City Council Recap | January 15, 2025
- Tulsa City Council
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
The City Council met on January 15, 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 of Proposed Neighborhood Character Overlay (NCO) & Zoning Code Amendments for Florence Park
Councilors discussed a proposed Neighborhood Character Overlay (NCO) and zoning code amendments for the Florence Park Neighborhood. The request comes from neighbors in response to the increase in infill within the City of Tulsa and the desire to maintain the character of the neighborhood when new developments are introduced.
Similar to the NCO in the Renaissance Neighborhood, the overlay would include regulations to new developments such as building height, accessory dwelling units, roof pitches, and building orientations.
The Council is scheduled to vote on whether to initiate the overlay at the 5pm regular meeting on January 29. If initiated, the Tulsa Planning Office will draft amendments to the City of Tulsa Zoning Code to establish the regulations for the NCO. Next, the amendments will go before the Planning Commission for a recommendation and return the Council for a final vote.
View the discussion here
View the proposal here
Discussion of Proposed Budget Amendments Allocating CDBG & Home Grant Funds for PY2024
Councilors discussed two proposed budget amendments that will allocate HUD funds for Project Year (PY) 2024.
The first amendment will allocate funds carried over from the previous Project Year to fund approved PY24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects. Funds will be used by the Department of City Experience to provide emergency home rehabilitation grants to income qualified homeowners. Additionally, funds will be used by the Public Works Department to complete public infrastructure improvements as part of the Comanche Choice Neighborhood Initiative.
The Home Grant budget amendment will allocate funds carried over from the previous Project Year and will be used by the Department of City Experience to provide home rehabilitation loans to income qualified homeowners. Additionally, funds will be used by the Mental Health Association to rehabilitate the Quincy Square Apartments.
Councilors are scheduled to vote on these items at the 5pm regular meeting on January 29.
View the discussion here
View the CDBG proposal here
View the Home Grant proposal here
Discussion with Representatives from Healthy Minds Initiative on Current Efforts Regarding Community Health Response
The executive director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative presented to Councilors on current efforts regarding mental health response within the community, as well as proposed policy and budgetary recommendations to support these efforts.
Healthy Minds Initiative is an organization aimed at helping policymakers and community leaders advance data-driven strategies to overcome substance abuse challenges and mental health needs.
Healthy Minds is also part of the First Responder Advisory Council (FRAC), a multi-sector governing body that oversees the evaluation of the crisis response system aimed at more effectively responding to individuals in mental health crisis. Crisis System Coordination is a Path to Home strategy and a Homelessness, Housing and Mental Health (3H) Task Force recommendation.
View the discussion here
View the presentation here
More on 3H Task Force here
More on Path to Home here
Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm
Discussion Regarding the Pre-Approved Plan Program - 3H Task Force & Path to Home Action Item
Councilors discussed the Pre-Approved Plan Program, a 3H Task Force and Path to Home action item under Goal 1: Housing Production and Preservation.
The program is designed to speed up housing development by providing permit-ready plans that meet building codes and align with neighborhood designs, aiming to help Tulsa meet the critical housing demand.
View the discussion here
View the presentation here
More on Path to Home here
Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm
Vote on Budget Amendment Allocating 700K from Opioid Grant Awarded by the State
Councilors voted to approve a budget amendment that will allocate $700,000 in State Opioid Settlement funds granted to the City of Tulsa to be used by the Department of City Experience, Tulsa Fire Department, and external partners to support sustained recovery from opioid use and substance use disorder.
The funding will help support programs aimed at prevention, awareness, and stigma reduction via community announcements, education, training, and resource development and referral assistance for Tulsa Fire, Tulsa Police, and Tulsa Public Schools.
The City of Tulsa and Tulsa Public Schools, which applied jointly, received the largest award from the state Opioid Abatement Board.
View the discussion here
View the proposal here
Vote on Scenic Hills Land Use & Zoning Code Amendments Initiation
Councilors voted to approve the initiation regarding land use and zoning code amendments for "Scenic Hills," located east and south of Tulsa City limits; west of Gilcrease Museum Road; and north of West Edison Street.
The proposal started as a request from Mayor Bynum's administration to look into an approach to maintain the unique visual and cultural aspects of the northwest Tulsa area by preserving natural habitats and scenery, promoting tree canopy coverage, and accommodating low-intensity uses.
Next steps include the Planning Office drafting Comprehensive Plan (land use) and zoning code amendments. The proposal will go before the TMAPC for study and review and then returned to the Council for a final vote later in 2025.
View the Committee discussion here
View the proposal here
