Public Meetings - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Tulsa City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered a wide range of items including board appointments, a public hearing on an alley vacation, multiple resolutions and ordinances, committee reports, and a nuisance property appeal. Key actions included approval of a $2 million loan for an equitable housing project, denial of a stone donation, and approval of travel authorizations for several councilors. Consent Calendar - Appointments (Items 2A–2C): Athena Shanice Laws was appointed to the Sales Tax Overview Committee (replacing Charles Wilkes, term through 2030). Omare Jimmerson was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board/Gilcrease Board of Trustees (replacing Shane Fernandez, term through 2030). Morgan Jones was appointed to the HUD Community Development Committee (replacing Tracie Chandler, term through 2027). All three appointments were approved unanimously. - Final Plat for Stratford Ridge (Item 5B): A final plat for 109 lots on 7 blocks (±3.51 acres) east of 11th St. and 161st E. Ave. was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Alley Vacation (Item 3A): Chris Armstrong, owner of neighboring properties, expressed concern that the proposed alley closure at 316 E. 2nd St. would create hardships for businesses and limit access to parking. He noted that no prior information was provided beyond the meeting notice. Councilor Bellis clarified that the closure only applies to airspace where doors swing outward and should not block the alley. - HUD Priority Needs (Item 4D): James and Bernice Alexander argued that HUD funds designated for North Tulsa are not being used properly, citing deteriorated infrastructure, targeted code enforcement, and a lack of community benefit. They urged the council to redirect funds to the intended area. - Parks Board Accountability (Item 2B): James Taylor raised concerns about the Parks Board’s lack of publicly available policies, attendance standards, term limits, and conflict-of-interest safeguards. He noted that appointee Shane Fernandez missed 12 of his last 13 meetings and that the board has not produced governing policies despite requests. - General Support (Items 4F, 4J, 4K): John Huffines spoke in support of the Tulsa Police Department, the We B Trees donation for Woodward Park, and the Habitat for Humanity deed of dedication. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report (Item 4A): Public Advocate Kerry Fothergill announced awards and events: Tulsa Global Alliance won Best Overall Program at the Sister Cities 2026 conference; two new Main Street programs (Sobo District and Pearl Main Street); August is Clear the Shelters month with waived adoption fees; and upcoming events at Fred Johnson Park and an honorary street sign ceremony for Dwayne Majet. Councilors discussed cooling stations, noting that current stations are donation-based and downtown, and requested expansion to city-owned facilities and other districts. - Equitable Housing Loan (Item 4B): A resolution approving issuance of up to $2 million in indebtedness by the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity via a MacArthur Foundation program-related investment loan for the Equitable Housing Demonstration Project was approved with an emergency clause (unanimous). - Anchor Stone Donation (Item 4L): A donation of 24 large boulders valued at $1,100 was denied on a 6-3 vote after discussion in committee. Councilor Gilbert noted the vote was not a reflection on the donor. - Items 4C–4K: Approved with emergency clause on 4C (Joint Resolution to dissolve the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission). - Sales Tax Overview Committee Report (Item 5A): Chair Ashley Webb reported that actual sales tax revenues exceeded budget estimates by 2% in July and $4 million year-to-date. He highlighted the Gilcrease Museum road expansion (on schedule), Fred Johnson Park improvements (groundbreaking Aug. 7), and concerns about the Dreamkeepers Park design (costs for a traffic light and road expansion not in budget) and the Crybaby Hill sculpture (storage costs of $2,500/month since January, totaling $20,000). Councilors expressed concern about ongoing costs and lack of transparency. - Ordinances – First Reading (Items 6A–6C): Forwarded to the next meeting without action. These include supplemental appropriations for Gilcrease Expressway Bridge repair ($500,000) and a stadium improvement district ($34,200.89), and an alley closure ordinance. - Ordinances – Second Reading (Items 7A–7F): Approved with emergency clause on 7A (adding a new Planning Commission chapter to Title 5). Other items include rezoning Z-7867 (RS-3 to IM), amendments to Human Rights Commission reporting, animal services fees, GO bond fund transfers, and closure of a stormwater detention easement. - Council Items (8B–8I): - 8B: District 5 Project Plan No. 2 using $50,000 in Improve Our Tulsa 2 funds for a water fountain at Darlington Park (approved). - 8C–8E: Travel authorizations ($2,500 each) for Councilors Hall-Harper, Dutton, and Bellis to attend the Chamber 2026 InterCity Visit in Kansas City, MO, Oct. 5–7 (approved). - 8F–8H: Travel authorizations for Councilors Gilbert, Bengel, and Decter Wright (approved). - 8I: Travel authorization for Councilor Lakin (approved). - Nuisance Appeal (Item 10A): Olusegun A. Adetula appealed a nuisance finding on his property at 5707 N. Frankfort Ave. The appellant expressed gratitude for the council’s efforts to prevent demolition. Code Enforcement presented a construction schedule. The council voted unanimously to deny the appeal, allowing the signed order and monitoring to proceed. Key Outcomes - Approved: Appointments (2A–2C), Equitable Housing loan resolution (4B), items 4C–4K (with emergency clause on 4C), final plat for Stratford Ridge (5B), second-reading ordinances 7A–7F (with emergency clause on 7A), District 5 water fountain (8B), travel authorizations (8C–8I). - Denied: Donation from Anchor Stone Company (4L) on a 6-3 vote. Nuisance appeal (10A) denied unanimously. - Forwarded: First-reading ordinances 6A–6C to the next meeting. - Directed: Mayor’s office to follow up on cooling station expansion and storage costs for the Crybaby Hill sculpture. Council to consider attending Sales Tax Overview Committee meetings for more timely information.

The Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission held its monthly meeting on August 4, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included a guest presentation from the Human Rights Commission chair, a discussion of a proposed small business focus for the year, committee reports, and public comments. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the June 2026 meeting minutes. Commissioner Boston made the motion, which was seconded, and all members voted in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - A representative from the India Association of Greater Tulsa announced the upcoming India Fest 2026, to be held at the Rima Ninowski Recreation Center, free and open to the public, and encouraged commissioners to attend and table. - Satanna, a member of the Tulsa Asian Collective, announced that the organization is now officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Discussion Items - Guest Presentation – Human Rights Commission: Chair Drew France presented on making incremental progress as an advisory commission. He shared examples from the Human Rights Commission, including work on complaint process modernization, representation on boards and commissions, and re-establishing an accessibility and inclusion committee. He emphasized that commissions can move issues forward by building relationships, raising awareness, and creating visible next steps. - Chair and Vice Chair Report: The chair and Vice Chair Cecilia presented results of a summer survey of commissioners. The strongest scores were on comfort sharing ideas and feeling connected to the work; the lowest was understanding key issues impacting Tulsa's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The chair proposed focusing the commission's work this year on small business support, citing Equality Indicators data showing AAPI business ownership dropped from 10.3% to 4.5% since 2018. She also proposed exploring handing off Tulsa Asia Fest and the Luminary Award student scholarship to community partners to right-size capacity. - Commissioner Discussion: Commissioners expressed support for the small business focus. They discussed the need to disaggregate data, address language access and permit barriers, and connect with small business owners. One commissioner noted that chronic absenteeism among Asian students may be linked to family economic pressures. The chair said she would bring a more complete proposal in September. Committee Reports & Announcements - Vice Chair Cecilia reported on the Leadership Roundtable series, noting a session on data and research was held, and the next session on community interviews is scheduled for September 24th, 6–8 p.m. She also highlighted that the commission will table at India Fest 2026 on August 29th. - The Workforce and Education Committee shared that the Luminary Award event is planned for November 19th at City Hall, and that donations to the TCF account can now be made with "Luminary Award" in the memo. - Commissioner Hossem acknowledged recent public attention on the Islamic Center of Tulsa's proposed mosque in Broken Arrow. He expressed support for religious freedom and respectful dialogue, noting he stands with fellow Muslims in their right to worship. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously approved the June meeting minutes. - No formal vote was taken on the small business focus; discussion only, with a fuller proposal expected at the September meeting. - The commission will vote in September on a new liaison to the Human Rights Commission. - The commission is accepting applications for open seats on the commission.

