City Council Recap | August 2026
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
Explore key discussions, decisions and updates.
Click each item to learn more.
Launch of New Approach to Mental Health
The City Council approved a budget action to launch a new mobile unit to close a critical gap in Tulsa’s mental health treatment system.
A Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team supports community members with serious mental illness who repeatedly experience homelessness, hospitalization and involvement with the justice system. These individuals often cycle through emergency rooms, shelters and jails because traditional treatment options cannot meet their complex needs.
This investment is part of a three‑year model designed to demonstrate measurable outcomes to help secure future private funding. Year one of the program is funded through $441,084 from the Allergan Opioid Settlement, developed with the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, and will be implemented by Family and Children’s Services.
Through the intervention of the FACT Team, the City also aims to reduce costs to taxpayers by helping those with severe mental health needs avoid unnecessary emergency room and inpatient hospitalization, and repeated law enforcement responses.
➡️ Watch the discussion here
➡️ Read the budget amendment here
As part of the annual budget approval process, Councilors discussed the need for a FACT team. This budget action is a result of those conversations.
➡️ Watch the longer presentation about addressing the treatment needs of Tulsa adults experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness here
➡️ Read more mental health presentations here
Tulsa Golf Improvements Update
Councilors received an update on the status of Tulsa’s public golf courses and upcoming improvement plans.
In April 2025, longtime Southern Hills Country Club manager Nick Sidorkis, with golf architect Randy Heckenkemper, assumed management of Tulsa’s two public courses: Page Belcher and Mohawk Park. The Tulsa Golf group has since hired six PGA Professionals to oversee operations, lead clinics, and provide lessons. More than 90 full- and part-time employees support both courses.
Golf programming continues to expand, with a focus on women, juniors, veterans and individuals with physical or cognitive challenges. Free women’s beginner clinics drew more than 100 participants in May, and weekly summer junior clinics served over 40 youth.
Additional programs included a Bank of America youth clinic with more than 50 attendees, two inclusive “Neurodrive” and Haven Golf clinics supporting individuals with disabilities or cognitive needs, and biannual PGA HOPE sessions for veterans and active-duty service members. And the First Tee Tulsa program, founded 25 years ago, has provided free golf lessons to over 170,000 children aged 7 to 18, and is headquartered at Mohawk Park.
The voter-approved Improve Our Tulsa 3 program dedicated $8 million, along with private dollars, to repair crumbling infrastructure at both golf courses. The first large investment in years.
Looking ahead, Tulsa Golf is planning a major renovation of Mohawk Park to improve flood resilience, reduce course closures, and expand programming. Next steps include presenting a Master Plan to the Council and Mayor, community outreach, and fundraising, with renovations aiming to begin in 2028–29. This revitalization would ensure Mohawk Park’s long-term sustainability and continued access to affordable, high-quality golf for the community.
Mohawk Park Fast Facts
Turning 100 years old in 2027
Designed by noted golf architect Perry Maxwell, who also designed Southern Hills'
Pecan Valley at Mohawk offers a low-pressure environment ideal for beginners
➡️ Learn more about Tulsa’s public golf courses and programming here
➡️ Watch the discussion here
➡️ View the presentation materials here
Tulsa Parks and Recreation Project Dashboard
Councilors received a presentation from the Parks Department on a new dashboard to help residents be more informed about Capital Improvement Projects.
The tool lets users see detailed information on City of Tulsa projects related to building construction, facility upgrades and park-focused improvements.
The dashboard provides:
a description of each project
an explanation of what stage the project is in
a list of funding sources
a description of accessibility features, and
estimated completion dates.
The dashboard is built to be interactive, so residents can know where their tax dollars are going. The dashboard also offers a request form for Parks, Culture & Recreation items and a help form for those seeking additional information.
➡️ Check out the new Capital Improvements Program (CIP) dashboard here
➡️ Information on streets, water lines and other city infrastructure projects can be found here
Updated Breeding and Surrendered Animal Fees
The Council approved new fees recommended by the Animal Welfare Commission to continue addressing pet overpopulation in Tulsa.
The changes establish a $1,000 annual Type C Commercial Animal Establishment permit for City‑licensed breeders and a $25 owned‑animal surrender fee.
