Tulsa City Council Meeting – April 1, 2026

The Tulsa City Council met at 5 p.m. on April 1, 2026, to consider appointments to city boards, public hearings on proposed charter amendments, budget ordinances, and other routine business. The meeting included a proclamation for National Financial Literacy Day, a contentious vote to deny a reappointment to the Tulsa Development Authority, and public testimony in support of a charter amendment for broad public safety oversight.

Proclamation & Opening

• National Financial Literacy Day: Mayor Nichols and the Council recognized April 1, 2026, as National Financial Literacy Day. The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) has conducted 9,700 one-on-one counseling sessions since 2020, helping residents achieve $1,527,372 in savings and $3,644,828 in debt reduction. Several community partners spoke in support of the city's financial literacy efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2A and 2C: Sylvia Powell (reappointment to Sales Tax Overview Committee) and Scott Asbjornson (reappointment to HUD Community Development Committee) were approved unanimously.
• Items 4B–4H: Approved unanimously, including an emergency clause on 4B.
• Items 5B–5D: Approved unanimously (final plats and rezoning).
• Items 7A–7B: Rezoning ordinances approved unanimously, with 7B including revised backup language.
• Items 7C–7M (excluding 7I): Approved unanimously – budget supplemental appropriations and transfers for various funds, including $10,000 from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, $50,000 from the unappropriated fund balance for PD Equitable Sharing, $146,511 transfer within the sexual assault kit initiative, $41,000 for social/economic development, $110,000 from Oklahoma Department of Commerce, $5,390 from Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security, $22,532 from OSBI for Internet Crimes Against Children, and $196,160.19 transfer within the 2025 Vision Capital Fund.
• Item 8B: Travel donation of $600 from the Tulsa Regional Chamber for Council Administrator Sarah Davis to attend an intercity visit in Kansas City, Missouri (April 6–8, 2026). Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Hoffines (speaking on items 2A, 2C, 4B, 4E): Offered general prayer and support for the city's leadership and community events.
• James Alexander Jr. (on items 2C, 2B, 7F): Expressed interest in serving on the HUD Community Development Committee and Tulsa Development Authority; criticized the city's use of American Rescue Plan funds, stating that "very little was given to people to improve conditions at that time" (COVID-19) and that $3,462,000 was allocated to seven projects (municipal courts, health initiatives, organization capacity, community outreach).
• Bernice Alexander (on items 2C, 2B, 7F): Expressed appreciation for speed bumps on Burgen Street; voiced concern that funds are not directed where stated, particularly in the North Tulsa community.
• Carmen Glunt (on proposed charter amendment for public safety oversight): Supported independent oversight, citing excessive taxpayer spending on civil rights settlements and excessive-force cases. Noted that 36% of arrests involve individuals with mental health problems. Stated that the current safety commissioner model is "not enough."
• Nate Morris (on proposed charter amendment): Supported broad public safety oversight, recounting a decade of Tulsans asking for increased accountability and transparency. Referenced the city spending $40 million on lawsuits that "could have been avoided." Asked the council to put the charter amendment on the ballot for voters to decide.
• Anna Barros (on proposed charter amendment): Supported an Office of the Independent Monitor for citizen oversight. Emphasized that the city spends millions on avoidable lawsuits and that oversight is essential for student and community safety.

Discussion Items

• Item 2B – Stephen Mitchell Reappointment to Tulsa Development Authority (TDA): Councilor Hall Harper moved to deny the appointment, citing:

  • In 2018, Mitchell (then on TDA) told her that her community (North Tulsa) "needs" dollar stores, even as she sought to address food insecurity and prevent new dollar stores.
  • In 2024, Mitchell allegedly threatened a new Partner Tulsa employee (who is Black) regarding a personnel decision, saying if he wanted to stay in the community, he should not reverse that decision.
  • Mitchell's attendance record (7 of 15 meetings) and his profit-driven, business-centric approach are inappropriate for decisions affecting historically disenfranchised communities.

  Councilor Lakin defended Mitchell, calling him "one of the smartest business people in the city," citing his professional expertise, charitable work, and civic contributions. Councilor Gilbert and others noted different positive experiences. Councilor Archie mentioned the low attendance (7 of 15 meetings) and acknowledged the unusual public debate. Councilor Bellis expressed that natural turnover would be healthy and that Mitchell's lens may be better suited for another board. The motion to deny passed 5–4 (Hall Harper, Dutton, Bellis, Dr. Wright, Archie? (Archie voted to deny; roll call: Lakin (no), Bush (no), Hall Harper (yes), Archie (yes), Dutton (yes), Bellis (yes), Gilbert (no), Bengal (no), Dr. Wright (yes)).

• Item 7I – Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission Ordinance: Councilor moved to remand the item back to committee for further discussion and an updated presentation from those requesting changes. The motion was accepted, and the item was sent back to committee.

Key Outcomes

• Stephen Mitchell's reappointment to TDA was denied (5–4). The appointment will be referred back to the mayor for a new nominee.
• Public hearings on charter amendments (public safety oversight) were opened and closed; no immediate vote was taken. Speakers urged the council to put the matter on the November ballot.
• Item 7I (Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission ordinance) was remanded to committee for further discussion.
• All consent items and budget ordinances (7C–7M, excluding 7I) were approved.
• Councilor Hall Harper and Councilor Dutton announced a joint town hall for April 7, 2026, at the Tulsa Dream Center North Campus (200 W 46th St N) to discuss the proposed Vacancy Improvement Program. They also urged residents to vote in the school board and TPS bond issue election on April 7.
• No further business or appeals were heard; the meeting adjourned.