The Public Works Committee of the Tulsa City Council met at 2:30 PM on July 29, 2026, to discuss eight agenda items, including an appointment, ordinances establishing a new city planning commission and dissolving the joint city-county planning commission, animal services fee amendments, an easement closure, a contract change order, and a fee waiver request. No votes were taken during the committee meeting; all items are scheduled for action by the full City Council on subsequent dates. Discussion Items - Appointment to HUD Community Development Committee: Morgan Jones, a District 1 resident, was introduced as the nominee to replace Tracie Chandler on the HUD Community Development Committee, with a term ending June 30, 2027. Jones expressed a desire to serve to improve community development and recreational opportunities. Council members voiced support. The appointment will be voted on at the August 5, 2026 City Council meeting. - Ordinance Establishing a New City Planning Commission: The committee discussed an ordinance to amend Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 5, adding a new Chapter 15 to create a City of Tulsa Planning Commission, replacing the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC), which had been a joint city-county body for 73 years. The new commission will have nine members (down from 11) and focus solely on city planning. The ordinance includes an emergency clause and is proposed to take effect September 2, 2026. The transition is designed to be seamless for pending applications, with TMAPC meeting one last time before the new commission begins. The committee also discussed communication efforts to notify county applicants about the change. - Joint Resolution Dissolving the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission: A joint resolution between the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County authorizing the dissolution of TMAPC, effective September 2, 2026. The resolution had already been approved by the Board of County Commissioners and now requires City Council and mayoral approval. The committee discussed the resolution. - Ordinance Amending Animal Services Fees: The committee reviewed an ordinance to add a $25 animal surrender fee (compared to a range of $10 to $100 in other Oklahoma cities) to support a new diversion program aimed at reducing shelter intake. The ordinance also adds a permit fee for Type C Commercial Animal Establishments (commercial pet breeders), which requires a license for repetitive litters, limits breeding to lawfully zoned areas, and allows Tulsa Animal Welfare to inspect upon complaint. The fees were developed in consultation with the Tulsa Animal Welfare Commission. - Ordinance Closing a Stormwater Detention Easement: A request from Jason Kapka of AVP Construction and Development to close an existing stormwater detention easement at 11020 S. Memorial Drive (Lot 1, Block 1 of Heartland Venture II Addition) after a new properly sized detention facility was constructed. Public Works staff recommended approval. - Change Order No. 2 for Police Division Renovations: A zero-dollar change order to Contract No. 137527 with Magnum Construction, Inc., adding 114 calendar days for the Gilcrease and Tulsa Police Department Uniform Division renovations due to incorrect ballistic door materials being delivered. The contractor must reorder and remobilize; no additional cost to taxpayers. - Fee Waiver Request for Folds of Honor Freedom Fest: River Parks Authority requested a waiver of $17,213.25 in Tulsa Police Department labor costs for the July 4, 2026 event. Executive Director Jeff Edwards noted that the event is 100% funded through fundraising, and the waiver is the city's contribution. Police costs were reduced from over $30,000 by relocating the fireworks show off the 21st Street Bridge. Key Outcomes - The committee discussed all items and forwarded them to the full City Council for action on the dates specified in the agenda: the Morgan Jones appointment and the contract change order (Item 7) are scheduled for the August 5, 2026 City Council meeting; the ordinances and resolutions (Items 3, 4, 5, 6) are scheduled for both the July 29, 2026 (first reading) and August 5, 2026 (second reading) City Council meetings; the fee waiver (Item 8) is scheduled for the July 29, 2026 City Council meeting. No formal votes were taken by the committee. - The committee did not take any final actions; all items require full Council approval.

