City Council Recap | March 26, 2025
- Tulsa City Council
- Apr 25
- 6 min read
The City Council met on March 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 Regarding Amendment to the Proposed Crutchfield TIF District
Councilors discussed an amendment to the proposed Crutchfield Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District, adjusting the boundaries of the TIF to spur more development. The new proposal estimates that it will create over 625 additional housing units, contributing to the City of Tulsa’s efforts to address the need for more affordable housing and generating over $90 million in tax revenues.
Councilors voted to approve the item at the 5pm regular meeting.
Watch the discussion here
Watch the vote here
View the proposal here
Learn more about the City’s housing efforts:
Discussion with Chief Mental Health Officer Regarding the Community-Based Violence Intervention Program State Grant Award
Councilors discussed the proposed implementation of a grant awarded by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention (CBVI) Program. Chief Mental Health Officer, Rebecca Hubbard, provided details on how much was awarded to Tulsa, how it will be budgeted, and the goals for the program.
The DOJ awarded a nearly $2 million grant that will be split over a three-year period, and the program is currently in the planning phases for outreach and intervention with multiple community organizations.
The program identifies areas known for higher violent crime rates, dispatching community-based workers to those areas to engage with individuals and offer support and resources to provide a safer environment. CBVI programs are touted by the Department of Justice not as an alternative approach, but to work in conjunction with what police are already doing to combat crime.
The program will be run by the City’s Department of Resilience and Equity. It uses a data-driven approach to create the most impact, and outcomes will be made available annually.
The program is slated to begin later this year.
Watch the discussion here
Quarterly Report from PartnerTulsa on Current Priorities and Projects
PartnerTulsa Executive Director, Garry Clark, Jr., presented the organization’s quarterly report and updates on current priorities and projects, including the addition of a new role under the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity/Tulsa Development Authority Board of Directors – Director of Community Navigation. The new Director will engage with neighborhoods and small businesses in all four quadrants of Tulsa – north, east, south, and west.
There were several economic development highlights, including the announcement of the City Convention Center Hotel Project. The $390 million project downtown aims to generate $1.6 billion in new spending and create over 400 permanent jobs. The hotel’s opening is scheduled for 2029.
The project intake for the month of March showed 15 project proposals, generating 3,630 jobs and $19 billion in capital investment for Tulsa. This includes the proposed Tax Increment Finance district proposals in Crutchfield, Southern Villa, and the Pearl District. The City Council voted to approve all three TIF proposals. Together, they aim to generate over 2,000 units of housing and an estimated $1 billion in capital investment.
The addition of Sixt Automotive to One Technology Center, at City Hall, is also underway. The global rental car provider will establish its Oklahoma presence, with downtown Tulsa as the location for its new customer service center. The addition is estimated to generate about 70 new jobs.
PartnerTulsa continues to work on their top priorities this year, including:
Haikey Creek Service Area
Lift Station Phase 4 Improvements
Downtown Infill
Tulsa International Airport (Apache Lift Station Upgrade)
Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood Master Plan
There will be a community meeting with project updates on April 7 at the Rudisill Regional Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Expansion on west side of Creek Turnpike in East Tulsa
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm
Discussion of Proposed Amendments to Green Waste Disposal Fees for Non-Residents and Commercial Customers
The City Council discussed a rate increase for Green Waste Disposal for non-residents and commercial customers from $2.64 per cubic yard to $5.28 per cubic yard. The increase is to cover the actual cost of the service.
The Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy (TARE) plans to implement this increase in two tiers, this is the second tier. Customers can still take home free mulch from the site.
Watch the discussion here
View the proposal here
Discussion of Proposed $500 Million in Revenue Bonds from the Tulsa Municipal Airport Trust for the American Airlines, Inc. Project
The City Councilors discussed the issuance of $500 million in Tulsa Municipal Airport Trust Revenue Bonds for American Airlines to rehabilitate its maintenance facilities and continue technical operations in Tulsa.
