Tulsa Human Rights Commission Meeting – March 12, 2026

The Tulsa Human Rights Commission met on March 12, 2026, at 5:35 p.m., chaired by Commissioner [Chairperson], with a quorum present. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, chair/vice chair reports, presentations from the Tulsa Municipal Court and the Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth, committee updates, and announcements. Key topics included court accessibility programs, financial counseling services, attendance requirements, committee formation, and immigration-related initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting minutes from last month were approved unanimously. Motion by Carlos; seconded by Mark.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the designated period.

Discussion Items

• Chair/Vice Chair Report – The chair and vice chair attended a meeting with Mayor Nichols and other Title Five chairs. They discussed obtaining attendance data from Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools to assess immigration impacts. The vice chair of the Human Rights Committee, Dr. Tamika Rogers, is assisting. Reminders were issued about attendance requirements; several members have been absent for months.
• Tulsa Municipal Court Presentation – Jamie Collin, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Angel Boba Dia, Support Clerk, presented. They explained that the court handles criminal offenses, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and code/zoning violations. Key programs include:
  • Add-on docket: Monday–Friday, 8–9 a.m., for missed court dates, warrants, or citation corrections.
  • Night Court: Thursdays, 4–7 p.m., with Spanish interpretation available.
  • Special Services Court: For individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, or mental health issues, focusing on rehabilitation and accountability.
  • Family/Children's Services Court Advocate and Court Navigator (with Justice Link) provide resource connections (food, shelter, benefit enrollment, housing).
  • Service Oklahoma (DMV) is housed in the courthouse lobby, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Transportation assistance (bus passes) is available.
  • Cost Compliance Division helps with payment plans and text reminders (leading to balance payoff six months faster on average).
  • Financial Empowerment Center partnership: $250 suspended after three sessions, $100 per additional session.
  • Language access: Interpretation services provided; common languages include Spanish, etc.
  • Community outreach includes partnerships (e.g., car seat referrals with Tulsa Health Department) and a high school/college internship program.
  • Funding sources include ARPA funds; programs are relatively new (within last 10 years).
• Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth (OFECW) Presentation – Kennedy Dixon, Program Assistant and Local Government Manager, presented. The Financial Empowerment Center started in 2020, offering free one-on-one financial counseling to anyone who works, lives, or plays in Tulsa. Locations at 21st & Yale and 16th & Sheridan. Services include:
  • Debt management, budgeting, credit score improvement (13% of clients increased score by 35+ points; some got 100 points).
  • Savings increase: 9% of outcomes relate to savings gains.
  • Total: 8,000 citizens served, 10,000+ sessions. Savings increased by $1.5 million; non-mortgage debt reduced by $3.7 million.
  • Demographics: 70% Black women earning under $45,000/year; 14% Hispanic/Latino; 34% Caucasian; 42% African American; 6% American Indian/Alaskan Native; 3% Asian.
  • Municipal court partnership: Over $67,000 in fines and fees waived as of end of 2025 (integration started 2023).
  • Bank On: 15 bank partnerships for low-cost checking accounts.
  • Legacy Planning (launched October 2025): Powers of attorney, wills, living wills, HIPAA authorizations—free. Over 700 residents served (154/month); 92% of clients are under 65. Next step: Tangle Title Assistance (probate help) in partnership with legal aid.
  • October is Legacy Planning Awareness Month in Tulsa; workshops for seniors and education for others.
  • Language access: All materials translated; Spanish-speaking counselors available.
• Committee Reports –
  • Executive Committee: Discussed attendance, commitments, and committee participation. Goals include strengthening committees and community engagement. A Business Engagement Committee is being formed. Committee chairs submitted activity synopses. Members with >30% attendance issues were contacted; two of three responded.
  • Education Committee: Focused on the Domage Venera Awards (May 14th). 107 nominations received for heroes and scholars. Committee members: Amanda Pedigrina, Gloria Arias (TCC), Feli Carina (TCC), and Chair. Need help on event day.
  • Community Advocacy Committee: Meeting not held in past month. Issues include immigration; a playbook for public awareness is in distribution phase (digital and paper copies available).
  • Public Safety Committee: Met last Thursday with near 100% attendance. Topics covered:
    • Fire: Car seat installation event with Safe Kids – every other month, free car seats after class. 13 families attended; 11 got seats. One child was buckled but seat not secured.
    • Police (TPD): Women in Policing event – 18 attended, 3 applicants same day. About 50 applications for next police class.
    • EMS: First time since 2014 that paramedic staffing is at 100% (no additional hiring needed). EMT and paramedic classes are full. EMS Week celebration: May 17, noon–4 p.m. at Tulsa Zoo (free event, 30+ partners).
    • Sheriff's Office: New liaison Richie Gonzalez (Drew also attending meetings).
    • Tulsa Health Department: Focusing on hepatitis screening and STDs; partnership with Uma Tulsa for hepatitis awareness event (testing, counseling, translators needed).
    • Future goals: Update bylaws to include health; explore tornado planning and public alert education for Spanish speakers.
  • Immigration Committee: Meets first Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Members: Amanda Peregrina, Sien Carmona, and Chair. Topics:
    • Working with Tulsa County Bar Association to find attorneys for pro bono habeas corpus cases (only way for people in ICE custody to get out).
    • ICE is stopping individuals with state truancies or traffic violations; those without documentation are detained.
    • A volunteer accompanies people to immigration appointments; many have been stopped by ICE and not returned.
    • Considering drafting a letter to the governor to prevent chaos seen in other states.
  • Business Engagement Committee (new): Focused on making city processes business-friendly (permits, incentives). Commissioner noted disparity in incentives for East Tulsa vs. downtown; example of a business getting a $4,000 incentive and discounted rent. Discussion of need to educate property owners and collaborate with city council.
• Announcements –
  • Survey for commission retreat (July) due by tomorrow.
  • Request from Chief Resilience Officer DeAntree: Recommend three parks for Spanish signage priority. Send ideas to Lexi.
  • Neighborhood Academy: Fall session registration open; provides resources for welcoming neighborhoods.
  • Destination District Retreat: Information on food trucks (city not issuing citations for fire safety due to state food truck act).
  • District 6 council meeting: Data center being built three miles from speaker's house.
  • Police Department: Opening a fourth patrol division (Central) for first time in 36 years, covering downtown, Cherry Street, south to Gathering Place, northwest to Edison and Gilcrease. New name sought. Speaker to be moved to Central Division.
  • Unlawful weapons discharges in District 6 around holidays; commission asked to help with community awareness.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting minutes approved unanimously.
• No motions or formal votes on discussed items; presentations and committee reports were informational.
• Committees to continue work on attendance, community outreach, immigration support, and public safety initiatives.
• Business Engagement Committee to develop actionable goals.
• Parks department will receive recommendations for Spanish signage at three parks.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.