Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity Regular Board Meeting – April 1, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, but the provided metadata specifies the meeting date as April 1, 2026. This summary uses the required date.

The Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (TAO) held its regular board meeting on April 1, 2026. The board approved consent agenda items, a microgrant agreement, and a development financing agreement, received updates on the Common Good Grocery RFP, monthly budget, and staff reports, and held an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Items A and B were approved unanimously via roll call vote.

Discussion Items

• Agreement with Global District (Item 5): Michelle presented a $10,000 microgrant agreement with East Tulsa Main Street LLC (Global District) for technical assistance in the form of social media advertising and training for businesses. The board approved the motion unanimously.
• Common Good Grocery RFP Update (Item 6): Damari reported that the deadline for final submissions is March 27, 2026. The RFP seeks an operator for the former Warehouse Market (16,000 sq ft) in Northwest Tulsa, in partnership with Common Good. Letters of intent have been received. Evaluation and potential award are expected in April. No vote was taken.
• Executive Session (Item 7): The board voted unanimously to convene an executive session under 25 OS 307 C11 to discuss economic development matters including downtown real estate. Councillor Bingle exited at 9:47 AM. The board later voted unanimously to return to open session.
• Executive Session Minute (Item 8): During executive session, trustees discussed a mixed-use residential development at the Bulcade building. All trustees except Councillor Bingle were present.
• Development and Financing Agreement (Item 9): The board considered and approved a development and financing agreement for 501 Boston Partners in the Bill Cade TIFF. The motion carried with a roll call vote (all present voted yes).
• Monthly Budget to Actuals (Item 10): Lynn presented a detailed budget report showing a surplus year-to-date, with explanations for variances in parking revenues, other services, and surplus details. Lynn also asked for feedback on the presentation format. No vote was taken.
• Staff Reports:
  • Admin & Operations: The organization has 18 staff plus an intern, with two open positions (Director of Small Business and Economic Incentives Manager). The private activity bond program is set to launch on April 1, 2026. Gary Hamer passed the DFCP exam.
  • Finance & Real Estate: Projects continue, including the Civic Center Parquet elevator modernization. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund projects were toured.
  • Incentives: Mike reported increased TIFF activity: four project plans adopted in the last seven months, with more in the pipeline. The team is expanding to handle the workload.
  • Community Development: Gary reported that the TIFA grant’s market analysis and existing conditions assessment for the Kirpatrick Heights area are complete. The community impact initiative will bring three $30,000 grants to the board next month.
  • Economic & Workforce Development: Michelle reported on the IKEA incentives approval, the search for Jonah’s replacement (over 40 applicants), 10,000 reports generated via the size-up tool, Fair Oaks Innovation Park receiving a ready site designation from the Site Selectors Guild, and workforce development activities including spring break camp and drone events.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items A and B) approved unanimously.
• Agreement with Global District (Item 5) approved unanimously.
• Executive session (Item 7) approved unanimously to convene and return.
• Development and financing agreement (Item 9) approved unanimously.
• No other formal votes were taken; the board received updates and reports.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:37 AM.