Tulsa City Council Subcommittee Meeting – May 13, 2026

The subcommittee met on May 13, 2026, at 10:35 AM to discuss multiple agenda items including an appointment to the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority, an ordinance regarding funds for the Kirkpatrick Heights and Greenwood areas, a donation for animal welfare, a DNA backlog reduction grant, a presentation on Tulsa Zoo operations and capital needs, and a letter of support for a federal safe streets grant. No votes were taken; the subcommittee heard presentations and discussed next steps.

Appointment to the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority

• Renee Ritter, a lifelong Tulsan and former Human Rights Commission member, was introduced as a candidate to replace Bruce Namey on the MTTA board. Her term would expire July 31, 2028. Council members expressed support for her appointment, noting her long‑time community advocacy in District 2. The appointment will be placed on the full City Council agenda for May 20, 2026.

Ordinance Relating to Kirkpatrick Heights and Greenwood Press Conference

• Council members discussed modifications to an ordinance that would designate $5 million in funds (from the 2026 Vision package) for economic development in the Kirkpatrick Heights and Greenwood areas. The revised language clarifies that funds shall be prioritized first for implementation of the Kirkpatrick Heights Master Plan and second for other projects in District 1 that align with the master plan. The intent is to expand collaboration among entities (TEDC, GLC, Partner Tulsa) rather than displace any existing organization. The funds are not yet available (expected FY27–FY28) and will be used for pre‑development, feasibility studies, and planning—not for immediate construction. Council members noted that the $5 million is “seed money” and that the goal is to catalyze long‑term revitalization. The subcommittee discussed the need for a clear process for approving expenditures and ensuring accountability.

Ordinance: $950,000 Donation from Tulsa Community Foundation for Animal Welfare

• The subcommittee reviewed an ordinance appropriating a $950,000 donation from the Tulsa Community Foundation to the animal shelter. The funds will be used for an on‑site emergency generator, a kennel cleaning system, mechanical/electrical/plumbing enhancements, AV/communications equipment, door hardware, signage, and site infrastructure. This is the second such donation; the shelter has now received $1.3 million. Council members expressed gratitude and noted that the kennel cleaning system should improve volunteer experience.

Ordinance: Budget Amendment for DNA Backlog Reduction

• An ordinance amending the budget to accept a grant award for DNA backlog reduction at the police department was discussed. The grant will fund equipment, travel, training, and accreditation fees. A council member asked for an update on the current backlog, noting that the city has approved similar grants annually. The subcommittee agreed to leave the item open and seek an answer from the police department.

Discussion with Tulsa Zoo: Operations and Capital Needs

• Zoo President Lindsay Henderson, Board Chair Megan Joyner, and Finance Chair Mike Myers presented the zoo’s capital needs. The zoo is seeking $15 million from the city to complete the African Wilds project (total cost $47 million). So far, $24 million in private funds have been raised (with $8.8 million in outstanding pledges through 2030), and $8 million came from the city’s Vision package. The project is 40% complete, but without an additional $10 million by October 2026, construction will halt due to exhausted bridge loan capacity. The zoo has already value‑engineered the project three times, removing a special event pavilion. The $15 million would cover the remaining gap and avoid cost escalation from a pause. Council members discussed donor fatigue, the zoo’s economic impact (700,000 annual visitors, 257,000 from over 50 miles away), and the importance of maintaining affordability and accessibility. The zoo’s deferred maintenance stands at $35 million. The subcommittee acknowledged the need to find a solution, possibly through Vision package savings, GO bonds, or other sources. No final decision was made; further discussions with the finance department are planned.

Discussion: Letter of Support for Safe Streets for All Grant Application

• The subcommittee discussed a letter of support for the city’s application to the FHWA Safe Streets for All grant program. The grant would fund a local road safety action plan (80/20 federal match, $800,000 federal, $200,000 city match). The plan would use data‑driven analysis to identify high‑priority corridors for accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Council members supported the application, noting that fatal crashes disproportionately affect underserved communities. They also discussed related measures such as lowering speed limits near schools, ending right‑on‑red at certain intersections, and implementing leading pedestrian intervals. The subcommittee approved the letter of support.

Key Outcomes

• Renee Ritter’s appointment to MTTA will be forwarded to the full City Council for a vote on May 20, 2026.
• The ordinance for Kirkpatrick Heights/Greenwood funding was discussed but not voted on; the subcommittee will continue refining the language and process.
• The animal welfare donation ordinance and the DNA backlog grant ordinance will proceed to the full Council.
• The zoo’s request for $15 million will be explored further; the subcommittee directed staff to identify potential funding sources and report back on options.
• The letter of support for the Safe Streets for All grant application was approved and will be submitted.