City Council Recap | February 26, 2025

Tulsa City Council
Mar 11
5 min read

The City Council met on February 26, 2025, for committee meetings and a regular meeting.

Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.

Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am

Discussion on Proposed Zoning Code Amendment Regarding Roof Signs in the Central Business District

Councilors discussed a proposed Council initiation to amend the Tulsa Zoning Code and allow rooftop signage in the Central Business District (CBD) in District 4. Currently, roof signs are only allowed in two areas: the Route 66 Overlay and the Downtown Entertainment District. Requests for roof signs outside of these areas currently require variances that are approved by the Board of Adjustment. Roof signs have become a more desirable feature in the Central Business District.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the initiation at the 5pm regular meeting on March 5. If passed, the Planning Office will begin drafting an amendment to the zoning code to expand the area that allows roof signs throughout the Central Business District. Next steps include presenting the proposed amendment to be voted on at a Planning Commission (TMAPC) meeting before being brought back to Council for a final vote.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

Discussion on Proposed Zoning Code Amendment to Add Provisions for Farmers Markets

Councilors discussed a proposed Council initiation to amend the Tulsa Zoning Code to add specific provisions for Farmers Markets. Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper proposed the amendment following a request in 2024 by the Tulsa City-County Health Department to define farmers markets as a use in the zoning code and provide clear guidance to the community wishing to operate farmers markets in Tulsa.

Currently, the zoning code recognizes farmers markets as temporary uses that require permits yearly with limitations. The goal is to remove ambiguity in the zoning code and to permit and facilitate farmers markets as part of the Tulsa Comprehensive Plan to provide alternative options for fresh and healthy foods.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the initiation at the 5pm regular meeting on March 5. If passed, the Planning Office will draft a recommendation to the Comprehensive Plan and present it at a Planning Commission (TMAPC) meeting before coming back to Council for a final vote.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

Discussion on Proposed Allocation of $1.99 Million in Grant Revenues to the Community-Based Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiatives Program

Councilors discussed a proposed ordinance that will allocate $1.99 million in grant revenues received by the Department of Justice to fund the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative Program.

The grant is intended to prevent and reduce violent crime in communities by collaborating with residents, local government agencies, victim service providers, community-based organizations, law enforcement, hospitals, researchers, and other community stakeholders. Tulsa Community Violence Intervention (CVI) also plans to implement strategies to strengthen the environments of specific neighborhoods affected by violent crimes by creating a network of positive social and physical conditions, community resources, and economic opportunities.

The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on March 5.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

Update from Tulsa Performing Arts Center on the Trust's 10-Year Facility Master Plan

Representatives from the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) presented their 10-Year Facility Master Plan for the center's upgrades and expansion. TPAC received $79.7 million in funding from the voter-approved Improve Our Tulsa 3 package that will be used for deferred maintenance and critical upgrades to the facility. They also presented their plans to add another theater with a skybridge connection and underground parking.

Each year, the TPAC hosts over 900 event days, 300,000 people, and supports an average of over 400 jobs. With the proposed expansion, hopes are to significantly increase events, visitors, and paid jobs. TPAC's economic impact with renovation and expansion is estimated at more than $180 million.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028 and could take three years. If there is a three year shutdown, the TPAC anticipates $172 million in lost economic revenue and a 14 percent loss on annual downtown visitors. Councilors plan to work with TPAC to find funding sources to help recoup the loss and look for alternative solutions to keep shows going, including a possible temporary structure.

Watch the discussion here

View the presentation here

Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm

Discussion on Proposed HUD Grant Funding Recommendations for Project Year 2026

Councilors discussed the proposed funding recommendations from the HUD Community Development Committee for Program Year 2025-2026. The funding programs include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Funds.

The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on April 2.

Watch the discussion here

Watch the HUD meeting here

View the proposal here

Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm

Public Hearing - The Municipal Employees' Retirement Plan Amendment

The Council held two public hearings for an opportunity to receive feedback from the community.

The first public hearing was held regarding a proposed amendment to The Municipal Employees' Retirement Plan. After months of review by both a subcommittee and staff, the Municipal Employees' Retirement Plan Board and the Legal Department have recommended approval of the amendment. There were no speakers on this item. The next public hearing is scheduled for the 5pm regular meeting on March 5 and is scheduled for a final vote on March 12.

View the proposal here

Public Hearing - Proposed Amendments to the Tulsa International Airport Economic Project Plan

Another public hearing was held regarding the proposed amendments to the Tulsa International Airport (TIA) Economic Development Project Plan.

TIA seeks to increase their Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts to expand the property at the airport available for economic development opportunities, encouraging more companies to build and contribute to growth and jobs in Tulsa. The Economic Development Plan consists of joint TIFs between the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County.

The next public hearing is scheduled for March 12 at the 5pm regular meeting before going for a final vote.

Watch the public hearing here

Watch the Committee discussion here

View the proposal here

Vote on Proposed TIF Districts - Crutchfield, Southern Villa, & Pearl District

The Council voted to approve the Southern Villa and Pearl District TIF districts. Councilors voted to postpone action on the Crutchfield TIF district to allow further communication between the City of Tulsa and developers on future projects. The vote on this item has been scheduled for the 5pm regular meeting on March 12.

Watch the vote here

View the Crutchfield TIF Proposal here

View the Southern Villa TIF Proposal here

View the Pearl District TIF Proposal here

Vote on Amendment to the Nuisance Ordinance Regarding Summary Abatements

The Council voted to approve an amendment to the Nuisance Ordinance regarding “Summary Abatements.” The amended ordinance will now mirror the City Charter, expanding the types of cases eligible for summary abatement, such as stagnant water.

Summary abatement is a process that allows for expedited abatement of nuisances previously noticed under the same ownership within a 24-month period.

This amendment will allow the City to respond to nuisances more quickly, increase efficiency by allowing contractors to address violations at the same time, and increase health and safety protections for Tulsans.

Watch the Committee discussion here

View the proposal here