Public Meetings - Tulsa, Oklahoma

On May 7, 2026, the City of Tulsa held a naturalization ceremony at which 19 individuals from 10 countries (Australia, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and others) became United States citizens. The ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance, administration of the Oath of Allegiance, a keynote address, presentation of certificates, and remarks from city officials. Opening Remarks & Pledge of Allegiance - The presiding official led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered reflections on the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that immigration strengthens the nation. He thanked the new citizens for bringing their unique experiences and called on them to help the country continue striving to “be better.” Oath of Allegiance - The official administered the Oath of Allegiance, after which the 19 candidates were declared new United States citizens. The audience was invited to applaud. Keynote Address – DeAndre Hayes, Chief Resilience Officer - DeAndre Hayes, the City of Tulsa’s Chief Resilience Officer, congratulated the new citizens and spoke about the symbolism of the Tulsa flag: blue for the Arkansas River, gold for the 1901 oil discovery, and a red circle with a star representing hope and resilience in the face of tragedy. He encouraged the new citizens to vote, serve, build community, and share their traditions. Certificate Presentation - The presiding official read the names of the new citizens and presented each with their certificate of naturalization. The official acknowledged the difficulty of pronouncing names correctly and apologized in advance for any mispronunciations. Closing Remarks – Tabitha Adome, Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Manager - Tabitha Adome, the City of Tulsa’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Manager, welcomed the new citizens, noting that the immigrant journey is a shared experience of hope and commitment. She highlighted programs offered by the Department of Resilience and Equity, including: - The Language Access Program, which provides interpretation and translation services for residents whose first language is not English. - Boards, commissions, and authorities (e.g., Asian Affairs Commission, Hispanic Affairs Commission, Human Rights Commission) open to community members. - She invited attendees to complete application forms for boards and commissions at a table outside, and noted that photos of the ceremony would be posted on the Resilient Tulsa Facebook page and the recording available on TGov. Key Outcomes - 19 individuals from 10 countries were naturalized as U.S. citizens. - New citizens were encouraged to participate in civic life and to access city services through the Language Access Program and various boards and commissions. - Ceremony photos and video recordings were made available for attendees.

The Public Works Committee met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The agenda included an appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission, updates on the retail revitalization loan fund, resolutions for a judgment payment and a special election on the ONG franchise, a fee ordinance amendment, a District 5 sidewalk project, and a lengthy discussion of city-owned Route 66 assets. No votes were taken; items were discussed for future action. Appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission - Michelle Burdicks, a 30-year program coordinator and historian at the Greenwood Cultural Center, was introduced to fill the vacant Greenwood Cultural Center seat. She expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the commission and using the Center as a cultural hub after its renovation (expected reopening January/February 2027). The appointment will be placed on the May 13 council agenda for formal approval. Retail Revitalization Loan Fund Update - Sarah Davis and Rose Washington (TEDC) provided an update on the budget amendment from fall 2025. The original plan was a $1.5 million city match to unlock a $1 million commitment from the Tulsa Housing Authority (THA) for a small business loan fund supporting the 36th Street North choice neighborhood. However, THA reduced its commitment to $400,000. The city will now match $400,000 (not the full $1.5 million), leaving the remaining funds available for other eligible retail projects along the BRT corridor and other market study areas. No additional council action is required; the previously appropriated funds are now partially freed for other uses. Resolution for Payment of $30,000 Judgment - Chad Becker (Treasury) presented a resolution authorizing payment of $30,000 to plaintiff Marla Stewart and her attorney from the sinking fund. The settlement resolves a 2024 auto accident involving a city employee driving a city vehicle. Damages included $9,000 in medical bills and $8,000–$9,000 in vehicle damage, plus