Tulsa Urban and Economic Development Committee Meeting – July 15, 2026

The Urban and Economic Development Committee of the Tulsa City Council met on July 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM (agenda adjusted to move items 17 and 18 after item 2). The meeting covered a reappointment to the Board of Adjustment, two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district proposals, several rezoning applications, budget amendments, and a proposal to increase the hotel guest tax from 5% to 9.9% via a November 3, 2026 special election.

Discussion Items

• Reappointment of Whitney Schaefer to Board of Adjustment – Councilor Anthony Archie recognized Whitney Schaefer (Narrate Design) for reappointment. Schaefer noted her attendance at 29 of 31 meetings over three years and expressed commitment to helping citizens navigate the process. Councilors praised her design perspective and asked her to flag recurring policy issues (e.g., drive-through queuing, ADUs). A final vote is scheduled for July 22, 2026.

• Item 16 – Leverage Act Application for Phil K Project – Mike Dickerson (Partner Tulsa) presented a resolution authorizing a state application under the Oklahoma Local Development and Enterprise Zone Incentive Leverage Act. The state would match city taxes paid on the project, estimated at $20 million over 25 years. Councilors asked clarifying questions; no opposition was voiced.

• Item 17 – South Memorial TIF (Eaton Square Area) – Councilor Dr. Wright introduced a preliminary TIF district covering the area between E 51st St, E 61st St, S Sheridan Rd, and S Mingo Rd (including Eaton Square and the former Vista Shadow Mountain apartments). The resolution only authorizes convening a review committee to develop a project plan. Councilor Wright explicitly stated that the current owner of the Vista Shadow Mountain property should not benefit from public dollars, and staff confirmed that ongoing redevelopment would not pass the "but for" test. Councilor Hall Harper requested automatic involvement of the district councilor in TIF decisions and community engagement. Councilor Dutton asked for maps of enterprise zones by district.

• Item 18 – TIF for 71st & US 169 Corridor – The proposed TIF covers two districts: District A (behind Lowe's, a former encampment being redeveloped into retail with two and a half restaurants signed) and District B (300 units of affordable family housing near 81st & Mingo). Councilor Lakin described the public-private partnership (Chapman Family Foundation, Legacy Land Trust, developer Steve Easley) and noted the project will generate an estimated $251 million in taxes on a $173 million investment. Councilor Bangle inquired about the history of Meadow Brook Country Club, and Councilor Lakin confirmed it has been sold for eventual housing development. The TIF is adjacent to the SHIELS TIF and aims to revitalize a key retail corridor.

• Rezoning Z7862 (Harvard & 27th Ave S) – RS3 to CG – Requested by Robert Delansky (Golanski Trust) for expansion of a personal warehouse and parking. TMAPC voted 8-0 to recommend approval. Discussion focused on the property's location near the Broken Arrow Expressway and use of pavement vs. gravel.

• Rezoning Z7863 (11th & Garnet) – RS3 and CS to CG – Requested by Jesus Vega. Councilor Dutton requested a 3-week postponement because the applicant is out of the country and she wants to discuss event center regulations. No objection; item delayed.

• Rezoning Z7864 (46th & Peoria) – RS3 to RM3 – For 112 two-story walk-up apartments (market rate) near the BRT line and trail. TMAPC recommended approval. Councilor Hall Harper asked about owner (Marogo Rodrigo from Las Vegas) and housing type.

• Rezoning Z7865 (31st & Sandusky) – OM to CS – Former True Value hardware store to become a gym. TMAPC recommended approval. The site currently has other businesses (restaurant, photo printing).

• Rezoning Z7866 & Comp Plan Amendment (101st & Florence) – RS3/AG to RS4 with ODP – For 32-36 single-family lots on private streets. TMAPC recommended approval. Concerns included floodplain management (Little Hake Creek), private street maintenance, and potential traffic from a fire gate. Councilor Lincoln asked about limiting gate use; staff will follow up.

• Budget Amendments (Items 3-6) – Presented by Jared from Budget:

  • Item 3: $100,000 from unappropriated fund balance for Route 66 asset maintenance (welcome sign). Approved in FY27 budget; now appropriated.
  • Item 4: $1,000,000 for 1921 Graves investigations (transfer from general fund to long-range capital). Approved.
  • Item 5: $530,430 transfer between departments for Route 66 reunification reinvestment (administrative reallocation from culture/parks to planning).
  • Item 6: $237,200 from DA office grant for police special investigations division. All items were discussed and moved forward without opposition.

• Hotel Guest Tax Increase (Items 13-15) – Councilor Gilbert presented a proposal to raise the hotel/motel tax from 5% to 9.9% (first increase in 40 years). The revenue would fund renovations of the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center ($128 million in needs, $80 million gap to be bonded), increase Visit Tulsa funding (40% from 2027-2031, then 45% until bonds repaid, then 50%), and accelerate bond repayment to save interest. A special election is called for November 3, 2026. Councilors stressed that the tax only applies to visitors and generates a $162 return per dollar invested. The ordinances and resolution are on first reading; final vote scheduled for July 22, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Whitney Schaefer reappointment to Board of Adjustment will be voted on July 22, 2026.
• Leverage Act application for Phil K project authorized to move forward.
• South Memorial TIF and 71st & 169 TIF resolutions were advanced, authorizing the preparation of project plans and convening of review committees.
• Z7862, Z7864, Z7865, Z7866 will proceed to full council for approval (TMAPC recommended).
• Z7863 postponed for three weeks.
• Budget amendments (Items 3-6) were effectively approved for further action.
• Hotel tax ordinances and election resolution placed on first reading; final consideration on July 22, 2026.