About OCPA

Who We Are

Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) was founded in 1993 as a public policy research organization focused primarily on state-level issues. OCPA has been part of an emerging, national trend of conservative, state-based think tanks. The founders, led by Dr. David Brown, envisioned an organization that was capable of affecting the state’s public policy similar to national level think tanks, such as the Heritage Foundation. Throughout its nearly 15 years of existence, OCPA has conducted research and analysis of public issues in Oklahoma from a prospective of limited government, individual liberty and a free-market economy. OCPA has promoted the conclusions from its research through an array of media that have steadily increased in breadth, scope and ultimately, effectiveness. Today, within the arena of public policy and politics, OCPA is regarded as “the flagship of the conservative movement in Oklahoma.”

Mission Statement

OCPA's mission is to accumulate, evaluate, and disseminate public policy ideas and information for Oklahoma consistent with the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and individual initiative.

Vision Statement

Our vision is for OCPA to be recognized as a highly respected independent public policy institute, whose research, analysis, and commentary guides the formation of Oklahoma's public policies and helps Oklahoma to become the leader, specifically within our seven-state region, in all aspects of economic performance and quality of life issues.