attorney fees. The settlement precludes further litigation costs. Councilors asked about the accident location (36th Street North and Mohawk Boulevard) and confirmed it was a routine human error. The resolution will be considered for approval at a future meeting. Resolution Calling Special Election for ONG Franchise - Sarah Davis presented a resolution to call a nonpartisan special election on October 25, 2026, for voters to decide on Ordinance No. 25782, which grants a franchise to Oklahoma Natural Gas Company. This is the second of three legislative actions. The substance of the franchise was discussed the previous week. Councilor Gilbert noted that community conversations were held the prior evening with limited public attendance. The resolution will be on the next week’s agenda for a vote. Ordinance Amending Title 49 – Administrative Permit and License Fees - Mr. Skates (Development Services) presented an ordinance to increase building permit fees by 3% (inflation adjustment), add fees for review of LOMRs and floodplain documents, introduce after-hours/weekend inspection fees for public works, and add a fee for posting more than two signs (Planning). No questions were raised. The ordinance will be considered for adoption. District 5 Sidewalk Project – 36th Street - Councilor Gilbert proposed using $575,000 from District 5 community development priority funds to construct a sidewalk connecting South Hudson and South Lakewood Avenue along East 36th Place. The project aims to provide a safe route for students walking to Bishop Kelly High School, Zarrow Elementary, and Montessori School, as well as pedestrians. The sidewalk is within the right-of-way, and the city has discussed relocating a sign from an apartment complex. Councilor Gilbert noted that additional public meetings are planned for other district projects. Completion before the next school year is ideal but depends on procurement. Discussion of City-Owned Route 66 Assets – Repair Status and Long-Term Maintenance - Anna, Terry Ball (Asset Management), and Mark Hogan (Public Works) presented a draft inventory of city-owned Route 66 assets, many of which were unknown to the departments. The list includes neon signs, sculptures, plaques, planters, and other unique items. The discussion highlighted the lack of a maintenance plan and dedicated funding. Key concerns raised by councilors: - Councilor Dutton (District 3) expressed frustration that the east side of Route 66 (east of Yale) has been neglected since 2005, citing unlit “Route 66 Rising” sculpture, worn plaques at the Interpretive Plaza, and missing banners. She noted that many assets are in disrepair and that the city has not prioritized maintenance east of Yale. - Councilor Bellis emphasized the need for a maintenance fund and suggested partnering with Main Street programs and corporate sponsors. She also noted that a historical marker from the Cyrus Avery Bridge was found at an estate sale and needs to be reinstalled. - Councilor Roy (District 7) proposed a fiscal impact statement for future capital projects, including maintenance costs in RFPs, and suggested exploring a dedicated revenue source (e.g., a portion of economic impact from Route 66 tourism) for ongoing maintenance. - Councilor Mills requested an Excel version of the asset list to sort by district. - Councilor Bingle noted that the city’s practice of building without maintenance planning has led to deferred maintenance, and that the upcoming Vision package should include a maintenance fund. - Staff noted that the Route 66 Commission has been asked to pause new construction until a maintenance plan is in place. They are working to assign each asset to a responsible department and will return with cost estimates for annual maintenance and replacement. - Immediate preparations for the Route 66 centennial (May 30, 2026) include weekly street sweeping, graffiti removal, extra trash cans, and coordination with the railroad to clean adjacent property. The two large neon welcome signs (contracted to Claude Neon) are expected to be installed in time, but there are concerns about lead times for repairs. Key Outcomes - The appointment of Michelle Burdicks will be forwarded to the full council for approval on May 13. - The retail revitalization loan fund update was informational; no further action is required. - The judgment payment resolution and special election resolution will be voted on at the next council meeting. - The fee ordinance will be considered for adoption. - The District 5 sidewalk project will proceed with community engagement; design and construction will follow. - The Route 66 asset inventory will be refined, shared with the Route 66 Commission, and used to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. Staff will provide cost estimates and a proposed funding mechanism. Councilors will incorporate maintenance planning into future capital improvement packages.

