Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulsa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in business jobs with high priority
Declining Asian business ownership in Tulsa
Tulsa Equality Indicators data shows Asian business ownership has dropped since 2018 even as the Asian population grows — the only community with that trend. Business owners pointed to complex taxes, sales-tax penalties on first-year businesses, lack of a one-stop startup resource, and immigration fears.
SOBO district and Native American collaboration
Community surveys show residents want a gathering place — not a museum — where Native families can meet, eat, and bring their kids. A location decision could unlock a grant application by July, and an offered space has reignited momentum.
138th Fighter Wing F-35A squadron bid
The council unanimously urged the Air Force to choose Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing for the next Air National Guard F-35A squadron — a major long-term commitment for the base and local economy.
Small-business lending and CDFI certification
TEDC's Rose Washington urged continued CDBG-backed small business loans, noting a ~12% loss rate, a revolving loan fund, and a new plan to connect rapidly rehoused residents with jobs at supported businesses.
Peak of the Parkway TIF district
A new tax increment financing district (No. 27) in the Pearl District would funnel future property tax growth into neighborhood economic development. Action deferred to July 15.
Childcare shortage as workforce crisis
1,394 childcare slots in Tulsa County have closed and aren't coming back, hitting employers and families. Councilors floated local fixes like incentivizing daycare space in new housing and possibly an interim study.
Expansion of Tulsa Main Street program to six districts
Tulsa wants to add Pearl and SoBo as new Main Streets, each getting $45,000 a year. The program has produced over $675 million in private investment to date, but councilors are already asking where recurring funding will come from as the program grows.
Cherokee Nation SSBCI $86 million lending program
The Cherokee Nation has $86 million in federal SSBCI funds to lend for commercial projects, paired with private capital, at 4-7% rates. Microenterprises in designated opportunity zones — including parts of North Tulsa — can get up to $25,000 at 2% with no private lender required. Board members flagged North Tulsa's predatory lending problem and asked the tribe to do targeted outreach there.
$5 Million Tulsa Hills Retail Incentive
The council approved up to $5 million to reimburse part of the cost of remodeling an existing retail shopping center at Tulsa Hills, with the details still to be negotiated in an economic development agreement.
Kendall-Whittier Improvement District assessments
Property owners along the Lewis Avenue corridor and East Admiral Boulevard pay annual assessments funding district services. The assessment roll was adopted unanimously after supportive testimony from district board leaders.
IKEA developer incentive at Tulsa Hills
Another $2.5 million was appropriated from the Sales Tax Redevelopment Loan Repayments Fund for the IKEA developer incentive at Tulsa Hills.
Greenwood Main Street recognition and North Tulsa reinvestment
The council backed Historic Greenwood District Main Street's participation in the state Main Street program, but residents testified that revitalization must come with real reinvestment in North Tulsa, which they say has historically been shortchanged.
Declining Asian Tulsa Equality Indicators
Asian Tulsans went from the top group on business ownership and lowest chronic absenteeism in 2017 to below the bottom group by 2024. The Data and Research committee is digging into whether the numbers reflect real decline or changes in how the indicators are measured.
Selection of TAEO executive director/CEO
The Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity chose its next top executive, who will lead the city's economic development authority and shape how development programs and funding are run. The board offered the job to Renita Wade, with final terms still to be negotiated in a contract.
BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center capital reinvestment
Oak View Group says both venues need roughly $80 million in phased upgrades — a 12-14 week BOK Center closure for seating, suites, and scoreboard, plus convention center roof, security, and elevator work — to stay competitive with a $1 billion arena being built 100 miles away. Funding would combine TPFA reserves, Improve Our Tulsa 3 dollars, operating profits, and possibly new hotel-tax revenue.