The committee met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM to discuss two items: an update on the Downtown Curfew Ordinance and protocols for siren deployment during emergencies. Public Safety Commissioner representatives provided data and answered questions from council members. No formal votes were taken; the committee directed staff to provide additional data and explore policy improvements. Discussion: Downtown Curfew Ordinance Update - Deputy Chief Wilmerhauser and Captain Seibert presented data on curfew citations from July 2025 through July 20, 2026. A total of 33 citations were issued, with a spike of 16 citations from one large party in February 2026. Excluding that anomaly, the average is about 3 citations per month. The youngest cited was 11 years old; ages ranged from 12 to 17. The racial breakdown showed 16 African American males cited (all from the February party), raising concerns about disparate impact. Councilor Dutton noted that after removing the 16, the remaining 11 African American and 6 others would be closer to 50% each, but she still expressed concern and requested a deeper dive into each citation. - Councilor Dr. Wright asked about curfew enforcement outside the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL) and requested comparative data. She also inquired about diversion programs for youth, noting that few organizations operate late-night hours. Councilor Bellis mentioned that the Gathering Place conducted an audit of youth-serving organizations and found a gap in services for teens, especially during late hours. Councilor Bangle noted that the 33 citations compared to the “hundreds” of youth initially described as loitering downtown suggests the ordinance is working, and he asked for a comparative analysis of engagements versus citations to show evenhanded enforcement. - TPD reported that the curfew has helped free up officers for violent crime suppression, and that gun violence in the IDL is down this summer compared to last. They also noted that most youth comply after a warning. The committee agreed to continue quarterly reports and to explore adding Thursday to the current Friday/Saturday curfew (which had been reduced from Thursday–Sunday after school started). Discussion: Siren Deployment Protocols - Councilor Gilbert initiated the discussion after the July 4th storm, where street flooding occurred but no sirens were activated. The public safety commissioner’s office explained that Tulsa’s sirens have three tones: a steady tone for tornadoes, a wavering tone for nuclear attack, and a high-low tone for catastrophic flooding (e.g., levee breach). Sirens are not used for street flooding because it could be confused with tornado warnings and lead to dangerous behavior (seeking low ground vs. high ground). The July 4th event had strong wind gusts but no tornado warning within city limits, so sirens were not activated. - Councilor Dr. Wright asked about wireless emergency alerts; the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, which would have been pushed to phones. Councilor Bangle asked about the age of sirens and replacement plans; staff confirmed they are maintained and replaced at end of life. Councilor Dutton suggested that the city could do more to inform the public about flood-prone areas and “turn around, don’t drown” messaging, and noted that September is National Preparedness Month. The new emergency manager, Adam Woodard, will start on August 23 and will integrate with communications efforts. Key Outcomes - TPD will provide a deeper demographic analysis of all curfew citations, including a breakdown by race, gender, and age, and will report on whether any youth were cited multiple times. - TPD will provide comparative data on curfew enforcement outside the IDL for the same period. - The committee will consider expanding the curfew to include Thursday nights based on future data. - The committee directed staff to work with the Office of Children, Youth and Families and other partners to identify and promote diversion programs for youth. - TPD will share best practices from downtown deployment with other operational bureaus during the August shift change. - The city’s communications team will continue public education on flood risks and siren meanings, and will coordinate with the council on outreach efforts. - No formal action was taken on siren protocols; the committee accepted the explanation and will monitor future events.