This meeting of the City of Tulsa Budget and Special Projects Committee focused on a supplemental budget appropriation for the urban forestry program and a detailed discussion with Tulsa Animal Services regarding their proposed FY2026-2027 budget, capital plan, spay/neuter research, and the progress of the new animal shelter. (Note: The raw transcript states the meeting date as "Wednesday, May 26th", but the user-provided meeting date for this summary is May 6, 2026.) Consent Calendar - Item 2 - Supplemental Budget Appropriation for Urban and Community Forestry: Jared Morphan, budget staff, presented an ordinance amending the FY2025-2026 budget to appropriate $19,587 from unappropriated fund balance for a grant received by the Parks Department. Funds will primarily support temporary labor for tree inventory in parks and communication materials. The item was approved without questions. Discussion Items - Tulsa Animal Services FY2026-2027 Budget and Capital Plan: Sherry Carriers, Animal Services Director (and possibly two other staff members), presented an overview. Key points included: - Commitment to programs that maximize live outcomes for animals, including diversion and transfers with in-state and out-of-state partners. - Increased collaboration with local law enforcement on animal fighting investigations (dog fighting and cock fighting), noting a rise in such cases and the "link" to other crimes. - Key metrics: stray intake increased 6% in 2024 and 14% in 2025 (year-over-year); owner surrender decreased 16% in 2025 compared to 2024; adoption rates increased 43% from 2023 to 2024 but are down in 2026; live release rate increased from 66% to 84% over three years; euthanasia rates reduced 9% in 2024 and 21% in 2025; rescue transfers increased 11% in 2024 and 33% in 2025. - Spay/neuter research collaboration with Best Friends Animal Society: In 2023, 26.9% of animals entering the shelter were sterilized. Effective programs require a minimum of 20-25 surgeries per 1,000 residents per species, totaling 16,520 to 20,650 surgeries annually for Tulsa (population 413,066). Current surgeries from partner agencies (SPCA, Humane Society of Tulsa, Spay OK) total over 4,500, leaving a gap of 8,000–10,000 surgeries per year to achieve desired impact. - Proposed staffing: Adding 8 positions in FY2026-2027 to reach 53 total, with 3 more in the following year, to operate the new facility. Included discussion of a community resource officer for schools. - New shelter update: Construction is ongoing with a projected completion date of September 22, 2026 (as stated in the handout). Features include state-of-the-art spray systems for kennel cleaning, proper HVAC, isolation space, and clinic recovery areas. - Council comments: Councilor Dector Ice thanked staff and asked about the 18-staff plan from previous years; Carriers confirmed the proposed positions align with that trajectory. Councilor Dutton expressed gratitude for the shelter remaining in her district and highlighted successful NCI pilot clinic partnerships. Councilor Bankle emphasized the community-driven nature of the problem and appreciated the live release rate increase and partnerships. Discussion also covered regional funding challenges (Tulsa as a regional hub), school zone animal issues, and possible collaboration with Tulsa Public Schools and crossing guards. - No formal vote was taken on the Animal Services presentation; it was received for discussion. Key Outcomes - Approved: Supplemental appropriation of $19,587 for the Urban and Community Forestry program. - Received: Presentation from Tulsa Animal Services; further budget decisions will be made in future meetings. - Next Steps: Animal Services will continue spay/neuter research and advocacy with county and state partners; council members expressed interest in supporting additional staffing and school-zone resource officers.

