Lawton, OK – Gov. Kevin Stitt visited Lawton on Friday, Aug. 7, as part of his final tour of all 77 Oklahoma counties, stopping at FISTA Innovation Park to meet with local leaders and discuss economic development and the city’s continued growth.
During his visit, Stitt spoke about several priorities and accomplishments from his administration, including economic development, education, fiscal policy and efforts to make Oklahoma more attractive to businesses and families.
The governor also highlighted the continued development of the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator, known as FISTA, which has become a growing center for defense innovation and technology in Lawton-Fort Sill.
“Everything that you’re looking around here was just a dream by the people in this room,” Stitt said. “I’m so happy. I just got a tour … and it’s just amazing what y’all are doing out here.”
Stitt praised the progress he has seen in Lawton and recognized Mayor Stan Booker during his remarks.
“It’s just all the great things that are going in Lawton. It’s just amazing,” Stitt said.
The governor also highlighted the city’s recent efforts to address homelessness, praising local officials for working to provide assistance while also addressing concerns from residents and businesses.
“You’ve done a great job there of being compassionate, but also protecting our rights as citizens,” Stitt told Booker. “Really, really proud of that as well.”
The City of Lawton has worked with community partners on a coordinated approach to homelessness that focuses on connecting people with available resources while also addressing public health, safety and quality-of-life concerns.
Stitt used the Lawton stop to reflect on broader priorities from his time as governor as he approaches the conclusion of his administration. His remarks touched on state investments, tax policy, education and school choice, regulatory reform and efforts to attract businesses, jobs and new residents to Oklahoma.
He also pointed to FISTA as an example of how state and local investments can contribute to economic development, particularly through Oklahoma’s defense industry.
FISTA, located in Lawton-Fort Sill, was developed as a hub focused on defense-related innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Stitt credited local leaders and community partners for helping turn the project from an idea into a growing facility.
The governor’s visit was part of his final 77-county tour, which has taken him across Oklahoma as he visits communities and reflects on developments during his time in office.
For Lawton officials, the visit offered an opportunity to highlight projects and initiatives underway in the city while showcasing the community’s role in the state’s broader economic development efforts.
