Tulsa Dory Dragon Opportunity Regular Board Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Tulsa Dory Dragon Opportunity Regular Board met on July 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC to receive presentations on innovation programs, a tribal lending initiative, parking operations, and monthly financial and staff reports. The meeting included a unanimous consent agenda approval and updates on economic development activities.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda (Items A through E): Approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). No items were removed for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded.

Discussion Items

• Roserock Bridge Update: Malachi Blanketship presented on this deployment studio under Tulsa Innovation Labs, focusing on energy tech innovation by sourcing startups to solve specific problems identified by local corporations (Oneok, Williams, HP, Demon Energy). Over five years, the program has sourced 24 problem statements, led to 20+ pilot pathways, and generated 15 new employee hires in Tulsa in 2023. The program invested $1.5M into startups, which later raised $76M in follow-on capital. A trustee questioned potential job displacement from AI and efficiency savings; Blanketship acknowledged the concern and noted the program aims to keep Tulsa corporations on the cutting edge while working with universities and tech schools for talent development.
• Cherokee Nation SSBCI Presentation: Shay Stanville outlined the Cherokee Nation's State Small Business Credit Initiative program, funded with $86M in direct lending (awarded October 2024). Loans range from $1,000 to $5 million (project cap $20M) with interest rates between 4-7%, paired with at least 50% private capital. No minimum borrower equity is required, and the Nation subordinates its collateral position to the bank. An additional $3M is available for technical assistance. Since January 2025, about $20M has been deployed in northeastern Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation Opportunity Zone (census tracts with 19%+ poverty or persistent poverty counties) extends eligibility to U.S. citizens and offers a 1% interest discount and microenterprise loans under $25,000 fully funded at 2% interest. A trustee noted the high concentration of predatory lending in North Tulsa and asked about targeted lending; Stanville confirmed the Opportunity Zone designation is intended to address disinvestment and that the Nation is building partnerships for on-site technical assistance workshops.
• Parking Operator Quarterly Presentation: George reported that fiscal year 2026 parking revenue performed exceptionally well, though monthly parking was slightly under projections due to office space movements. Visitor and special event parking were strong. Expenses were under budget, with some repair and maintenance deferred to the next fiscal year. Main Park Plaza garage has 1,167 spaces but sells 1,339 monthly permits; future vacancy is expected when a new garage near Oneok is completed in about 18 months. Joe Lang from Oakview Group noted the company is only 23 days into its parking operations contract; transition was smooth.
• Monthly Financial Reports: Lynn presented fiscal year-end results: actual revenues of $7M exceeded budget, while expenses of $4.7M came in under budget, resulting in a $2.2M operating surplus (cash basis). Higher revenues came from increased lease income (Wheel and Brake Center), TIP program administration fees (including prior-year collections), interest income, and incentive application fees. Lower expenses were attributed to careful management. Lynn emphasized that some revenue items are one-time and not recurring. Draft audited financial statements for June 30, 2026 show a decrease in net position of $1.1M, partly due to remittance of the Oil Capital building loan and missing sales tax figures (expected ~$2M).
• Monthly Staff Report: Gary provided administration updates: 18 full-time positions, active work on the Williams proposal and Main Park Plaza structural analysis, and completion of the annual report draft. Mike reported on incentives: closing two TIFF districts (Admiral Place, after 12 years with no activity, and Arts District, which reached its budget cap), and advancing new project plans for South Tulsa (South Memorial, 71st & 169, and 91st & Mingo) with a housing focus. Nia (community development) noted completion of Harvard Apartments (7 affordable housing units) and tours of the Northgate Infill project (9 duplexes). The Just Home loan agreement is headed to City Council. Inez reported on the community impact initiative cohort 2, with events scheduled in August. Site attraction statistics: 51 projects entered the pipeline, 5 site visits, 4 soft incentive offers, 5 announcements. Workforce development: the summer drone outreach program exceeded its goal of 1,200 students (over 1,200 served). Retail strategies and a grocery study update were also noted.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve consent items A through E.
• No Formal Votes on Other Items: All presentations and reports were informational; no resolutions or actions were taken on them.
• Directives and Next Steps: Staff will continue work on the Williams proposal, Main Park Plaza structural analysis, and annual report. Two TIFF district closures are expected to clear City Council next week. The Just Home loan agreement is scheduled for City Council approval. Further community engagement events are set for August.