The Tulsa Planning Commission met on May 6, 2026, to consider several zoning and planning items. The most significant were the proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Infill Overlay (SA8) and associated text amendments (ZCA38), which generated extensive public comment. Commissioners ultimately approved both items after debate, along with several rezoning requests and a plat extension. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (Minutes): Approved by voice vote (motion by Craddock, second by Shivill). - Consent Agenda (Items 2 & 3): Approved by voice vote (motion by Bullmesh, second by Turner Addison). Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Woods (Sequoia area): Opposed expansion, citing existing crime, lack of infrastructure, and a high Hispanic population that may not call police. Urged the city to address health services and transportation before increasing density. - George McCallum (North Tulsa): Opposed, describing poor sidewalks, stormwater issues, illegal dumping, and safety hazards from vehicles and ATVs. - Tyler Perrett (Housing Forward): Supported expansion, stating it opens parcels for the Town Home Catalog, redevelops vacant lots, and ties to affordability. Urged approval. - Martha Thomas (Downtown, family land north of 36th St): Opposed overlay on her family’s 50+ acres (zoned AG), noting it is not a functioning residential neighborhood, is a food desert, and has limited services. Also cited a procedural issue: the second public meeting was moved with no written notice. - Dr. Lloyd Bingham (North Tulsa): Opposed, stating “why North Tulsa?” and that the overlay benefits developers, not homeowners. Concerned about property value decreases and multi-unit homes attracting crime. - Ivana Garner (Sequoia area, 40-year homeowner): Opposed, arguing higher density on 1950s infrastructure increases stormwater runoff, parking problems, and strains utilities. Compared the proposal to the Pruitt-Igoe failure. - Chad Sue Cockin (Rockford Ave): Opposed, saying the overlay lowers standards (parking reduction), favors out-of-state corporations, and increases renters without owner investment. - L.J. McCondichy (North Tulsa): Opposed, claiming the city is “dumping” homeless problems in North Tulsa without infrastructure. Noted lack of sidewalks, transit, and mental health services. Urged postponement for further study. - Shelby Karamoko (Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors): Supported, citing similar successful measures in Broken Arrow and Claremore. Noted that infrastructure follows rooftops and that most Tulsa households are 1-2 people. - Richard Ball (Admiral Court): Opposed, describing blighted properties, shootings, and stabbings in the area. Accused the city of neglect and urged investment before overlay. - DeMarco Brown (Greenwood): Opposed, arguing the overlay will create “cookie-cutter” homes with no yards, forcing families into small rentals. Questioned the one-car parking requirement: “Who is paying the bills?” - Brittany Anderson (North Lewis): Opposed, citing lack of public notice and concern about city overreach on private property. - Frank Zidel (Newton Street): Supported the overlay but objected to the boundary splitting his street (his property excluded). Asked for boundary expansion; staff noted no expansion possible now but adjacency allows future rezoning. Discussion Items - Items 7 & 10 – Neighborhood Infill Overlay Expansion (SA8) and Text Amendment (ZCA38): Nathan from Planning staff presented the proposal to extend the overlay from downtown to parts of Council Districts 1 and 3 (roughly 17,000 mailers sent, two public meetings, 24 formal letters: 5 support, 5 oppose with addresses; 10 oppose, 3 support without addresses; plus one organizational letter from Housing Forward). The overlay would allow duplexes, townhomes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units by right, reduce minimum lot width to 40 feet, and cut parking requirements by 50%. Staff argued it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and adopted small area plans. Commissioners questioned the parking reduction; staff cited data that 50% of Tulsans have one car or less. During commission debate, Commissioner Craddock supported the overlay as proactive zoning. Commissioner Turner Addison expressed mixed feelings but leaned no due to community opposition. Commissioner Bullmesh supported, noting the council will hold a public hearing. Commissioner Keugh expressed frustration with code enforcement but voted yes. Commissioner Fuge voted yes after analyzing parking – he argued construction financing will require adequate parking regardless. Commissioner Shivill voted no, citing unmet infrastructure needs. Commissioner Q voted no, saying majority of speakers opposed. - Item 4 – Z7858 (Tree business rezoning): Approved per staff recommendation (unanimous). - Item 5 – Z7859 (IL rezoning near Lynn Lane): Approved per staff recommendation (unanimous). - Item 9 – St. Francis Hospital South Preliminary Plat Extension: Approved (third extension request, complicated by hospital operations). - Item 11 – Initiation of Housing Feasibility Amendments Part 2: Commissioners voted to initiate staff work on further zoning code simplifications, including consolidating building types and reducing reliance on Board of Adjustment exceptions. Key Outcomes - Items 7 & 10 (Infill Overlay Expansion & Text Amendment): Approved as separate motions. Item 10 (ZCA38) passed with 3 opposed; Item 7 (SA8) passed on a voice vote. The matters now move to the City Council for final decision and a second public hearing. - Items 4, 5 (Z7858, Z7859): Approved unanimously. - Item 9 (Preliminary Plat Extension): Approved unanimously. - Item 11 (Initiation of Feasibility Amendments): Approved to begin stakeholder outreach and bring draft amendments to a summer work session. - Continuances: Items 6 and 8 were continued to May 20, 2026, per staff request. - Next Steps: All affected property owners and speakers will be notified of the City Council hearing date (likely a Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the same room).

