Public Meetings - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The meeting was held on July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM UTC. No agenda or minutes were provided, and the available transcript contains no coherent discussion or identifiable statements. The transcript consists of repeated words such as "Maybe" and "All right" with no substantive content. As a result, no topics, votes, or public comments can be summarized.

The Tulsa Authority for Recovery of Energy (TARE) board met on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 3:30 PM in Conference Room 10 North. The meeting covered staff reports on solid waste and household pollutant collection, the monthly financial report, approval of the FY27 operating budget and financial plan, approval of a CPI increase for American Environmental Land bill (AEL), and election of officers. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 19, 2026 (focused committee) and May 26, 2026 (full board) were approved by motion and second. Staff Reports & Updates - Manager's Report (Philip): - Residential recycling was consistent. Contamination: 23 removals year-to-date, 12 in May. Diverted loads to AEL due to crane issues. - Illegal dumping: 38.10 tons, 23 investigations, zero citations. Discussion about cameras and difficulties with DA prosecution; hopes that flock cameras will improve enforcement. - Mulch site: 513 vehicles picked up mulch, 39 for firewood; 11,665 residents, 436 MOU customers, 753 city vehicles. - Bulky waste: 1,995 stops, tonnage close to previous. - Brian's Report (Household Pollutant Collection Facility): - May 2026: 507 customers, 44,572 pounds of pollutants accepted; 237 swap shop customers took 956 items (1,800 pounds). - Insulation in facility: 5-10 degrees cooler inside. Bathroom installation in progress, expected completion in a few weeks. - Great Tulsa Cleanup (April 2026): record 1,337 participants. Monthly Financial Report – Period Ending May 31, 2026 - Katie presented: Total revenues $39.1 million (94.87% of estimate, ahead by $1.4M). Total expenditures $41.764 million (88.36% of estimate, under by $4.3M). - Materials & Supplies in Public Works: 33% spent vs 91.7% estimate, but much of the budget is for emergency response not needed. No reappropriations for TARE fund. Capital outlay discussion on encumbered funds and budget actions. FY27 Operating Budget and FY28 Financial Plan - The board approved the FY27 operating budget and FY28 financial plan. Expenses budgeted $2.541 million more than FY26 original. - Increases: New residential collection contract (+$2.492M), residential disposal services (+$196K), utility billing allocation (+$158K). - Decreases: Emergency response reduced by $300K; green waste expenses reduced by $360K. - Capital expenditures $638K more than FY26. Fund balance projected at $7.9 million at end of FY27. - Motion to approve, seconded, passed. American Environmental Land bill (AEL) CPI Increase - AEL requested a 3.3% increase effective July 1, 2026. Current rate $27.70/ton; new rate $28.61/ton (below 5% cap). Motion to approve, seconded, passed. Election of Officers - Chairman: Dorinda was nominated and elected. - Vice Chair: Pat was nominated and elected. - Committee Appointments: Focus group will continue as usual; strategic planning committee: Chuck, the speaker, and Kerry, with an alternate. New Business - Josh Null, community outreach personnel, was promoted to supervisor (vacancy created). Casey is leaving the city; her last day is July 10, 2026. A board member remarked the department needs to pay people more to retain them. Public Comments - None. Next Meeting - The next regular full board meeting will be Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 3:30 PM in Conference Room 10 North.

