Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulsa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in taxes budget
Vacant board seat and bylaw amendments
Four seats are open, and the commission is working to change bylaws so residents of all of Tulsa County — not just the city proper — can serve.
2026-2027 budget amendments and GO Bond spending
The council took its first public comment on next year's budget — nobody showed up to speak. The budget and the sales tax ordinance both return June 3, with a possible June 10 vote.
Spending $18.5M in Vision economic development surplus funds
The committee debated how to allocate roughly $18.5 million left over from the 2017 Vision sales tax, with proposals ranging from utility assistance and after-school programs to a Brookside parking garage. Councilors clashed over whether the process was fair and whether money is spread too district-by-district; decisions may come next week.
Covanta tipping-fee increase of 4.6%
The energy recovery facility's tipping fee will rise automatically from $91.01 to $95.20 per ton under a built-in contract adjustment. Higher disposal costs could eventually flow into the cost of running Tulsa's trash system, though no board approval was needed.
Philcade building TIF split into Districts J and K
The second amended downtown TIF plan corrects a decades-old sales tax rate, adds funding to the Cathedral District, and pulls the FIN2 site out of the downtown TIF so more increment can flow north. Public hearings come Feb. 25 and March 11.
Billboard revenue on TDA-owned property
TDA discovered an old Lamar billboard on land it owns north of the IDL that had never generated revenue. A new agreement with annual income and retroactive payments back to 2019 goes to the November board meeting.
Civic Center parking operations performance
Elevator modernization is about halfway done with dry shafts after weather problems were fixed, and the extensive structural study of the parking garage is wrapping up.
Bond appropriations for streets, bridges, sidewalks, and the PAC
Leftover 2014 and 2020 Go Bond balances — about $7.6 million — get swept into citywide street rehab to help close a projected $147 million shortfall caused by post-2023 construction cost spikes. It keeps 246 outstanding bond projects funded.
Transparency of judgment and settlement payments
The city is paying out roughly $285K in a First Amendment retaliation case brought by a former police major. Property owners indirectly repay the Sinking Fund through a three-year levy.
Geographic representation on city boards and commissions
More than half of the city's board and commission members come from just two council districts. The commission will present recommendations to City Council on June 24 at Councilor Dutton's invitation.
Sales tax-funded projects oversight
STOC's report flagged mounting uncontrolled costs: $20,000 in storage fees for the Crybaby Hill sculpture, roughly $700,000 in unbudgeted road work tied to Dreamkeepers Park, and an $18.9 million jail/courts line item with no plan. Councilors said they need to attend STOC meetings themselves.
Surplus sale at Air Force Plant 3
A 10-acre city parcel at 2020 N. Mingo will be sold to a longtime lessee exercising a 2002 purchase option, at an appraised $1.74 million; proceeds go to facility maintenance.