The Urban and Economic Development Committee convened at approximately 3:30 PM on May 6, 2026, to consider several rezoning applications and receive an update from the Regional Chamber on economic development, tourism, and legislative affairs. The meeting was chaired by the committee chair. Discussion Items Rezoning at 61st and Union (Items 1 & 3) – A rezoning application to CS district for a parcel at 61st and Union, currently part of a planned development that was never built. The intent is to develop senior housing, with up to 120 units and a maximum of four stories, bringing the building closer to the street for a pedestrian feel. The applicant reported no opposition and the item received a unanimous recommendation for approval. Councilors expressed strong support, citing community engagement and a partnership with Mercy Housing. Rezoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment at 41st and 129th East (Items 4 & 5) – Two related applications: a zoning change from scientific research (RS5) to CS/commercial and residential, and a land use change from employment to neighborhood and multiple use/local center. The site is an existing office park with vacancies. Plans include workforce housing (starter homes, three bedrooms, two baths) and a commercial corner with a hotel and retail. Councilors supported the development, noting it would provide much-needed housing and help grow the corridor. They flagged infrastructure needs on 41st Street, including widening and lighting. Rezoning at 90th and Riverside (Item 6) – A rezoning to MPD-9 for a 30-acre site known as the Southern Riverlands project. The conceptual plan includes approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial and up to 800 multifamily units, though exact numbers will be market-driven. The development incorporates River Design Overlay standards with heavy landscaping and a 10-foot wide side path. Councilors discussed market flexibility, connections to trails and traffic signals, and reaffirmed that housing numbers would fluctuate while retail would remain higher-end. Presentation from Regional Chamber (Item 7) – The Chamber provided updates on tourism, economic development, and government affairs: - Tourism: Celebrated Global Meetings Day and National Tourism Week; noted the FFA extension for five years bringing 13,000 people daily; over 3,500 cars registered for the Route 66 Centennial event; upcoming basketball tournament with 700 teams causing hotel overflow; positive media coverage from Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, and New York Times. - Economic Development: Highlighted growth in aerospace and defense (Agile Space Industries, Lufthansa expansion); 20 leads from trade shows; new lead generation efforts; workforce initiatives including talent ads and industry councils. - Government Affairs: Update on Washington D.C. fly-in; legislative session status; passage of True Grit Trail Act and Route 66 centennial license plate; discussion about state budget impacts on healthcare and child care. Discussion on Child Care as Workforce Issue – Following the Chamber presentation, councilors raised urgent concerns about child care shortages, noting that 1,394 slots have closed in Tulsa County. Councilors described child care as a workforce, family, and community issue that affects housing, economic development, and business attraction. They discussed potential local actions: incentivizing child care in development projects, exploring a municipal interim study, and engaging the business community. The committee appeared to support further exploration of city-level strategies. Key Outcomes - The rezoning applications at 61st and Union, 41st and 129th East, and 90th and Riverside received committee support (the first item was noted as unanimously recommended for approval). - The committee received and acknowledged the Regional Chamber’s updates. - Councilors committed to exploring local strategies to address child care, including potential incentives and a possible interim study.