The surrender fee is intended to be a last‑resort option. Tulsa Animal Services is expanding diversion programs and resources to help residents keep their pets whenever possible, reduce intake at the shelter and support spay‑and‑neuter efforts. The $25 fee is on the low end compared to other Oklahoma shelters, which range from $10 to $100, and helps recover some of the costs associated with rehoming.
The commercial breeder permit acknowledges state‑level regulation while giving the City tools to address repetitive, unregulated backyard breeding. This tool gives Tulsa Animal Services the ability to reduce breeding by requiring licensing and permits, prohibiting breeding in residential areas and allowing inspections to address any standard of care issues that may exist.
Shelter data show that the new breeder permit, approved in March 2026, has not increased unwanted litters. Puppies and kittens are typically adopted quickly or placed through transport partners.
➡️ Read the ordinance here
➡️ Watch the committee discussion here
Creating a More Efficient Planning Commission
The City of Tulsa and Tulsa County agreed to modernize the long‑standing Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) by forming separate planning commissions for each jurisdiction.
TMAPC has operated since 1953, serving both city and county residents for more than 70 years. As growth patterns have changed, the two entities have developed different planning needs. City planning functions now operate from City Hall, while county planning remains at INCOG, the Indian Nation Council of Governments. Establishing separate commissions will improve efficiency, reduce costs and allow members to focus more directly on city-specific priorities such as housing, infill development and urban growth. The new system aims to be seamless for applicants, with no changes to how City of Tulsa applicants submit forms or attend meetings. County applications will shift to the new Tulsa County Planning Commission.
Pending applications will be forwarded to either the City or County based on the location of the property involved. The new City Planning Commission will be effective and have its first meeting on September 2, 2026.
The Planning Commission guides land‑use decisions by reviewing zoning requests, maintaining the zoning code, overseeing subdivision and lot‑split approvals and using the Comprehensive Plan as the foundation for all recommendations.
➡️ Read the resolution dissolving TMAPC here
➡️ Read the ordinance creating the City Planning Commission here
➡️ Watch the committee discussion here
Human Rights Complaint Process Update
The Council approved changes to the complaint process for potential human rights violations, removing the requirement that individuals file complaints with the City Clerk, which had been a barrier for many residents.
Complaints can now be submitted by mail, by calling 311 or by filling out an online form without the additional filing requirement. The amendment also directs a Compliance Official to provide quarterly reports on all filings.
The City of Tulsa’s human rights policy ensures equal opportunity in housing, public accommodations, employment, City services, and contracting by prohibiting discrimination, promoting accessibility, and supporting inclusive participation for residents.
➡️ Learn more about filing human rights discrimination complaints here
➡️ Read the ordinance here
➡️ Watch the committee discussion here
District 5 Community Development Project: Darlington Park Water Fountain
The Council approved $50,000 in District 5 community funds to install the water line needed for a new water fountain at Darlington Park.
In a 2020 “Let’s Talk Tulsa Parks” survey, respondents specifically mentioned the need for additional park amenities at Darlington Park, including a water fountain. There were previously plans to install a fountain, and one was procured, though the project was never implemented.
Installing a fountain will make the park safer and more comfortable for visitors, especially during extreme heat, and supports Tulsa Parks’ mission to provide high‑quality recreation opportunities that promote health and well‑being. The new amenity will be owned and maintained by the City’s Parks, Culture and Recreation Department.
As part of the 2021 Improve Our Tulsa sales tax package, each Council district received $1 million for Community Development Priority Projects that support public purposes and strengthen neighborhood vitality.
➡️ View more information here
➡️ Watch the committee discussion here
City Council Charter Authority
The City Council discussed an overview of its charter functions and authority, as there are often misconceptions about what the City Council can and can’t do.
A little history on Tulsa’s form of government:
In 1908, the City of Tulsa adopted its first charter. The charter is the ruling document for our city, similar to the Constitution for the United States. The charter lays out how government functions and can only be changed by a vote of the people. The original charter designated a mayor and four city commissioners. In 1989, residents voted to change to a strong mayor-council form of government in an effort to be more representative and efficient.
The Council is made up of nine representatives elected by districts and has five main purposes identified in the charter:
Adopt municipal laws & policies
Approve the City’s annual budget
Listen to the concerns of citizens
Evaluate the overall effectiveness of city operations
Confirm residents to authorities, boards and commissions
➡️ Learn more about Tulsa government history and how it operates today here
➡️ Watch the discussion here
➡️ View the presentation materials here