The Beyond Apology Commission convened on June 26, 2026, at 1:04 PM. The meeting focused on a proposed reparative ordinance for the protection of Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts, updates from the commission's committees, and planning for upcoming events. The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Mason and a second from Commissioner Evans. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 15, 2026 meeting were approved by motion (Commissioner Mason) and second (Commissioner Evans). All commissioners present voted in favor; no opposition was noted. Discussion Items - Chair Report – Reparative Ordinance for Ancestral Remains: The chair reported on the development of a policy response to the discovery and treatment of Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts connected to racial violence. She submitted a working draft reparative ordinance packet to Councilor Vanessa Hall Harper and the Mayor's office. The proposed ordinance requires an immediate stop to disturbing activity when human remains are discovered; establishes descendant-centered consultation before decisions on removal, testing, or disposition; makes respectful reburial the default; protects cultural artifacts associated with remains; places financial responsibility on developers; and creates a Cultural and Racial Remains Review Panel. The ordinance is intentionally framed as reparative, not punitive. The chair also announced planning for the 2027 Tulsa Reparation Summit and a commission-wide book discussion on Tulsa Speaks. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioners expressed strong support for the ordinance. One commissioner suggested a "call before you dig" type process for certain quadrants of the city, and another noted that artifacts were found during city projects (BMX and Langston facility) but were placed in boxes without a clear protocol. Councilor Hall Harper confirmed the ordinance will go through the standard city council process (first reading, second reading, public engagement). - Committee Reports: - Education Committee: Dr. Curtis is developing a comprehensive app/website to aggregate city resources for the community, currently in idea stages and in discussion with the city, United Way, and 211. - Health and Wellness Committee: Elected officers (Co-Chair Tomika Gray) and is partnering with Crossover and Ascension St. John's health initiative and the Bed Rock Initiative. - Community Economic and Land Development Committee: Has been meeting regularly, focusing on identifying land and conducting research. Officers elected: Chair (speaker), Co-Chair William "Deuce" Tisdale, Secretary Commissioner Greg Taylor. - Other committees: No reports from Housing, Systems Change, Financial Compensation, Policy, or Cultural Identity, though the policy work on the ordinance was noted under Systems Change/Cultural Identity. - Old Business: The chair reported a meeting with State Representative Ronald Stewart about an Illinois-style bill to fund ancestry DNA kits for Black Oklahomans. Although Oklahoma is a "super red state," the commission will continue to push for the idea at the city and state level. - Equality Indicators: The 2025 edition of the Equality Indicators Report was released. The justice theme scored its worst since inception, dropping by 10 points. Commissioners noted the decline and questioned whether the Office of Resiliency and Equity's budget has increased to address the issues. Deontree (Office of Resiliency and Equity) confirmed the MTL grant ends September 30, 2026, and the budget has not increased, but they are seeking other resources. - Justice for Greenwood Update: A representative reported that the group is in a planning phase, working with Creek Nation on freedmen issues, and will coordinate with the commission. Key Outcomes - The chair's proposed reparative ordinance for Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts has been submitted to the city council and mayor's office for review. It will follow standard ordinance procedures (legal review, public hearings, council readings). - Commissioners were encouraged to participate in the Title V and Beyond Apology Commission retreat on July [date] from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and in the Pub Club event on July 21 to engage young professionals. - The commission will continue to explore state-level legislation for funded ancestry DNA testing, in partnership with Rep. Stewart. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (TAO) held its regular board meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM CT. The board approved several key items including a new financial management software contract, a lease amendment for office relocation, an affordable housing trust fund administrative fee adjustment, and two agreements totaling $2 million for the Just Home Project to provide housing for justice-involved individuals. The meeting also included financial updates, staff reports, and a farewell to retiring senior vice president Vicky. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the consent agenda (items A through F) with no items removed for separate discussion. All trustees present voted in favor. Discussion Items - GovSense Platform Agreement (Item 5): Staff presented a proposal for a cloud-based government resource planning (GRP) tool to replace the previous accounting system handled by the City of Tulsa. The total cost is not to exceed $136,240, which includes $81,000 for implementation, a first-year annual subscription fee of $54,640, and $7,500 for in-person training. The tool is built on Oracle and aims to improve financial management, transparency, and efficiency. The agreement is for one year with an annual renewal; a 3% increase per year is anticipated. Trustees raised questions about cloud security, multi-year discounts, and the need to review the actual contract. After discussion, the board approved the motion unanimously. - Lease Amendment – Fourth Amendment (Item 6): Staff proposed moving TAO’s offices from the 7th floor to the 11th floor of the same building, increasing square footage from 4,146 to approximately 6,222 square feet at no additional rent cost for the current year. The move, prompted by tenant Sixth’s expansion, will be at no cost to TAO. The original amendment in the board packet did not reflect the move details; an updated version was provided during the meeting. The board approved the amended lease agreement unanimously. - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Administration Fee (Item 7): Staff requested simplifying the administrative fee structure from a 1% fee plus an additional 3% for specific work to a flat 4% fee, consistent