The Tulsa City Council Urban & Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Room 411 of One Technology Center. Chair Anthony Archie presided. The committee considered nine agenda items, including appointments, budget amendments, housing initiatives, and a resolution urging additional early voting access in North Tulsa. The meeting was adjourned without a formal vote on items noted; most are scheduled for full City Council action on August 5, 2026. Consent Calendar - Item 2 – Athena Shanice Laws Appointment to Sales Tax Overview Committee: Replacing Charles Wilkes; current term expires Dec. 31, 2026, upcoming term expires Dec. 31, 2030. Laws, a North Tulsa resident and community leader, expressed her long‑time commitment to seeing change and oversight. Multiple councilors thanked her for her willingness to serve. Appointment will be voted on by the full Council on August 5. - Item 3 – Omare Jimmerson Appointment to Parks and Recreation Board/Gilcrease Board of Trustees: Replacing Shane Fernandez; term expires May 1, 2030. Jimmerson, former deputy director of parks and founder of the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative, shared her familiarity with the parks system. Councilors praised her expertise and commitment. Vote set for August 5. - Item 4 – Budget Amendment Ordinance (Go Bond Transfers): Ordinance to transfer unencumbered appropriations between projects within the 2014 and 2020 Go Bond subfunds, totaling $7,470,398.86 across eight subfunds. Capital Budget Manager Paul Zachary explained the transfers are needed to cover inflationary cost increases and keep 246 outstanding projects on track. The committee received the presentation without objection. - Item 5 – HUD Grant Funding Recommendations (Priority Needs Statement): Staff noted this item does not involve funding allocations but rather a required Priority Needs Statement for Program Year 2027. The needs (affordable housing, homelessness, low‑income support) remain unchanged from prior years. Councilor Bellis inquired about implementation barriers; staff cited federal regulatory shifts that have complicated tenant verification. The committee accepted the statement. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 9 – Early Voting Resolution: Senator Julia Goodwin (State Senator) and Alicia Andrews (voter advocate) testified in support of the resolution. Senator Goodwin detailed a year‑and‑a‑half effort to secure a northside early voting site after the closure of the 555 North Denver location, which had served for 40 years. She noted that the county election board is bypassing August elections and that the current two sites (east Tulsa and south Broken Arrow) leave North Tulsa without access. Alicia Andrews emphasized equity and voter participation, stating that Oklahoma ranks in the bottom two for voter turnout and that adding a northside site would help. Councilor Bellis presented a population density map showing the two existing sites are far from the urban core. Councilor Dutton expressed concern about transportation barriers and low turnout in northeast Tulsa. Councilor Gilbert suggested including West Tulsa; Senator Goodwin responded that discussions have focused on North Tulsa and that the resolution’s language can be amended. Councilor Bangle questioned the committee’s purview over a county issue but acknowledged the permissive state law. Councilor Decter Wright noted the Denver site remains county‑owned and could be reactivated. Councilor Hall‑Harper called the lack of accommodation “vote suppression.” The resolution (with an emergency clause) was on the agenda for the same day’s full Council meeting. Discussion Items - Item 6 – Resolution Approving TAO Indebtedness for Equitable Housing Demonstration Project: Resolution authorizes the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (TAO) to borrow up to $2 million from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation at 1% interest, for a Program‑Related Investment loan supporting the “Just Home” project. The project will create 23 affordable housing units for individuals returning from incarceration. Phase 1 (10 units) in districts 3 and 4 includes a dormitory‑style boarding house and a four‑plex; Phase 2 (13 units) will include on‑site case management. Robinson Properties will be the development and management partner. The loan will be repaid over 10 years with a balloon payment. Councilor Decter Wright asked about tenant vetting, inspection standards, and lease terms (6–12 months minimum). Councilor Bellis praised the dorm‑style concept as a model for affordable housing and suggested zoning code updates. Councilor Gilbert noted Robinson Properties’ good track record. The committee supported the item. - Item 7 – Resolution Re‑establishing Crutchfield Neighborhood LDA Review Committee: The resolution declares intent to amend the Crutchfield Neighborhood Economic Development Project Plan (adopted August 27, 2025) due to construction cost increases of 