About the Tulsa City Council
On Valentine's Day in 1989, Tulsa
voters approved the most sweeping changes in city government since
the original 1908 charter. A new system was chosen to replace an
outdated City Commission. The change came about after a 35-year
debate on how City government could better represent the citizens
of Tulsa. This new Charter provided for a Mayor-Council form of
government with fewer City departments, more centralization, and
greater operational efficiency.
The Tulsa City Council functions as the legislative and policy development body of
the city. The Council passes local laws, reviews and approves the
City's annual budget, monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of
City operations, conducts investigations, and Councilors listen to
concerns and suggestions from the residents of their districts. The
current Chairman of the Tulsa City Council is GT
Bynum (District 9), and the Vice Chairman is David
Patrick (District 3). All councilors currently serve in
staggered three-year terms. In November, Tulsan's voted to
change the charter so councilors would serve two-year terms in
non-partisan elections. That change may take place in
2015, although details are still being decided. The
last Council election was in November 2011.
Today, the Tulsa City Council continues to work with Tulsa's Mayor, City Auditor, and all City departments to find ways to make
government function more efficiently and effectively so that all
areas of the community are better served by City government.
Tulsa's reputation as one of America's most livable cities is
well-deserved, and the goal of the Tulsa City Council is to help
Tulsa maintain that reputation.
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