with other programs. The board approved this amendment unanimously. - Just Home Project – Loan Agreement with MacArthur Foundation (Item 8): Vicky and Nia presented the Just Home Project, which aims to provide housing and services to justice-involved individuals exiting incarceration. The MacArthur Foundation will loan TAO up to $2 million at 1% interest over 10 years. TAO will then sub-loan those funds to developer Robinsons Properties in two tranches: $1 million for the first phase (rehab of two properties, yielding 10 units) and the second $1 million for the second phase (809 North Birmingham Avenue, yielding 13 units). The developer will pay TAO interest quarterly plus an administrative fee (1% on outstanding up to $25,000, then 0.5%). Personal guarantees and first mortgages protect TAO’s investment. Trustees discussed balloon payment risk, the need for construction inspection protocols, and the lack of a competitive RFP process. The board voted unanimously to approve the loan agreement. - Just Home Project – Development Agreement (Item 9): This agreement with Robinsons Properties covers the terms for the sub-loan and development of the 23 units. Additional protections include a 10-year affordability covenant and annual compliance reports. The board approved this agreement unanimously. - Financial Review (Item 10): Staff reported revenues of $494,000 and expenses of $337,000 for the month. Revenues included $60,000 from incentive application invoices. No unusual expenses were noted. The organization remains in good financial shape. - Monthly Staff Report (Item 11): Staff provided updates on internal operations: creation of a new TAO policy handbook, collaboration with City of Tulsa, Regional Chamber, and GKF on a streamlined partner ecosystem, and a website revamp. Projects highlighted include Faroaks, Downtown Redevelopment (Philcade Building), Crutchfield, and two new district 7 projects. The board was informed that Vicky is retiring effective June 30, and Nia will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Asset Management. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (Items A-F): Approved unanimously. - GovSense Agreement (Item 5): Approved unanimously. The contract is for one year with a 3% annual renewal increment; staff will explore multi-year discounts in future renewals. - Fourth Lease Amendment (Item 6): Approved unanimously. TAO will relocate from the 7th to the 11th floor by September 1, 2026, with current rent unchanged for the first year. - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Admin Fee (Item 7): Approved unanimously. Fee simplified to a flat 4%. - MacArthur Loan Agreement (Item 8): Approved unanimously. $2 million loan at 1% interest over 10 years for the Just Home Project. Must still be approved by City Council. - Development Agreement (Item 9): Approved unanimously. Robinsons Properties will develop 23 units for justice-involved individuals, with a ten-year affordability requirement. - Staff transition: Vicky’s retirement recognized; Nia promoted to SVP effective July 1, 2026.

The council convened at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to discuss two major items: the classification of division heads in the classified service following the creation of an EX80 pay grade, and potential improvements to budget procedures. Councilors expressed strong concerns about the timing of the reclassifications occurring shortly after the budget was approved, citing a lack of transparency and potential future budgetary impacts. Discussion Items Item 2: Discussion with Personnel Director on Division Head Classifications - Personnel Director Erica explained that four positions—city administrator, public safety commissioner, city attorney, and city physician—were reclassified to a new EX80 pay grade (minimum $162,000, maximum $302,000), the highest in the classified service. The two division heads (city administrator and public safety commissioner) were previously appointed positions; the city attorney and city physician were already in top grades. - Councilors questioned the timeline: the budget was signed by the mayor on June 18, and the next day (June 19) the creation of the EX80 positions was announced. Councilors noted that the reclassification process had been discussed internally for at least a month before the budget vote, yet was never brought up during budget deliberations. They characterized this as a circumvention of the council’s budgetary role. - Councilor Bellis highlighted that the salary band for EX80 ($162k–$302k) compares with an area median income of $54,000 in Tulsa, and that the new grade could create ripple effects as other department heads seek similar reclassification. - Councilor Bangle argued that the move creates a “me too” dynamic and handcuffs future administrations. Councilor Dictor Wright pointed out that the charter allows only 16 mayoral appointees, but moving appointed positions into civil service effectively increases that number. - Personnel Director Erica stated that no market analysis was done to justify the EX80 band; the grade was based on comparisons of job scope and decision-making authority. She also said pay adjustments do not automatically follow reclassification, but exceptions can be approved by the mayor. - Councilors Lakin and others explored implications for the merit system, including bumping rights and potential layoff protections, which could limit a future mayor’s ability to restructure. Item 3: Discussion on Additional Budget Procedures - Council staff member Davis presented options for increasing budget transparency, including account-level detail in the proposed budget, tracking positions that are budgeted in one department but assigned to another, and improved access to capital project details. - Councilors unanimously supported drafting an ordinance to codify these procedures. Councilor Gilbert stressed the need for tools to understand the budget, while Councilor Bellis advocated for making the budget more accessible to the public. - Councilor Dictor Wright again raised concerns about positions funded from multiple departments and the need for clarity to avoid hidden obligations. Key Outcomes - Councilor Dictor Wright committed to bringing forward a charter amendment requiring council confirmation for division and department heads. She stated this would close a perceived loophole and provide public oversight. - Council instructed staff to work with the finance department on an ordinance to enhance budget transparency, with a focus on account-level detail and cross-departmental position tracking. - No formal votes were taken on either agenda item; further action is expected in future meetings.