The Tulsa City Council convened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting opened with a pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence, and a proclamation declaring May 17–23, 2026 as Emergency Medical Services Week, honoring EMSA’s role as Oklahoma’s largest pre-hospital emergency medical provider, generating over $95 million annually in economic impact. The council then proceeded through a consent agenda, public hearings, reports, and multiple ordinance readings. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Items 1A-1B (Minutes): Approved minutes of the regular meetings held April 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. - Items 2A-2C (Appointments/Reappointments): Approved Simone Gittens to the Greater Tulsa Area African Affairs Commission, Anna Tao to the Asian Affairs Commission, and Fatima Linares to the Greater Tulsa Area Hispanic Latinx Affairs Commission. - Item 4B-4L (Mayor's Items): Approved en bloc, including a waterline easement donation by Temple Israel (item 4C) and a donation from Tulsa Community Foundation to the Animal Shelter Project (item 4H), with an emergency clause on item 4B. - Items 5B-5C (Rezonings): Approved Z-7854 (CS to CG near East 11th Street and South 131st East Avenue) and Z-7855 (RS-3 to RM-3 at West 42nd Street and South Union Avenue). - Items 7A-7D (Second Reading Ordinances): Approved ordinance 7A (increment district E for Tulsa International Airport Economic Development Project Plan), 7B ($5,000 supplemental appropriation from donation revenue), 7C ($2,060,641.88 transfer within the Emmett Till Cold Case Program Subfund), and 7D ($100,000 supplemental appropriation from Humana Healthy Horizons grant). - Item 8B (District 5 Project): Approved use of $575 from Improve Our Tulsa 2 for a sidewalk connecting South Hudson Avenue and South Lakewood Avenue via East 636th Street Place. Public Comments & Testimony - John Huffines spoke in favor of items 2A-2C, 4C, 4H, and 5A, offering prayers and expressing gratitude for the appointments, the Temple Israel easement, the animal shelter donation, and the Sales Tax Overview Committee’s collaborative spirit. He also noted the well-being of zoo elephants Billy and Tina. - James and Bernice Alexander addressed item 7C (Emmett Till Cold Case Program funds), expressing concerns about the Oakland cemetery’s proximity to a highway and urging the city to act authentically: “If you’re gonna do something, do it for real. Don’t play about it.” - Justin De Bruin (Wallace Design Collective) appeared for item 5C but only offered to answer questions; no questions were asked. - Theodore Bowen (property owner at 440 South 45th West Avenue) requested a waiver of administrative fees for tree-trimming work performed by the city, explaining that he had addressed an initial nuisance notice but was unaware of a reinspection and subsequent contractor action until billed $1,385 five months later. Discussion Items - Sales Tax Overview Committee (STOC) Report (5A): Cathy Siebert provided a monthly update, noting: - Gilcrease Museum Streets projects are on time, on schedule, and on budget, with completion by early 2027. The hill along Gilcrease Museum Road has been cut down by 18 feet. - The Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM) grand opening occurred April 30, 2026, at the former Moton Hospital. - Groundbreaking for the Airmen Center at the Tulsa Air National Guard 138th Fighter Wing took place April 23, 2026. - Construction at the Tulsa Zoo (carnivores and African wilds) is progressing well. - Bales Park inclusive playground opened March 27, 2026; the next all-inclusive playground is planned for Chamberlain Park. - Woodward Park upper terraces construction is expected to finish August 2026. - Johnson Park renovations (61st and South Riverside Drive) are scheduled to begin summer 2026 and take one year. - Artist Ken Kelleher’s “Cry Baby Cry” Anchorball Series statue will be installed at Southwest Boulevard and South Riverside Drive in time for Tulsa Tuff 2026 (June 5, 2026). - Fire apparatus concerns: A consolidation of three fire apparatus manufacturers into one could extend delivery times from one year to up to 4.5 years and increase costs from $300,000–$500,000 to over $1 million per unit. The International Association of Firefighters is urging DOJ/FTC antitrust review. Councilor Dutton