City Council Recap | February 2026
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items for January 2026.
Click each item to learn more.
Hotel Guest Tax
On February 11, the Tulsa City Council discussed the feasibility of revenue bonds secured by the Hotel Guest Tax to support the capital needs of the BOK and Arvest Convention Centers. This was a follow-up discussion from the January 20, 2026, Special Meeting and Facilities Tour.
The two venues welcome a combined 1 million visitors every year, creating maintenance and upgrade needs.
The City's new management contract with Oak View Group encourages reinvesting profits into maintenance and improvements to help keep the facilities in good condition over time. About $24.5 million in routine maintenance is planned by fiscal year 2030. These projects will be funded entirely by venue profits.
Some of the major projects include roof repairs, renovations, security updates, and a connection to a convention hotel. The estimated total cost is $119.5 million, and available funds amount to $42.2 million, leaving a funding gap of $77.3 million.
Roof repairs at the BOK Center will move forward regardless of any future tax changes and are expected to take about 12 to 14 weeks during the summer.
The Council will continue exploring funding options for major facility needs beyond routine upkeep for the BOK and Arvest Convention Centers.
On February 25, the Tulsa City Council received an overview of Tulsa's tourism economy, including data on volume, spending, and local impacts from Tulsa Regional Chamber and Visit Tulsa.
Clutch Presentation
On February 25, the Council received a briefing from Clutch, a national homelessness-response consultancy brought to Tulsa by the business community to accelerate the City's Safe Move Tulsa initiative.
The presentation outlined Tulsa's groundwork, including the establishment of A Way Home for Tulsa (AWH4T), the 3H Task Force's 2024 recommendations, and the Mayor's 2025 executive order to coordinate encampment resolution and unsheltered homelessness efforts.
Clutch described the timeline that brought public and private partners together to provide $6 million in City funding for Safe Move Tulsa Phase 1, along with the formation of a Leadership Council committed to raising an additional $4 million.
Councilors reviewed data showing that roughly 3,100 adults enter homelessness in Tulsa annually, with more than 500 people remaining stuck in long-term homelessness. Clutch explained that the current system design contributes to shelter overflow and encampments and emphasized the need to "right-size" the system by expanding early interventions, rapid resolution services, and deeper supports such as rapid rehousing and supportive housing. Modeling presented to the Council demonstrated an option for how Tulsa can meet both annual inflow and long-term needs through targeted investments and reorganized service delivery.
The presentation also walked through the multi-year ramp-up plan for Safe Move Tulsa, which includes phasing new services, closing encampments, stabilizing individuals with higher needs, and improving coordination among mental health, housing, outreach, and public safety partners. Phase 1 is fully funded at $11 million, with future phases requiring $20-$30 million to expand and sustain system capacity.
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
Data Center Initiation
On February 11, the Tulsa City Council voted to initiate a formal review of how data centers are regulated within the City's zoning code.
Councilor Bellis requested an evaluation of the zoning classification in light of potential off-site impacts, such as noise or energy demands. At that time, data centers were categorized under Low-Impact Manufacturing and Industry. The Council's decision allows the City to reassess whether this classification remains appropriate and to more fully evaluate the scope of impacts these facilities may have on nearby residents and neighborhoods.
The Council will work with the Planning Office to review the existing regulations and prepare any needed amendments to the zoning code. If updates move forward, they will be presented to both the TMAPC and the City Council for public review and consideration.
Charter Amendments
In February, the Tulsa City Council held two public hearings during the 5 p.m. regular meetings to receive community input on potential Charter amendments for the 2026 ballot.
During a February 11 committee meeting, Councilors reviewed a proposal brought forward by Councilors Decter Wright (District 7) and Bush (District 9) aimed at strengthening incentives for retaining police officers and firefighters, including raising the rates and timeline for their longevity pay. Public safety and employee retention were among the priorities discussed during the Mayor/Council Retreat to consider during the City's FY27 budget process.
The Council conducts periodic reviews of the Charter and, with public input, recommends amendments that will ultimately go before voters on the August 25 election. The amendment process includes a series of committee meetings, four public hearings, and two Council votes before being placed on the ballot.
The next public hearings are scheduled for March 25 and April 1 at the 5 p.m. regular meetings. Residents who are unable to attend a public hearing can still reach out to their City Councilor to share their comments.
For questions or comments, email info@tulsacouncil.org or visit tulsacouncil.org/charter-amendments for more information and Council discussions.
Watch the February 11 committee discussion here
Watch the February 11 public hearing here
Watch the February 25 public hearing here