The Tulsa City Council met at 5 p.m. on June 24, 2026, to consider routine approvals, recognize graduates of the Neighborhood Academy, and approve several special event applications for Independence Day celebrations. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Item 1A–1D: Minutes of regular meetings held on June 3 and June 10, 2026 (both 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. sessions) were approved. - Items 4B–4I: Mayor’s items, including special event applications for July 4th events (Jinx Boom Fest, Firecracker 5K, and Folds of Honor Freedom Fest), were approved without discussion. - Items 7A–7C: Ordinances second reading – rezoning at East 119th Street and South Yell Avenue, rezoning at East Newton Street and North Osage Avenue, and an easement closure at 4191 South Peoria Avenue for Chick-fil-A development were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - John Hoffines spoke in support of items 4E, 4F, and 4G (special event applications for July 4th). He offered patriotic remarks, quoting the Declaration of Independence and Galatians 5:13, and expressed gratitude for the organizers and city staff making the celebrations possible. Discussion Items - Proclamations – Neighborhood Academy: The Council presented leadership certificates to 27 graduates of the City of Tulsa’s Neighborhood Academy, a free program launched in October 2024 to equip residents with tools for community leadership. Graduates from Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and Oakhurst were recognized; no graduates from District 8 were present. - Council Announcements: - Counselor Archie (District 2) announced a community meeting on July 13, 2026, at Tulsa Hills Church of the Nazarene at 6 p.m., featuring ODOT on the diverging diamond interchange, an announcement about Maybell Avenue, and an update on the Southwest Boulevard and 41st Street turn lane. - Counselor Dector Wright (District 7) reminded residents that personal fireworks are illegal in Tulsa, urged attendance at professional displays, and noted a permanent fireworks shop at 101st and South Mingo is in Bixby, not Tulsa. Key Outcomes - All consent items (1A–1D, 4B–4I, 7A–7C) were approved unanimously (9-0). - Items 6A–6D (ordinances first reading) were forwarded to the next council meeting without objection. - The Council will recess for two weeks and reconvene on July 15, 2026.

