Tulsa City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026

The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:30 a.m. on May 20, 2026. The council considered several appointments, routine ordinances, a major proposal for spending the remaining balance of the 2016 Vision Fund sales tax, and received a presentation from Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) on their achievements, challenges, and future plans.

Consent Calendar

• Katie O'Milia was introduced for appointment to the Arts Commission. She shared her background as a landscape architect and urban designer, expressing interest in applying her design sense to community projects. The appointment will be voted on at the June 3 council meeting.
• Angelica Reina was introduced for reappointment to the Greater Tulsa Area Hispanic Latinx Affairs Commission. She shared her background as a PhD-holding faculty member at Tulsa Community College and expressed a commitment to advocating for the Hispanic/Latinx community. The reappointment will be voted on June 3.
• Ordinances and resolutions presented for first reading included: approving increased assessments for the Tulsa Stadium Improvement District No. 1 (with emergency clause), amending the FY26 budget to appropriate $160,000 for the 2026 National Chili Bowl quality event, directing the filing of the annual assessment roll for the Tourism Improvement District (TID), and amending title 43K related to the 2017 limited purpose economic development temporary sales tax (with emergency clause).

Discussion Items

• Renaissance Neighborhood Character Overlay Amendments: Councilman Shabella and staff Susan presented proposed amendments to the Renaissance neighborhood character overlay, inspired by similar provisions adopted in the Florence Park overlay. Additions include requirements for roof pitch, significant garage setback, and a porch requirement. The discussion clarified that the request was not driven by a single house but by a neighborhood-wide desire to better preserve character after learning from Florence Park's more robust overlay. The council expressed support for moving forward.
• 2016 Vision Fund Spending Proposal: Mayor and budget staff presented a proposal to spend the remaining balance of the 2016 Vision Fund—$103 million in one-time funds and $12 million in annual ongoing funds—generated by overperformance of the sales tax. Key allocations include:
  • $25 million for the Public Safety Center to consolidate police, fire, and EMSA assets, with potential grant offsets that would be reappropriated.
  • $23.5 million one-time plus $17 million ongoing for homelessness initiatives, including Safe Move ($6.5 million in FY27) and low-barrier shelter operations ($1 million annually).
  • $4 million set aside for municipal court and lockup facility needs.
  • $18.5 million for neighborhood and economic development, to be allocated based on neighborhood conditions index.
  • $4.15 million to backfill economic development incentives already committed (e.g., Shields, IKEA) to free up general fund dollars. Council members raised questions about the timing of Safe Move spending, the use of opioid and ARPA funds, the need for measurable outcomes, and the possibility of setting aside some funds for future investment. The mayor expressed a needs-based approach, emphasizing that these investments align with city priorities and will generate long-term returns.
• Tulsa Public Schools Presentation: Superintendent Dr. Johnson, along with board members, cabinet staff, and a student, presented a comprehensive update. Achievements include:
  • Chronic absenteeism reduced by nearly 5 percentage points (from ~44% to ~39%).
  • Proficiency rates increased in every grade level in reading and math over the past two years.
  • Reduction in failing schools from 26 to 14.
  • Post-secondary credential attainment rose from 39% to 55% of graduates.
  • The April 2026 bond package passed with 81-82% voter approval across four propositions, funding instructional materials, STEM, arts, athletics, driver education, and career academies. Challenges include a $17-18 million budget deficit due to declining enrollment and the sunset of ESSER funds. Strategies include $7 million in district office cuts, shifting bond-eligible expenses, and selling surplus properties. The centerpiece of the presentation was the planned rollout of college and career academies at all nine comprehensive high schools, with pathways in creative arts, business, health/human services, and engineering/innovation. Student Zachary Daniels shared his success story: he earned manufacturing production technician certifications, 12 college credits, and a full-time job at Webco through the McLean career academy program. Council members discussed partnership opportunities, including a public safety academy where city experts serve as educators, and transportation collaborations. TPS board president Susan Lampkin and vice president Calvin Monese stated they had not been contacted by the Mayor's Office of Children, Youth and Families or Impact Tulsa, and emphasized that the district's progress stems from internal efforts. Superintendent Johnson noted her participation in the Mayor's cabinet and highlighted pre-K enrollment and walking school buses as examples of collaboration.

Key Outcomes

• The appointments of O'Milia and Reina will be voted on June 3.
• The Renaissance overlay amendments will proceed to final reading.
• The Vision Fund spending ordinance will be refined and brought back; council requested detailed spreadsheets with three-year funding bands and measurable outcome indicators.
• Council expressed strong interest in scheduling a joint meeting with TPS before the start of the next school year to deepen city-school partnerships.
• Council members requested additional data on Safe Move expenditures, cost per person, recidivism, and partner invoices. A UED committee meeting with Emily (city staff) is scheduled for June 10.
• The council directed that language in the Vision Fund ordinance be written flexibly to allow reallocation if grants or other funds offset certain costs.