Vision Tulsa 2024

The power of local connections

At Bank of America, we have leading capabilities across all our businesses and a strategy that is focused on connecting our capabilities to deliver for our customers and clients. In every situation, we’re committed to growing responsibly and sustainably – ensuring everything we do aligns to our purpose of helping people live better financial lives.

· Families can have the tools and support they need to live more successful financial lives.

· Neighborhoods can be built on a solid foundation of responsible home lending and economic development.

· Businesses, small and large, can benefit from our financial and intellectual capital.

· And the organizations, nonprofits and companies addressing society's toughest problems can have the resources and expertise of the company and the efforts of our over 200,000 employees behind them.

In each market, we strive to connect everything our company offers to our clients' personal and financial goals so we can provide tailored solutions to fit their needs. It's how we make this large company personal and how we help our customers, clients and communities thrive.

Find a location

Whether you have everyday financial needs or more complex ones, our experienced specialists can help at locations

around Tulsa.

Visit www.bankofamerica.com/tulsa to learn more, find a location and make an appointment to talk with us.

Tulsa is an extraordinary philanthropic city, and being part of so many efforts to reach all of our diverse communities is truly rewarding. It’s gratifying to have tremendous teammates and community partners working together to make a positive impact on so many people’s lives.

Tulsa is your home. It’s ours, too.

We are committed to helping our communities thrive - dedicating our resources to address the issues that matter most in each community where we live and work.

Taking action to support our communities, clients and teammates

Now as always, our commitment to help strengthen the communities we serve is unwavering. We’re partnering with local leaders and organizations to address critical needs, and to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. We’re collaborating with partners who support diverse entrepreneurs, build job skills and create opportunities to help people succeed in todays and tomorrow’s economy. And we’re doing our part to help people stay healthy — including investing in benefits and resources for our employees who serve our clients in their communities.

Let’s build something together

By partnering with nonprofits and other organizations, Bank of America stepped up to support Tulsa on every level, from racial justice to reskilling and fighting hunger. We’re a major contributor to Greenwood Rising, a history center that tells the important story of the original “Black Wall Street” and the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. And with the third-largest Native American population in the country, we’re contributing funds to initiatives in the community. Helping people find rewarding work is a key focus, especially in communities of color, and we support a range of programs, including a summer youth employment plan and our signature Student Leader program. To help improve health outcomes, we partner with nonprofits to feed over 500 families a week, support mental health initiatives and ensure schools and nonprofits get the help they need.

Bill Lissau, President, Bank of America Tulsa

Vision

Publishing.

Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part of information contained herein without prior written approval is prohibited. Vision Tulsa Magazine trademark copyright is registered with the State of Oklahoma.

For additional copies of Vision Tulsa 2024 ($9.95 each plus tax and shipping costs) or for additional information about the City of Tulsa, please contact the Tulsa City Council Office, 175 E. Second St., Fourth Floor, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103; by calling 918-596-1990; or at the Council’s website at tulsacouncil.org . Or, you may also contact the Director of Economic Development, City of Tulsa, 175 E. Second St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103, 918-596-7411, cityoftulsa.org

For information about relocating to Tulsa, write to Tulsa Regional Chamber, Economic Development Division, 1 W. Third St., Suite 100, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103; or by calling 918-585-1201.

Information contained in this publication is produced for the Tulsa City Council by Langdon Publishing. All

Publisher:

Jim Langdon

Editor:

Anne Brockman

Contributing Editors:

Tiffany Howard

Tim Landes

Madison Walters

Art Director:

Madeline Crawford

Graphic Designers: Georgia Brooks

Ashley Guerrero

VP Community Relations:

Susie Miller

Sales Executives:

Andrea Canada

Josh Kampf

Rita Kirk

Research and Analysis: Research Center, Tulsa City-County

Library/Martha

Gregory, Jennifer Pawlowski

Cover Photos:

Greg Bollinger

Michelle Pollard

The new year of BMX is here - the USA BMX National Headquarters is excited to bring BMX to the people of Tulsa via Hardesty National BMX Stadium and National BMX Hall of Fame Museum events. In 2024, Tulsa will be home to over a hundred local BMX events and international racing that expects to bring thousands to the Greenwood District for the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in late April. With constant weekly activation throughout the year and major events marked on the calendar, USA BMX is excited to welcome all of Oklahoma to the world’s largest family sport.