The Tulsa City Council met on June 24, 2026, to consider several agenda items including a license agreement for canopies at the University Center at Tulsa, a change order for a street project waterline, creation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the Pearl District, adoption of the annual assessment for Tourism Improvement District 1, and two proposed ordinances to promote affordable housing through lien waivers and building permit fee adjustments. The council also heard a presentation from the Human Rights Commission on the geographic representation of authority board and commission members. License Agreement for Canopies at 700 North Greenwood Avenue - Paul from Public Works presented a request to reinstitute a license agreement for two walkway canopies and brick pavers that have existed since 1994 but lacked a formal agreement. The property is now owned by OSU Board of Regents. The agreement clarifies that the city is not responsible for maintenance of the canopies or pavers. Staff requested approval, noting no objections from stakeholders. The council moved to the next item without objection, indicating approval. Change Order 1 – Contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors (Project 2036/1153Z) - Paul explained a change order for $28,530.45 (1.3% of the overall contract) and 120 additional days to remove a tree whose root system was damaging the street and sidewalk, and to install a six-inch water line with valves. The tree removal will address tripping hazards and road degradation. Councilor Archie asked about location (Council District 2) and tree evaluation process; Paul confirmed consultation with an arborist. Staff requested approval; the council moved on without objection, indicating approval. Ordinance Creating Increment District 27 (Pearl District TIF) - Audrey Blank and Mike Dickerson presented. The council had previously adopted the Pearl District Project Plan in July 2025, and now district A is being named and created to start the TIF clock. Catalytic projects include a large multifamily apartment complex and townhome developments, plus a parking garage to avoid Cherry Street-style parking lot sprawl. Councilor Bellis noted the inclusion of the historic 11th Street area. Staff requested approval; the council moved to the next item without objection. Annual Assessment Role for Tourism Improvement District 1 - A representative from the finance department presented the annual assessment of hotels with 110 or more rooms at 3% of gross room rate to fund tourism marketing. The council moved on without objection, indicating approval. Ordinance Amending Title 24 – Waiver of Nuisance Abatement Costs and Fees for Affordable Housing - Travis Holse (Housing Office) presented a proposal to waive city nuisance abatement liens for properties acquired by new owners that are vacant/abandoned, in exchange for affordability restrictions. Eligibility requires the property to be acquired with existing liens, no additional private liens, and the new owner must commit to rent or sell at affordable rates based on 60% of area median income (AMI). For a 2.3-person household, the maximum affordable rent is $1,188/month and maximum sale price is $118,000. Affordability periods range from 3 to 7 years depending on lien amount (capped at $10,000). Clawback provisions apply if affordability is not maintained. Council discussion included concerns about timeframes for requesting waivers, vacancy allowances (180 days), and potential impacts on larger properties. The ordinance was discussed but no vote was recorded in the transcript. Ordinance Amending Title 49 – Building Permit Fee Adjustment for Affordable Housing - Travis Holse continued with a proposal to waive building permit application and permit fees for housing developments up to 10 units, in exchange for affordability covenants. Fee reduction amounts tied to affordability periods (same as above: 3,5,7 years). The program is capped at $500,000 in total fees waived or 2,000 units permitted per fiscal year, whichever comes first. Council discussed applicability to rehabs, covenant recording, affordability notification to tenants, and potential overlap with other programs. No vote was recorded in the transcript. Discussion with Human Rights Commission on ABC Composition by Council District - Drew France (Chair) and Patty Safi Levad presented data showing that 310 authority board and commission (ABC) members reside disproportionately in City Council Districts 4 and 9 (over half), while Districts 3,5,6,7 are underrepresented. They noted that 24% of seats have new members since Mayor Nichols' tenure began and 62% have turned over in the last five years. They proposed upstream recruitment efforts, partnering with neighborhood associations, and creating educational materials to demystify the application process. Council members offered to host town halls and suggested improving the online application process and creating a lookbook for ABCs. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - License Agreement for Canopies: Approved by consensus. - Change Order 1: Approved by consensus. - Increment District 27 (Pearl TIF): Ordinance approved by consensus. - Tourism Improvement District Assessment: Ordinance approved by consensus. - Affordable Housing Lien Waiver Ordinance (Title 24): Presented and discussed; no vote held. - Affordable Housing Permit Fee Ordinance (Title 49): Presented and discussed; no vote held. - Human Rights Commission Presentation: Discussion only; council agreed to partner on recruitment efforts. Note: Votes were not explicitly recorded in the transcript; outcomes are inferred from the meeting flow and statements.