noted she is still searching for a STOC representative. - Item 7C (Emmett Till Cold Case Program): The budget transfer of $2,060,641.88 drew public comment from the Alexanders regarding the Oakland cemetery, but no council discussion occurred beyond the motion to approve. - Item 8C (Fee Waiver Request): Theodore Bowen detailed a timeline of events: a nuisance notice dated June 25, 2025, for a tree at 438 (incorrect address for his duplex at 440/442); he trimmed low limbs but was unaware dead limbs remained; a contractor trimmed dead limbs in October 2025 without his knowledge; he received a bill for $1,385 on November 19, 2025, and a subsequent collections letter adding $300. Councilor Bellis clarified the waiver request was only for the $300 administrative fee. The council approved the waiver, and staff will follow up on the address discrepancy. Key Outcomes - All items voted on were approved unanimously (7-0). - Emergency clause declared on item 4B (mayor’s item). - Items 6A-6C (first reading ordinances) were forwarded to the next council meeting for action without reading. - Item 8C: The $300 administrative fee was waived; a corrected bill will be issued, and the property address error in city records will be addressed. - No new business or appeals were presented. The televised portion of the meeting concluded after public comments.

The Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission held its regular monthly meeting on May 5, 2026, at 6:15 PM. Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation declaring May as Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Tulsa. The commission voted to approve the April minutes, discussed the future of the Tulsa Asia Fest, and set a leadership slate for the June election. Committee reports highlighted ongoing community engagement and scholarship efforts. Consent Calendar - Approval of April Minutes: Moved and seconded, passed unanimously with all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made at the meeting. Discussion Items 1. Mayor's Proclamation: Mayor Nichols read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, praising the commission's community engagement and the sense of belonging it fosters. 2. TCF Account Update: The commission's Tulsa Community Foundation account balance is $10,459.24. Funds will support events and scholarships. 3. Tulsa Asia Fest Strategic Pause: Commissioners discussed four options for the event's sustainability: continuing as-is, scaling down, hiring a contractor, or transferring to another organization. After deliberation, the commission leaned toward a strategic pause for 2027 to recalibrate for a sustainable 2028 event, noting that rapid growth (from hundreds to 10,000 attendees) was unsustainable for volunteer capacity. A motion to pause was seconded and passed unanimously. 4. Leadership Slate: Vice Chair Patty Sophie LeBac presented a proposed slate for the June vote: Chair (open), Vice Chair Cecilia Wynn, Cultural Event Chair (open), Workforce & Education Committee – Massoud Classen, Community Hubs – Cecilia Wynn, Data & Research – Patty Sophie LeBac. Due to capacity concerns, neither the chair nor cultural event chair were filled by self-nomination. Patty eventually added herself to the chair slot to avoid a vacancy, with the understanding that the cultural event chair remains open. The slate will be voted on in June. 5. Committee Reports: - Cultural Hub & Community Advocacy: Confirmed 12 participants for the AAPI Leadership Roundtable initiative; first meeting held. Upcoming Asian American Night Market on May 15, 2026, at Hannah Hall; volunteers needed. - Workforce & Education: Finalized the Luminary Award and Scholarship brochure; goal to raise $20,000. Changes include shifting from a two-year to a one-year scholarship. Aim to distribute by late May. - Data & Research: Commissioner LeBac is analyzing census data to map ethnic concentrations and partnering with the city-county library and 211 for language access planning. Key Outcomes - Vote: Unanimously approved the strategic pause of Tulsa Asia Fest for 2027, with plans to return in 2028 with a sustainable model. - Leadership Slate: Proposed for June vote (with Patty self-nominated for Chair; other positions as listed). The cultural event chair remains open pending further nominations. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.

