Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulsa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in roads with high priority
Traffic and infrastructure planning at 71st and Union
The University of Tulsa's land at 11th and Harvard — long promised by TU to be kept as green space, according to a neighbor — is being turned into a restaurant with a drive-through and parking lot. The rezoning was already approved last week; the ordinance vote codified it, and a resident asked the council to pause over traffic on Indianapolis Avenue.
Disability rates concentrated in Districts 1 and 3
Councilor Dutton noted the highest disability rates sit in Districts 1 and 3 — the same areas with cut bus routes and missing sidewalks — and wants accessibility investments targeted there with an equity lens.
Gilcrease Expressway bridge repair funding
A city dumpster truck hit the westbound Gilcrease Expressway bridge hard enough to punch through a concrete beam, and repairs are expected to cost around $500,000. One westbound lane is closed while the fix is designed, and the repair should go out to bid within 60 days.
Rongey Estates traffic and drainage impacts
Neighbors fought for three years over erosion and stormwater problems from the school property; code violations were recently fixed, and the plat was approved with a request that the school and neighbors keep working together.
Safe Streets 4 All safety action plan grant
The council signed a support letter for the city's federal Safe Streets 4 All grant application to develop a citywide safety action plan.
S. Lewis Ave. storm sewer easement condemnation
The city is using condemnation to get a storm sewer easement from property at 2504 E. 46th Pl. for the Lewis Avenue street rehab between I-44 and 41st Street. It's part of a larger arterial improvement project that should mean better drainage and road conditions in the area.
ONG Gross Receipts for Street Maintenance
A proposed ordinance would send 0.9% of Oklahoma Natural Gas gross receipts into the street repair fund on top of the existing 1% from PSO — more money for potholes and road work, contingent on voters approving the ONG franchise.
ONG franchise revenue for street maintenance
If voters OK the ONG franchise in August, 0.9 percent of ONG gross receipts would fund street, sidewalk, and streetscape maintenance, with a public five-year plan approved annually.
Citywide ADA transition plan progress
The city removed sidewalk concrete for a water leak repair and never put it back — and never marked the hazard. A cyclist broke both hands in the gap, costing the city $95,000.