The City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment held its 1385th meeting on June 23, 2026, at 1:01 PM, adjourning at 2:29 PM. The board considered seven agenda items, including approvals of prior meeting minutes and several variance and special exception requests. Voting members included Mr. Hill, Ms. Williams, Ms. Stumas (or similar), Ms. Stafford, and the Chair. Decisions were reached on all items. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from Meeting 1383 (May 26, 2026): Unanimously approved (5-0). - Approval of minutes from Meeting 1384 (June 9, 2026): Unanimously approved (5-0). Discussion Items - BOA 24048 – Variance to reduce parking setback (1124 East 37th Place South): Applicant Eric Annyart (Tanner Consulting) requested a variance to reduce the required 25-foot setback for unenclosed off-street parking to 10.42 feet in the OL district, citing a need for more parking and the lot's 137-foot depth. Neighbors Nathan and Tracy Lye opposed, arguing the two additional spots (1.4% of total) did not justify the variance and that the proposed screening was inadequate. The board found no sufficient hardship (hardship must be unique to the property, not economic). Motion to deny passed unanimously (5-0). - BOA 24058 – Special exception for driveway width (3139 South Florence Place): Applicant Roger McKee (Wesign Architects) requested to increase maximum driveway width from 30 feet to 37 feet 5 inches in the RS1 district to accommodate a wider driveway for a custom home on a corner lot. No public opposition. The board found the exception in harmony with the code. Approved unanimously (5-0). - BOA 24059 – Special exception for indoor assembly/gym (4103 South Yale Avenue): Applicant Jeffrey Lord (Inspire Engineering) requested a special exception to allow a large indoor assembly and entertainment use (gym/fitness center) in the CH district. The gym had been operating for five years; the request was to formalize the use for a condo-style sale. No opposition. Approved unanimously (5-0). - BOA 24060 – Special exception to amend site plan for building extension (17401 East 11th Street): Applicant Daisy Duran requested approval to extend an existing non-conforming building by 36 feet 1 inch (beyond a previously approved 25-foot extension) in the AG district to add living space for a large family. A neighbor expressed concerns about certificate of occupancy, but the board noted it was not an issue. Approved unanimously (5-0). - BOA 24061 – Special exception for fence height (1306 East 26th Street South): Applicant Carly Bueller requested to increase fence height in the street side setback from 8 feet to 10 feet (already built) to reduce road noise and improve security. Some board members expressed concern about precedent and pedestrian experience along Peoria. A motion to deny failed (2-3: Mr. Dumas and Mr. Hill voted yes to deny; Ms. Stoffer and Ms. Williams voted no; Chair voted no). A subsequent motion to approve carried (3-2: Mr. Hill and Ms. Dumas voted no; Ms. Stoffer, Ms. Williams, and Chair voted yes). Approved. - BOA 24062 – Variance and special exception for community center (815 South Utica Avenue): Applicant James Buller (Ethos Architects) requested a variance to reduce the required 10-foot street setback to 1.5 feet for an existing storage shed (constructed without a permit) and a special exception to amend a previously approved site plan to reorient parking perpendicular for better accessibility for people with physical challenges. Wendy Freyleck (CEO of the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges) spoke about the shed's importance for storing adaptive sports equipment and the site's topography. The board found hardship due to multiple zoning districts on the site and unique topography. Approved unanimously (5-0) for both the variance and special exception. - BOA 24063 – Special exception for driveway width (3009 South 86th East Place): Applicant (Concept Realty) requested to increase maximum driveway width from 30 feet to 45 feet 3 inches in the RS2 district to create a hammerhead turnaround, allowing safer egress past a median with a mature tree. No opposition. Approved unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - Minutes from meetings 1383 and 1384 approved unanimously. - BOA 24048: Variance denied (5-0) for lack of hardship. - BOA 24058: Special exception approved (5-0) for driveway width. - BOA 24059: Special exception approved (5-0) for gym use. - BOA 24060: Special exception approved (5-0) for building extension. - BOA 24061: Special exception approved (3-2) for fence height. - BOA 24062: Variance and special exception approved (5-0) for community center. - BOA 24063: Special exception approved (5-0) for driveway width.