The technical operations facility is responsible for heavy maintenance such as aircraft overhaul and modification, engine repair and overhaul, and component repair and overhaul. The facility also includes a brake and wheel center, and handles engineering, supply chains, quality control, and training.
American Airlines moved its maintenance operation to Tulsa from LaGuardia in 1946 and is now the world’s largest commercial aviation maintenance facility.
The funds will support critical infrastructure upgrades to three hangars and improve conditions to perform aircraft maintenance.
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
Discussion with the Planning Office Regarding the Neighborhood Conditions Index Pilot Program
Councilors discussed the Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) Pilot Program with members of the Tulsa Planning Office.
The Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) is an important tool for neighbors across Tulsa to look at where their neighborhood stands on key data points as they work to shape and improve their communities. Currently, there are 80 neighborhood reports available that touch on, and score, neighborhoods across nine areas.
This program will pilot innovative neighborhood revitalization strategies, launch community workshops for residents to better understand NCI as it relates to their neighborhood(s), and foster collaboration among residents, City departments, and community partners.
Key Components of the NCI Pilot Program Include:
Neighborhood-based workshops – A series of interactive community workshops will be facilitated over the coming year with participating neighborhoods to introduce the NCI, provide available tools and resources, and support the development of action plans.
Coordinated and targeted resources – Over the next year, the City will collaborate with participating neighborhoods to implement prioritized neighborhood initiatives and coordinate City resources and services. Support could include strengthened animal services, streetlight repairs, code enforcement, beautification projects, and coordination with service providers.
Tailored neighborhood support – The NCI Pilot Program will also provide resources and tools tailored to the needs and priorities of participating neighborhoods, aligning with NCI data to ensure meaningful and equitable outcomes.
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
More information about the Neighborhood Conditions Index can be found at www.tulsaplanning.org/nci.
Discussion with Public Works Regarding Processes Related to Residential Sidewalk Projects
The City of Tulsa Sidewalk Improvement Process is done through a ranking system.
Step 1: A request is received for sidewalk improvements from citizens (via 311/phone/email contact), City Officials, or City Staff.
Step 2: City representative performs an onsite analysis to determine what's needed to resolve the sidewalk request.
Step 3: Sidewalk Criteria form is completed by inspecting representative to use key factors to assign a score to the specific site (maximum score is 154).
Step 4: An estimated cost is developed by Public Works staff for the prospective sidewalk project. The estimate is very rough value that only incorporates the sidewalk and ramps that would be required. It does not take into account the need for retaining walls, significant grading, handrails, and other incidentals that would add cost to a project.
Step 5: Sidewalk Priority List is updated to include the new prospective sidewalk project, including: Project limits and generalized description of scope; source of the request and date of inspection; cost estimate; sidewalk criteria score; remarks on scope items and potential obstacles.
The current Sidewalk Funding Needs are as follows (does not include all ADA needs):
Citywide: $22.5 million
Arterial: $5.7 million
Non-Arterial: $16.4 million
Downtown: $400,000
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
Discussion with Water & Sewer Regarding Senate Bill 3, PFAS in Biosolids and Potential Budget Impacts
The Water and Sewer Department presented on the potential impacts to the City of Tulsa of Senate Bill 3, currently making its way through the state legislature, that would prohibit land application of biosolid material after certain date to potentially reduce the amount of PFAS applied to land in the state. PFAS are more commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily.
To comply with this law, if passed, the City estimates a $10 million per year increase in operating costs for landfill disposal, and a $100 million increase in total capital sewer improvement costs would be needed. These costs would likely be passed on to residents through utility rate increases.
The City recommends more testing of biosolids and acreage is needed using a science-based approach to PFAS in biosolids. Staff also recommended Councilors and concerned residents contact their state legislators.
Watch the discussion here
View the presentation here
Learn more about the City of Tulsa’s Biosolids Program here
Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm
Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Closure of a Portion of a Right-of-Way Located at 9907 S. 100th E. Pl.
There were no speakers on this item. The request to close a portion of the right of way has been reviewed by City staff and representatives of various commissions, authorities and private utilities with no objections.
Watch the discussion here
