Tulsa City Council Economic Development Committee Meeting - April 1, 2026

The Economic Development Committee met on April 1, 2026, to discuss several rezoning applications, including a controversial reconsideration of a master development plan (MPD6), budget amendments for an IKEA incentive and jail overflow costs, and an ordinance addressing penny retirement. The meeting was chaired by Councilor Anthony Archie (District 2).

Consent Calendar

No items were voted as a consent calendar; all items were discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were recorded.

Discussion Items

• Reappointment of Shane Hood to TMAPC: Councilor Archie introduced Shane Hood for reappointment to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) for a term expiring January 18, 2029. Hood reported attending 61 of 70 meetings from Council District 5. He shared his background in architecture and community involvement, expressing a desire to continue serving to improve zoning for livability. Councilors commended his service. The appointment will be voted on at the April 15 council meeting.

• Reconsideration of MPD6 Rezoning Ordinance: The committee discussed a possible reconsideration of a previously passed ordinance (MPD6) that rezoned land from AG to MPD6 for multiple properties. The original ordinance included an amendment by Councilor Bellis regarding future zoning revisions. The applicant (Lou Reynolds) requested narrowing the amendment so that future zoning code revisions would only apply to data centers, not other uses. Councilors debated the implications, with some concerned about grandfathering all other uses indefinitely. Lou Reynolds argued that the MPD6 is its own zoning district with specific agreed-upon standards and that freezing the rules for non-data-center uses was essential for investment certainty. The committee scheduled a vote on whether to reconsider the ordinance at the 5:00 p.m. meeting that same day.

• Rezoning Z-7849 (IL to CS): Application to change zoning from IL to CS for a 1/3-acre lot near East Apache and North Columbia to build a single-family home. TMAPC voted 10-0 to recommend approval. No opposition.

• Rezoning CO22 (Corridor Development Plan): Application for a development plan at E63rd and South 105th to bring an existing pool company into compliance. TMAPC voted 10-0. No public opposition.

• Harwelden Mansion Rezoning (MPD8) and Comp Plan Amendment: Two related items: rezoning from RS3 to MPD8 and a comp plan amendment from Neighborhood to Multiple Use on approximately 3.3 acres bounded by 22nd Street, Main Street, Woodward Boulevard, and Riverside Drive. The plan includes a restaurant expansion and six lodging buildings for high-end visitors. Susan Miller presented, noting the property owner met with about 500 people. Most comments were supportive. Concerns about parking were addressed; the property also owns adjacent parking on 21st Street. The applicant agreed to prohibit digital display signs. TMAPC voted 10-0 to recommend approval.

• IKEA Incentive Budget Amendment: Ordinance to appropriate $2.5 million from the Sales Tax Redevelopment Loan Repayments Fund as a grant to IKEA for building out the former Belk store at Tulsa Hills. Councilors questioned the nature of the fund. City staff Jared explained that IKEA is expected to generate $30-40 million in annual sales tax (compared to $3 million under Belk) and has a regional economic impact of $100-120 million. The grant is for fixtures and building improvements. The city already approved the economic development agreement; this amendment moves the funds.

• Jail Overflow Budget Amendment: Ordinance to appropriate $967,713 from the general fund to the police department for increased jail overflow expenses at David L. Moss. The city usually budgets $100,000 annually but spending has averaged $70-80,000 per month recently. Councilor Gilbert clarified the increase is due to more inmates, not a rate hike. Jack (prosecutor) explained that a new chief prosecutor is evaluating policies, and factors include repeat trespassing cases and domestic violence intervention tools. The county also changed auditing systems. The city is exploring expanding bed space at the municipal lockup to reduce overflow costs.

• Penny Retirement Ordinance (Cash Transaction Rounding): Chad Becker (Finance) presented an ordinance to allow rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents, aligning with state law effective July 1, 2026. The symmetrical rounding method rounds 1-2 cents down, 3-4 cents up, etc. The city's depository bank still supplies pennies, but the supply is finite. The ordinance includes an emergency clause and a provision to defer to state or federal law if they differ. Councilors asked about fiscal impact; Becker said impact is minimal as most cash transactions are at utility billing and permitting, and rounding is expected to be revenue-neutral.

• Library Property Sale (Joint Resolution): Resolution authorizing the City-County Library Commission to sell property at 1520 North Hartford. The county already approved their resolution. No staff present to discuss; deferred to the April 15 council meeting.

• Infrastructure Development Permit Ordinance: Amendment to Title 35 regarding contractor bonds and insurance. No presenter; deferred to April 15.

Key Outcomes

• The reappointment of Shane Hood to TMAPC will be voted on at the April 15 council meeting.
• The MPD6 reconsideration is scheduled for action at the 5:00 p.m. meeting on April 1; council must first decide whether to reconsider, then determine legislative intent.
• Rezonings Z-7849, CO22, and the Harwelden Mansion MPD8 and Comp Plan amendment all received positive committee recommendations and will move to full council.
• The IKEA budget amendment and jail overflow budget amendment will be placed on the April 15 council agenda for a vote.
• The penny rounding ordinance with emergency clause will go to the April 15 council meeting.
• The library property sale and infrastructure permit ordinance were deferred to the April 15 council meeting.