UED Urban and Economic Development Committee Meeting – April 29, 2026

The Urban and Economic Development (UED) Committee of the Tulsa City Council met on April 29, 2026, at 10:45 AM CDT (16:45 UTC) under the chairmanship of Councilor Anthony Archie (District 2). The committee discussed several items including appointments, rezoning applications, budget amendments, affordable housing fund allocation, and a major proposal to amend the use of $5 million in Kirkpatrick Heights–Greenwood funds. No formal votes were taken; all items will proceed to the full City Council.

Appointments

• Michelle Verdeau (District 1) was nominated for appointment to the Greater Tulsa African American Affairs Commission (Greenwood Cultural Center seat, term expiring May 1, 2029). Ms. Verdeau was not present; the item was rescheduled.
• Anna Tao (District 7) was reappointed to the Asian Affairs Commission (term expiring January 1, 2029). Ms. Tao spoke about her work on the Luminary Awards and a forthcoming scholarship for AAPI high school seniors. The committee will vote on her reappointment at the May 6 City Council meeting.

Rezoning Applications

• Z7854 (Northeast corner of E 11th Street and 131st E Avenue): Request to rezone from CS to CG to allow a tortilla manufacturing facility (low-impact manufacturing) and an event center (under 250 persons). The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) voted 8–1 to recommend approval. Staff noted no public opposition. The item was discussed and will move to the full council.
• Z7855 (Properties at northeast and southeast corners of 42nd Street and Union Avenue): Request to rezone from RS-3 to RM-3 for development of approximately 136 apartment units. TMAPC voted 9–0 to recommend approval. Councilor Archie noted that neighbors he spoke with supported the project. No public opposition was heard.

Budget Amendments

• Supplemental Appropriation $5,000 (General Fund): Recognized from donation revenue for the Office of Financial Empowerment’s April and May financial literacy events. Staff noted that the funds will cover materials and supplies.
• Transfer of $260,641.88 (Emmett Till Cold Case Program Subfund): To move funds between account groups for forensic genetic genealogy work related to potential 1921 Race Massacre victims, aligning with revised DOJ guidelines.
• Supplemental Appropriation $100,000 (Social and Economic Development Non‑Federal Subgrant): Recognized from Humana Health Horizons to support operations of the financial empowerment center, with $80,000 for salaries and $20,000 for other services. Councilor Bellis praised the department’s success in securing external grants.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation

• Tulsa Square Apartments (Hotel Conversion): The committee considered a resolution to allocate up to $269,408 in Affordable Housing Trust Funds to Oakview Hospitality Group. The project will convert a former Clarion hotel into 147 units (studios and one‑bedrooms). 73 units will be reserved for households earning below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI, cap ~$37,000), and the remainder for those below 120% AMI. Construction has started on the fourth floor, with completion expected by mid‑May. The developer plans to hire a local management company and has coordinated with nonprofits (Family & Children’s Services, HEROES Hope) to ensure lease‑up. The item was discussed and forwarded.

Major Discussion: Amendment to Improve Our Tulsa 2023 Sales Tax Expenditure Policy (Brown Ordinance)

• Proposal: Councilor Paul Harper (District 1) introduced an ordinance to amend the 2023 temporary sales tax expenditure policy to redirect $5 million previously allocated to "Kirkpatrick Heights–Greenwood Area Plan Implementation" to District 1 Economic Development Projects, administered by the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) in partnership with the Historic Greenwood District Main Street program, rather than by Partner Tulsa / the Greenwood Legacy Community Development Corporation (CDC).
• Presentations: Belinda Radney (Executive Director, Historic Greenwood District Main Street) and Rose Washington (President, TEDC) outlined a phased implementation approach focusing on land infrastructure, visioning, and market‑driven development, similar to successful models in Kendall Whittier, the Pearl District, and the Market District. Frenchell Bridgett (Director of Economic Development, City of Tulsa) supported the proposal, arguing that the new CDC would "untie the shoelaces" of Greenwood’s momentum.
• Councilor Harper’s Position: He stated that the CDC was created without adequate community input and that he, as the elected representative, had been ignored. He emphasized that the funds remain in District 1 but with a different facilitator (TEDC) that has community trust and a proven track record.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Lori Decker‑Wright expressed support, noting the successful use of Main Street programs in other districts. Councilor Gilbert clarified that the project is at 31st and Memorial, not Skelly and Yale (a previous error). Councilor Dutton asked about the specific hotel (former Clarion). Councilor Bangle praised the repurposing. Councilor Bellis (via Councilor Gilbert) asked about leveraging existing CDC funds (~$2 million plus a $1 million federal grant); Councilor Harper responded that the CDC work can continue but the $5 million should be pivoted to ensure community promises are kept.
• Outcome: The committee held a public hearing (required) and discussed the ordinance. A vote is scheduled for the May 13 City Council meeting. Additional public hearings will occur on May 13.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during this committee meeting. All items will be forwarded to the full City Council for action.
• The reappointment of Anna Tao will be voted on May 6.
• The Brown ordinance (Item 10) will have a public hearing and vote on May 13.
• The committee will reconvene at 1:00 PM on the same day (April 29) for further business.

Note: The agenda and minutes were not available for this meeting; the summary is based solely on the raw transcript.