10–20% across the catalytic projects. Mike Dickerson (Mayor’s Office of Economic Development) explained that the Local Development Act allows only a 5% administrative increase; a major amendment requires re‑establishing the Review Committee. The amendment will only adjust budget amounts, not change the project scope. No city funds are involved; costs come from the tax increment generated by the projects. The committee endorsed the step. - Item 8 – Ordinance Amending Human Rights Commission Reporting: Ordinance amends Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 5, Chapter 1, requiring the Compliance Official to provide quarterly reports of all complaints filed and deleting the requirement to file complaints with the City Clerk (in addition to the Compliance Official). Chief of Equity and Inclusion DeAndre Scott explained the changes make it easier for residents to file complaints (311 system, online, walk‑in) and modernize the process. Human Rights Commission Chair Drew France and Councilor Gilbert (sponsor) highlighted that the current process is operationally outdated and a barrier. Councilor Bellis discussed historical data‑sharing challenges and the need for meaningful trend reporting. Staff noted tentative discussions with Black Tech Street and Microsoft about a secure digital platform. The committee supported the ordinance as a precursor to broader human rights ordinance updates. Key Outcomes - Recommendations to Full Council (August 5, 2026): Items 2 (Laws appointment), 3 (Jimmerson appointment), 4 (budget amendment), 5 (HUD priority needs), 6 (TAO indebtedness), 7 (Crutchfield LDARC), and 8 (Human Rights ordinance) were all advanced with positive committee support. - Early Voting Resolution (Item 9): The committee heard extensive testimony and discussion; the resolution was placed on the full Council agenda for the same day (July 29) with an emergency clause. The committee did not take a formal vote, but the resolution was moved forward for Council action. - Directives: Staff for Item 8 will continue to explore a secure online complaint system and provide a template for quarterly reporting to ensure meaningful trend data. Councilor Bellis suggested further zoning code work to accommodate dorm‑style affordable housing, to be addressed in future planning commission proposals.

The Tulsa City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The council considered a broad range of items including appointments, condemnations, special events, budget transfers, zoning changes, tax increment district dissolutions, and a resolution urging additional early voting locations in North Tulsa. Several members of the public spoke on various agenda items, expressing both support and opposition. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the July 15, 2026 regular meetings (Items 1A-B) unanimously. - Approved reappointments: Hieu Le to the Asian Affairs Commission, Christian Bengel to the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, and Phil Lakin, Jr. to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (Items 2A-C) unanimously. - Approved a resolution authorizing condemnation of property at 10520 Riverside Pkwy for the Tulsa-Jenks Multi-Modal Safety Raise Project (Item 4B). - Approved two license agreements with CoxCom, LLC for fiber optic cable installation under raw water flowlines in Rogers County (Items 4C-D). - Approved travel donations totaling $10,384.34 for various city employees to attend conferences and training (Items 4E-I). - Approved special event applications: Rock the Block (Aug 30), Audacity: Osage County 2026 (Aug 1), and Sip N Slide (Aug 1) (Items 4J-L). - Approved final plat for Tulsa Classical Academy on 14.83 acres (Item 5A) and rezoning Z-7867 from RS-3 to IM for property near W. 37th Pl. and S. Galveston Ave. (Item 5B) – both unanimously. - Approved second reading of four rezoning ordinances and budget-related ordinances, including dissolution of Increment District No. 7 and Tax Increment District No. 10 (Items 7A-G) unanimously. - Approved waiver of $17,213.25 in Tulsa Police Department labor costs for the 2026 Folds of Honor Freedom Fest event and accepted a $1,100.93 donation from HF Sinclair for Movie in the Park (Items 8C-D). Public Comments & Testimony - Cody Elkin opposed the Sip N Slide special event (Item 4L), arguing it promotes alcohol abuse and public debauchery. He called for banning all alcohol in the city. - John Huffines spoke in support of the reappointments (Items 2A-C), travel donations (4E, 4F, 4H), and the Rock the Block event (4J), offering prayers and gratitude. - James Alexander (with Bernice) expressed concerns about rezoning (Item 7B) and the $1 million supplemental appropriation for the OK POP Museum (Item 7E), arguing that pandemic funds should not be used for a museum and that development is displacing Black residents. - Alicia Andrews and a speaker identified as Senator Goodwin urged the council to approve a resolution for an additional early voting location in North/Northwest Tulsa (Item 8B). They cited the closure of the former 555 N. Denver location and the need for equitable voter access, noting that Cleveland County has six early voting locations while Tulsa County has only two confirmed. A petition with over 900 signatures was presented. - Carla Roth opposed the fee waiver for police labor costs for the Freedom Fest (Item 8C), arguing officers should be paid for their work in the heat and storm. - Bernice Alexander questioned the moving of voting locations from North Tulsa, expressing concern about disenfranchisement. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report (Item 4A): Shane Stone, Director of Government Affairs, announced: (1) Recruitment for Tulsa’s new police chief is underway, with stakeholder roundtables and internal posting until August 5th. (2) Park Aerospace selected Tulsa for a $65 million composites manufacturing facility, creating over 100 jobs, expected open in 2028. (3) The Financial Empowerment Center has helped clients grow savings by $2 million and eliminated $5.4 million in non-mortgage consumer debt. (4) A “Clear Your Warrants” event will be held July 31 at Tulsa Municipal Court and Tulsa County District Court. - Councilor Announcements: Councilor Decter Wright announced a community meeting on July 30 regarding Vesta properties, providing resources for tenants. Councilor Dutton reminded about the Neighborhood Infill Overlay (NIO) meeting and the Clear Your Warrants event. - Early Voting Resolution (Item 8B): The council debated a resolution urging the Tulsa County Election Board to add an early voting location in North/Northwest Tulsa for the August 2026 election and future elections, promoting city facilities as potential sites. Councilor Hall Harper and others noted the resolution is a policy position, not binding, but reflects the council's support for equitable access. The resolution passed 6-2 (Councilors Bengal and Bush opposed) with an emergency clause passed similarly 6-2. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items (except 8B) were approved unanimously. - Item 8B – Resolution urging additional early voting location: Approved on a vote of 6-2 (Councilors Bengel and Bush voting no). The emergency clause also passed 6-2. - Items 8C and 8D approved unanimously. Note: The council also forwarded first-reading ordinances (Items 6A-E) to the next meeting without objection.

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.

The Public Works Committee convened at 2:30 PM on July 22, 2026, to consider several agenda items including an appointment to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), a condemnation resolution for a trail project, and multiple license agreements for fiber optic installations and a hospital sign. Discussion Items - Appointment to EMSA Board: A council member (speaker) presented his reappointment to the EMSA board, having served since 2013. He highlighted the shift from a contracted service (AMR) to an in-house operation, which improved performance metrics and cost control. He noted that EMSA now meets performance indicators, with rates not raised in a long time. Councilman Gilbert asked about qualifications; the speaker cited experience and the board's composition of healthcare professionals. The committee scheduled a vote on this appointment for July 29, 2026. - Condemnation of Property for Tulsa Jenks Multimodal Safety Project: Paul Zachary from Public Works presented Resolution authorizing condemnation of property owned by Joram and Doris Lorraine Rochorgan at 0510520 Riverside Park. The city obtained two appraisals, with the higher at $2,065,500. The owner countered at $8.3 million without supporting documentation. The city attempted negotiations since December 2025 but moved forward with condemnation to proceed with trail work and road improvements (Riverside Parkway restriping, signal timing) funded by a RAISE grant. The committee discussed the project's scope and need for fee simple acquisition. - Hillcrest Hospital Sign License Agreement: A license agreement for a monument sign at 8801 South 101st East Avenue, already erected, was presented to limit city liability. The sign is functional with good sight distance; no objections were received. - Coxcom Fiber Optic License Agreements (Items 5 and 6): Two license agreements with Coxcom LLC were presented for installing fiber optic cable under raw water flow lines in Rogers County. Both require cables to be six feet below flow lines, with Coxcom assuming risk. The city will inspect installations; no objections were received. Key Outcomes - The committee advanced the EMSA appointment to a vote on July 29, 2026. - The committee considered the condemnation resolution and likely approved it (no explicit vote recorded, but staff requested approval to proceed with grant-funded work). - The committee approved all license agreements (Items 4, 5, 6) as no objections were noted and staff recommended approval.

