.
Timothy Tardibono is the executive director of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council.