A special meeting of the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity board was held on May 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM (reconvened from an executive session). The board unanimously approved an executive session to discuss the hiring of an executive director/CEO and later voted to extend an offer of employment to an unnamed candidate pending a mutually agreeable contract. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made or recorded. Discussion Items - The board moved into executive session at 12:03 PM (local time) to discuss the employment of an executive director/CEO candidate under Oklahoma statutes. All trustees present during the open session (Craig Abraham, Carl Bracey, Tyler Duncan, Jennifer Griffin, Andy McMellan, John Parkhurst, Ashley Phillipson, Katie Plahaki, Terrell Curk) attended the executive session, joined later by Steve Mitchell. No other matters were discussed, and no votes were taken in executive session. - Upon returning to open session, the board discussed and considered a motion to extend an offer of employment to the candidate for the position of executive director and CEO, subject to finalizing a mutually agreeable employment contract. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously (11-0) to convene in executive session. - The board voted unanimously (11-0) to extend an offer of employment to the candidate for executive director/CEO, pending a mutually agreeable executed contract. All trustees present voted in favor. - The board indicated that further conversation with the administration and operations committee and the offered candidate would follow.

The Tulsa Women's Commission met on May 1, 2026, to approve minutes, receive updates on initiatives, finalize committee structures, and discuss communication strategies for women's safety and well-being. The meeting also featured a resource demonstration and farewell to a departing commissioner. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the April meeting were approved by voice vote with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Two guests, Gina Wilson and Kara (from the Doc and Lairs program), expressed excitement about the commission's work and focus on women's safety. Kara appreciated the group's collaborative approach and indicated she would attend future meetings. Discussion Items - Chair/Vice Chair Reports: Updates included the Family Safety Challenge (event on October 3rd), the Clinical Awards raising $212,700 for a worthy cause, and a session by the Office of Financial Empowerment with the Carter Center on student loan debt—highlighting that $1.5 billion in student debt is owed by women in Tulsa. - Upcoming Events: Reminders were given for the June 3rd Leadership Tulsa summit (women's commission presenting), the May 7th Neighborhood and Financial Fair at Rudisel Library, the Title V and Beyond Apology Commissions Fair on July 21st, and the Commission Retreat on July 24th. - Committee Formation: The commission confirmed five committees: - Personal Safety (chaired by Sharisa; members Meg, Betsy) - Housing and Economic Security (co-chaired by Neil Bent and Marcia Bruno Todd) - Health and Emotional Safety (chaired by Primadonna Braddock and Maria Palacios; member Kate) - Community Safety and Belonging (chaired by Jackie; member Ashley) - Systems Rights and Institutional Safety (chaired by Desiree; members Mary Quinn Cooper and others) Chairs provided updates: - Housing and Economic Security: Co-chairs Marcia and Neil reported targeting perspectives from young parents, justice-involved individuals, and first-generation immigrants. They sought additional input on missing voices. - Personal Safety: Chair Sharisa scheduled a first meeting and welcomed Gina Wilson as a new member. - Community Safety and Belonging: Chair Jackie planned to schedule a meeting and discussed focusing on awareness and advocacy outcomes. - Communication Initiatives: The commission set a goal of at least one communication initiative per committee (e.g., op-eds, radio spots, presentations) by end of year. It was clarified that statements issued on behalf of the commission must be voted on by the full commission. Individual commissioners can speak from their own perspective without needing a vote. - Resource Presentation: Chairwoman Lada introduced the IWPR State Policy Action Lab (IWPR.org), a website providing data on women's issues by state and policy trackers. Commissioners were encouraged to use it for committee work. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Committee structures finalized with chairs and members; committees to begin work with monthly meetings (virtual allowed) and oral reports to the full commission. - Goal set: at least one communication initiative per committee by the end of 2026. - Reminder that official commission statements require a full commission vote. - Commissioner Crenshaw was thanked for her service as she completes her two terms, moving to the Utility Commission. - Meeting adjourned.