Tulsa Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting – November 4, 2026

The Urban & Economic Development Committee met on November 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM (16:30 UTC) in Room 411 of One Technology Center. The committee, chaired by Councilor Lakin (who recused himself from items 8–10, with Co-Chair Bellis presiding over those items), considered a wide range of economic development and budgetary matters, including a major TIF project in North Tulsa, several supplemental budget appropriations, and allocations from Vision 2017 surplus funds.

Reappointment to Library Commission

• Cindy McGhee, a CPA and entrepreneur, was presented for reappointment to the Tulsa City/County Library Commission (term through July 31, 2029). She serves on the finance and oversight committees for library capital projects and has attended 5 of 9 meetings. The committee will take the appointment to the full council on November 18.

Peak on the Parkway Economic Development Project

• Aaron Pursley (Chief Economic Development Officer) and William Tisdale (developer, 2020 Management) presented the $200 million project on 40 undeveloped acres in North Tulsa. The plan creates four Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts and includes medical offices, a Country Mart grocery, two new-to-market restaurants, mixed-use multifamily housing, and senior downsizing units. Councilors expressed strong support, noting the project’s transformation of vacant land and its health-care, retail, and housing components.

Budget Amendments (Items 4–7)

• No questions or debate were taken on the following supplemental appropriations:
  • $49,000 for Forensic Nurse Services (District Attorney’s Council grant).
  • $72,000 for Grand Lake Mobile Integrated Health (Grand Lake Mental Health grant).
  • $31,575 for Animal Shelter Phase II (Tulsa Community Foundation pledge).
  • $913,316.05 for Tulsa Performing Arts Center renovation design services.

Budget Amendment for Economic and Neighborhood Initiatives (Item 8)

• Chair Lakin recused; Co-Chair Bellis led the discussion. A $6,594,000 supplemental appropriation was presented to fund several time‑sensitive projects from the unappropriated balance of the 2016 Vision Economic Development Capital Projects Sub‑Fund. The projects included:
  • Golf Floodgate – $750,000 to install a floodgate at Mohawk course to reduce flood closures. Presenter Randy Heckenkamper (Tulsa Golf) stated the gate would cut evacuation time ten‑fold and help the course become financially sustainable. Council supportive.
  • Airport Child Care Facility – $1.5 million (lowered from an earlier estimate) to construct a child‑care center on airport property, addressing workforce shortages. Airport CEO Alexis Higgins presented. Discussions touched on liability, DHS subsidies, and tribal partnerships.
  • Plaza Santa Cecilia / East Side Center for Entrepreneurship – $1.5 million to complete phase 2 of the incubator in east Tulsa. The city’s deputy mayor presented; councilors highlighted inclusive entrepreneurship and the need to connect multiple incubators city‑wide.
  • After‑School Expanded Learning Pilot – $1 million proposed to pilot after‑school programming in high‑absenteeism TPS and Union schools, plus an elementary sports pilot with Tulsa Parks. Laura Latta (Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families) and Stacey (Parks) presented. Council raised questions about sole‑sourcing, requested a presentation from the “Yes for Tulsa Kids” coalition, and emphasized transparent contracting.
  • The Irving on Brookside (Public Parking Component) – $450,000 in District 9 Community Development Priority Project funds to build public parking as part of a $59 million mixed‑use development. Aaron Pursley explained the project’s financing is already secured and tenants are pre‑leased; councilors praised the project’s alignment with the Peoria BRT corridor and its expected economic ripple effects. The budget amendment was on first reading November 4; final council votes are scheduled for November 18 and December 2.

Vision for the Arts Program (Item 11)

• Arts Commission representatives presented the FY 2026‑2027 grant cycle. Councilors gave substantive feedback that the application process is too burdensome and suggested simplifying narratives, standardizing budgets, and making the technology easier to use. The Commission vice chair agreed to bring proposed restructuring to the committee for approval.

Remaining Vision Surplus & Future Allocations (Item 10)

• The committee discussed how to allocate the remainder of the 2017 Vision Economic Development surplus (beyond the projects on the current budget amendment). Potential categories included: main street program investment, commercial revitalization (potentially through permanent revolving loan funds), community center reactivation (especially using closed school buildings), and utility assistance. Councilors stressed sustainability and avoiding new facility ownership. No formal action was taken; the committee will continue refining a project plan.

Key Outcomes

• Reappointment of Cindy McGhee will proceed to full council November 18.
• TIF ordinance and most budget amendments (Items 3–8) are on first reading November 18 and public hearing December 2.
• The after‑school pilot funds will not be appropriated until a competitive procurement process is clarified; staff will invite the Opportunity Project and coalition for a committee presentation.
• The Arts Commission will return with a streamlined application process for future cycles.
• The committee will adopt a formal project plan for the remaining Vision surplus at a later meeting.