The Greater Tulsa African American Commission (GTAC) held its regular meeting on June 23, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:35 PM. The agenda included a presentation on the Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) from the Tulsa Planning Office, committee reports, a vote to reappoint a commissioner to the Human Rights Commission, a presentation from the Battered Women's Justice Project (BWJP), new commissioner introductions, and announcements. A photo of attendees was taken after adjournment. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote on a motion by an unnamed commissioner with a second. No changes were proposed. Discussion Items - Neighborhood Conditions Index Presentation: John Heatherington (Neighborhood Programs Coordinator) and Alicia Myers (Neighborhood Liaison) from the Tulsa Planning Office presented the updated Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) report. The NCI rates 80 neighborhood statistical areas (NSAs) across the city on a 0–5 scale using nine chapters aligned with the comprehensive plan. Data points are color-coded green (top 25%), gray (middle 50%), and red (bottom 25%) relative to the Tulsa average. The report is intended as a conversation starter, combining hard data with residents' lived experiences. Presenters gave an example from the Sequoia neighborhood, where high loose animal complaints (score of 0) combined with teacher-reported truancy led to action. They also promoted four programs: NCI Workshops (free neighborhood-level sessions), NCI Collaborative (year-long intensive with up to 3 neighborhoods), Neighborhood Academy (three-session leadership training), and Neighborhood Connect (connecting associations for collaboration on common goals). Lexi (staff) will email access instructions for reports. - Executive Committee Report: The Chair reported on a focus committee meeting held previously (July 16 follow-up meeting scheduled at 10:00 AM). Discussion included a partnership with Burnham Todd from the mayor’s office on a survey to benchmark conditions for African Americans in Tulsa, possibly conducted every year or two, to guide city efforts. Census and community input were also discussed. - Policy Committee Report: The committee had not yet met for June but planned to discuss strategic planning, census, local elections, and expanding newsletter reach via NABJ at Tulsa Community College (Dr. Gilwin). The committee is also developing a "Black Tulsa Guide" reminiscent of a modern Green Book, inspired by Nico Asamoa Caesar’s earlier guide. - Education Committee Report: The committee will meet on the first Monday of each month. Work is underway for the upcoming Educator’s Award named after Dr. Wimberley, with Tracy Love Chandler leading. A letter was sent to the mayor on June 10 requesting an October appearance; a follow-up was planned. The committee is collaborating with community back-to-school events and will hold a Zoom call with Dr. Wimberley to discuss the award. - Human Rights Commission Report: No update due to a scheduling conflict; updates will appear in the next newsletter. - Reappointment of Human Rights Commission Representative: The mayor’s office requested a formal vote to reappoint Commissioner Larissa McNeil as GTAC’s representative on the Human Rights Commission. A motion was made and seconded, passed by voice vote unanimously. Commissioner McNeil also produces the monthly newsletter. - New Commissioner Introductions: Three new commissioners introduced themselves: Michelle Burdot, Program Coordinator at Green Book Cultural Center (30 years), historian/tour guide, after-school/summer programming, recent African American Leadership Academy graduate, current president of the recently relaunched NAACP branch in Tulsa; Simone Giddens, Tulsa Remote participant, works in higher education ed-tech (admissions), DEI co-chair at Tyros, Leadership Tulsa 360 graduate, Advancement Team member at Junior League; and a third commissioner whose name was not clearly transcribed. - Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) Presentation: Amaldi Parker Elder, director of the Advocacy Center on Systems Change, presented BWJP’s work in Tulsa. BWJP is a national legal resource center with seven centers focusing on gender-based violence. A task force was formed in 2023 under Mayor Vynham, with 11 agencies appointed (TPD, DA, sheriff, DV court, DHS, DIVIS, Family Safety Center, Still She Rises, Justice Link, Native Alliance Against Violence). Mayor Nichols will sign a new executive order to formalize the task force and potentially add tribal and community partners. BWJP uses a coordinated community response model. Elder shared a specialized Power and Control Wheel for Black women, developed in New Orleans, to illustrate how oppression intersects with intimate partner violence. She emphasized the need to connect healthcare and medical systems, and invited GTAC to share community connections and feedback. Elder commended the fatherhood program (Birthright Living Legacy) as a potential prevention partner. Commissioners asked about including healthcare and the medical sector. - Announcements: Rudisill Regional Library will close on Saturday, June [unspecified], and reopen in the fall in a new building. Excellence Academy, a Black-led, community-built private Christian school (pre-K through 12), launched and will be located in the Edge of the Ridge facility next summer. It will operate year-round with 354 additional instructional hours per year for North Tulsa students, capturing school choice dollars. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous. - Reappointment Vote: Commissioner Larissa McNeil was officially reappointed as GTAC’s representative to the Human Rights Commission (unanimous). - Presentations Acknowledged: The NCI report and BWJP presentation were received and noted. Staff will share slides and resources. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.