GTAC Regular Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Greenwood Tulsa Advisory Commission (GTAC) met on May 12, 2026 at 6:07 PM. Chair Brian Humphrey called the meeting to order, roll was called, and minutes from April 14, 2026 were approved unanimously. The meeting focused on welcoming a new commissioner, updates on the commission’s strategic framework, a report on bank account/fiscal sponsorship status, and a detailed discussion of proposed amendments to the Kirkpatrick Heights master plan.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 14, 2026 meeting were moved, seconded, and approved by unanimous voice vote.

New Commissioner Introduction

• Simone Gittens was welcomed as the newest commissioner. She works for an ed tech company, volunteers with TIE PROS (as DEI co-chair), Junior League, and the Tulsa Voter Coalition. She is from the area and will designate a primary committee.

Discussion Items

• Strategic Focus & Framework: Chair Humphrey reviewed the three focus areas: retain, attract, and promote opportunities for African Americans. The City Folks Committee (led by Commissioners Dr. Dickens and Stuckey) is working on a report to be released in the fall. They plan to pivot toward a census/survey to collect statistical and qualitative data, pending input from committee chairs.
• Committee Reports:
  • The Education Committee did not meet due to the chair’s travel; a meeting is planned for May.
  • The Culture and Engagement Committee (Commissioner McNeil) did not meet but will meet on May 13 at 11:30 AM via Zoom. Commissioner McNeil is also the GTAC liaison to the Human Rights Commission. She reported that the Hispanic and Latinx Affairs Commission created a Fourth Amendment worksite playbook regarding illegal search and seizure; the Policy Committee is working to translate it for the African American diaspora.
  • The Policy Committee (Chair JP Ray) did not give a separate report.
• Chair/Vice Chair Quarterly Meeting (Title V Commissions): Vice Chair Raquel reported on discussions about creating bank accounts and fiscal sponsorship within city structures. The city’s legal team is developing a standardized approach; updates will be shared later.
• Kirkpatrick Heights Amendment Discussion:
  • Chair Humphrey explained that Councilor Vanessa Hall Harper has proposed two amendments to the Improve Our Tulsa package (a $430 million citywide vote originally allocating $5 million for the Kirkpatrick Heights area).
  • Amendment 1: Replace the Community Development Corporation (CDC) currently managing the funds—Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC)—with Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TED C), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
  • Amendment 2: Expand the scope of the $5 million to be available for all of District One, not just the original 45-acre Kirkpatrick Heights area.
  • Positions: Councilor Hall Harper asserts that trust has been broken with Partner Tulsa and GLC regarding board governance and community input. GLC and Mayor Monroe (who is on Partner Tulsa’s board) support the original plan and oppose the amendments. Chair Humphrey noted the mayor sent a letter supporting GLC.
  • Commissioner Comments: Commissioners emphasized GTAC’s role as an advisory, nonpartisan body. They stressed the importance of understanding both sides, honoring civic rights to disagree, and focusing on unity after a decision is made. Several commissioners celebrated the ability to have a disagreement without conflict.
  • Next Steps: The second reading of the amendment is scheduled for May 13 at 5:00 PM at the City Council. Commissioners were encouraged to attend as private citizens and to sign up to speak early.
• Other Announcements:
  • Upcoming events: Capitol Cruise (Route 66) on May 30; Go Green for Greenwood commemoration May 30–June 1; local elections in June (with a candidate event June 12–13); and the Title V and Beyond Apologies Commissions retreat on July 24 (including a breakout session with Partner Tulsa).
  • The mayor’s community conversation for North Tulsa is on June 9 from 5:30–7:00 PM at Rudisill Library. Commissioners were urged to attend.
  • The next regular GTAC meeting has been rescheduled to June 23 at 5:30 PM to avoid conflict with the community conversation.
• Public Comments: None were offered.

Key Outcomes

• No Votes Taken: The meeting lacked a quorum for voting, so no formal decisions were made.
• Next Meeting: June 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM. Commissioners are expected to vote on a proposed census/survey questionnaire to be distributed at Juneteenth events in July.
• No Meeting in July: The June 23 meeting will be the last before the summer break. Commissioners were reminded to attend the June 9 community conversation.