City Council Recap | March 6, 2024

The City Council met on March 6 for committee meetings and a City Council meeting. 

Below are the highlights of Council discussion.

Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am 

138th Fighter Wing Airmen Center Project

Representatives from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) working group and the Oklahoma National Guard presented their plans for the 138th Fighter Wing Airmen Center Project. The purpose of this facility is to provide a dedicated space for airmen and veterans with valid base access to connect, mentor each other, and maintain physical fitness with the ultimate goal of improving unit cohesion, retention and military readiness. This facility will be available to both active-duty personnel and veterans.

-View supporting material here. 

Alternative Response Team (ART) Program

Representatives from the Tulsa Fire Department gave a six-month update on the Alternative Response Team (ART) Program. ART focuses on behavioral health-related calls and directing individuals to the right resources. The result is a significant drop in repeat 9-1-1 calls and emergency department transports.

-View the presentation here. 

City Charter Amendments: Elected Officials’ Salary

The Council discussed a proposed Charter amendment, which would increase the salaries of the Mayor, Auditor, and City Councilors. Councilors agreed to hold another conversation with the Mayor before moving forward. The discussion will be brought back to another committee meeting on March 27.

-Watch the discussion here. 

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Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm 

Child Equity Index and Evictions

Representatives from Impact Tulsa gave a presentation on the Child Equity Index and Evictions. According to the Impact Tulsa report, in the past three and a half years, nearly 4,400 evictions have been filed against families in Tulsa Public Schools. The report also found evictions disproportionately affected students in kindergarten and pre-k and students of color. Councilors plan to schedule a meeting with Impact Tulsa to follow up on the information presented.

-Watch the presentation here. 

Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Award Application process and potential projects 

The Council met with representatives from the City of Tulsa to discuss the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Award Application process and potential projects. This is a grant application that will be submitted to the State to provide and improve upon resources focused on intervention, prevention, and education. The City of Tulsa is working with Tulsa Public Schools, Impact Tulsa, and Healthy Minds to develop the application. The application requires a resolution which is scheduled for a vote by the Council on March 13 at 5pm.

-Watch the presentation here. 

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City Council Meeting | 5:00pm 

Sales Tax Overview Committee Report 

The Sales Tax Overview Committee provided updates on current activities and efforts to the Council. Some highlights include:

• A tour at the Gilcrease Museum to view progress. 

• Chamberlain Park update: project will begin in May and is expected to be completed in May 2025. 

• Progress being made at the new Animal Shelter. 

-View the full presentation here.