About Us
About the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA)
The Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) is a nonprofit regional planning organization committed to empowering communities across southern Oklahoma. We partner with local governments, tribal entities, and conservation districts to promote economic growth, sustainable development, and enhanced quality of life throughout our ten-county service region.
Our Mission
SODA’s mission is to be a trusted partner and passionate advocate for Southern Oklahoma communities, helping them achieve economic prosperity, sustainable growth, and improved quality of life through collaborative planning, technical assistance, and program development.
Service Area
SODA serves a ten-county region in southern Oklahoma, including:
Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Coal, Garvin, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray, and Pontotoc counties.
Our service area lies within the tribal territories of both the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, strengthening regional partnerships and cultural understanding.
What We Do
SODA supports local governments and community partners with a range of planning, coordination, and development services, including:
Community & Economic Development – Grant planning, technical assistance, and project support to help communities fund infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, and create jobs.
Rural Fire Defense – Assistance and coordination for rural fire departments to improve emergency response capabilities.
Transportation Planning – Identifying local transportation needs and assisting with regional planning efforts in partnership with state and regional stakeholders.
Area Agency on Aging Services – Coordinating services to help older adults live independently and with dignity, including assistance programs, nutrition services, and caregiver support.
SODA also connects local leaders with strategic funding opportunities from state and federal programs, helping communities build stronger, more resilient futures.
Our History
Founded in 1957 as a voluntary association of local governments and conservation districts, SODA was created to support collaborative regional planning and shared services.
In 1967, SODA was designated as an Economic Development District by the State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Department of Commerce, enabling it to coordinate federal and state economic development resources for local communities.
In 1971, the Governor of Oklahoma appointed SODA as a Sub-State Planning District, making it one of only eleven Councils of Governments (COGs) in the state, with a formal role in regional planning and policy development.
Membership
SODA is an association of 80 political subdivisions in southern Oklahoma. SODA is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the cities, towns, counties, conservation districts, and tribal governments members in the SODA region. This leadership structure ensures that regional planning and development, and other programs and services provided by SODA, reflect the needs, priorities, and voices of our member communities.