The Urban and Economic Development Committee of the Tulsa City Council met on July 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The meeting, chaired by Councilor Anthony Archie (District 2), included discussions on reappointments to city commissions and authorities, a rezoning application, a budget appropriation for the OKPOP museum, and the dissolution of two tax increment financing (TIF) districts. No votes were taken during this meeting; all action items are scheduled for future council meetings. Reappointments - Hugh Lay – Asian Affairs Commission: Hugh Lay, founder of the nonprofit Empower Ed and a realtor/investor, was introduced for reappointment. He expressed a desire to continue serving the Asian American community. His attendance record was nine out of thirteen meetings. Councilors spoke in support of his service. A vote on the reappointment is scheduled for the July 29 council meeting. - Christian Bangle – Tulsa Authority on Economic Opportunity: Councilor Christian Bangle (District 6) was presented for reappointment. He highlighted his work on the authority's incentives and workforce development subcommittees and his involvement in downtown revitalization projects such as the convention center hotel and potential soccer stadium. His attendance was nine out of fourteen meetings. Councilors praised his diligence and representation of all districts. A vote on the reappointment is scheduled for the July 29 council meeting. Rezoning Application – Z-7867 A rezoning request from RS-3 (Residential) to IM (Industrial) for property at the northeast corner of West 37th Place and Galveston, submitted by Westside Industrial LLC, was discussed. The developer intends to build a battery storage facility to tie into the nearby BSO substation. The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) voted 10-0 to recommend approval. Two public speakers at the TMAPC meeting expressed support: one relayed resident concerns about the use, and the other (a property owner) praised the developer's engagement. The property includes 11 homes, and the developer is purchasing them and relocating residents. The remaining homes to the north and west are still occupied. The IM zoning would require a 75-foot setback from residential properties and a landscape buffer. Councilor Dutton expressed concerns about the impact on remaining homes and the volatility of battery storage. She requested time for community engagement. The committee agreed to defer the item to the August 5 committee meeting to allow for a community meeting. Budget Appropriation – OKPOP Museum An ordinance was presented to amend the FY 2026-27 budget, appropriating $1 million from the unappropriated fund balance within the pandemic relief fund for the OKPOP museum. These funds originally were allocated in 2021 but were contingent on the museum securing an $18 million match. The museum now has the match, and this appropriation will allow the project to proceed. The museum is in the design phase through the end of 2026, with construction planned through 2027 and a spring 2028 opening. Dissolution of Tax Increment Financing Districts - TIF District No. 7 (Admiral Place): This district, created in 2015 to support the Horizon Outlet mall proposal (which did not materialize), has generated zero increment for nearly a decade. The committee discussed dissolving it because no development occurred and the land is in a floodplain. Councilor Bangle noted that the area remains an enterprise zone, allowing for future TIF opportunities. The dissolution ordinance will be considered at a future council meeting. - TIF District No. 10 (Downtown Area): This district, created as part of the downtown area economic development project plan, has reached its budget cap of $5 million in collections, exceeding the required amount. The district is being dissolved as statutorily required. Over-collected funds will be remitted to the county treasurer for distribution to taxing entities. The dissolution was described as a success, demonstrating effective use of incentives for downtown revitalization. Key Outcomes - Reappointments of Hugh Lay and Christian Bangle will proceed to a vote at the July 29 council meeting. - The rezoning application (Z-7867) was deferred to the August 5 meeting to allow for community engagement. - The budget appropriation for OKPOP and the two TIF dissolution ordinances were presented and are expected to be voted on at a future council meeting. - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 AM, with a recess until 2:30 PM for the next scheduled meeting.