Hardesty National BMX Stadium—spanning two football fields long with seating for 2,000 spectators—is the focal point of the expansive BMX Headquarters complex that relocated to Tulsa in February 2022 and also includes the BMX Hall of Fame and USA BMX Foundation. The outdoor free-span arena hosts weekly racing events, coaching clinics, elite training camps as well as World Cup events. It is the only Olympic-caliber covered training facility in the United States, boasting an Olympic-sized start ramp with a professional-grade track.

Heading into its third year as part of downtown Tulsa, the USA BMX National Headquarters also brings the third USA BMX National event in September. At a pivotal time in the 10-month series, BMX racers from across the globe will look to compete at the Legacy Nationals and earn points leading into the Season finale at the Expo Square over Thanksgiving weekend.

USA BMX - Established as the American Bicycle Association in 1977 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ABA is the nation’s largest cycling organization with more than 70,000 members with combined racing and freestyle events at more than 300 sanctioned BMX tracks across North America and Canada. ABA empowers and elevates the early stages of bicycle development by creating opportunities through facility development, programs, and national events. As a result, ABA has developed a structured blueprint. A cyclist can progress from humble beginnings on a balance bike to becoming a BMX Olympian by establishing these roots.

Through STEAM, scholarships, freestyle amateur events, the national series, the Olympics and new facilities built across the United States, these four pillars under the USA BMX organization will impact young riders and families: USA BMX Foundation, USA BMX Freestyle, USA BMX Racing and ABA Ethos.

COMING IN TO THE HQ IN 2024

Weeky Beginner Classes

Weekly Speed and Conditioning

Weekly Local Racing

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday and Saturday

UCI BMX Racing World Cup April 27-28

USA BMX Legacy Nationals September 6-8

tryusabmx.com - (480) 961-1903

490 N Lansing Ave. Tulsa, OK 74120

Mayor of Tulsa

Tulsa continues to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and advance as a globally competitive, world-class city. We have three goals that drive everything we do: to be a safe city, to be a city of opportunity for everyone, and to be a city where this generation is building a Tulsa we want to leave for generations to come.

This past year, the Tulsa Police Department opened their new Real Time Information Center which allows them to observe data from all over the city and quickly identify crime as it occurs. In less than a year, the Real Time Information Center has assisted with over 1,800 calls and led to the recovery of nearly $1 million in stolen property. This advancement in technology is a massive step in achieving our goal of being a safe city.

Tulsa is currently experiencing the biggest period of investment in the city’s history. Tulsa continues to invest in itself, which was evident by the approval of the third Improve Our Tulsa package in August 2023. This package gives the City opportunity to fund crucial improvements to several City facilities, while also providing capital funding for public safety equipment and street maintenance — two things that all Tulsa residents will benefit from.

Creating opportunity for everyone begins with having a place to call home. As part of Improve Our Tulsa, voters approved funds that, combined with other sources, allow us to establish a housing fund in excess of $100 million. Last year, I also challenged our community to spur and support $500 million in total housing investment over two years. I am proud to say we have exceeded our goal already, in less than one year. This is just one piece of the work being done to reduce homelessness in Tulsa, but we continue to work on over 20 different initiatives to ensure that all Tulsa residents have the resources and support they need to find a stable housing solution.

Tulsa continues to become a global city that offers opportunities for everyone, including our newest citizens. Through the New Tulsans Initiative, we have hosted citizenship ceremonies for over 1,100 of our

newest fellow Americans and we are partnering with philanthropies and nonprofits to break down legal barriers to citizenship. This initiative also helps new citizens translate their degrees and certifications, which allows them to compete for jobs in Tulsa with the true qualifications they have earned. They are a crucial part of our local economy, and I am honored they have chosen Tulsa as a place to call home.

In the year ahead, we will finish construction on two once-in-a-century projects for Tulsa. First, the lake in the Arkansas River will open, creating a regional recreational destination for both Tulsa residents and visitors. We also will finish construction of the new Gilcrease Museum. The museum will house the greatest collection of American art and history outside of the federal government’s and will be the only museum in Oklahoma capable of hosting major traveling exhibits.

Finally, I want to highlight Tulsa’s emergence as a national leader in the advanced aerial mobility industry. Tulsa recently received a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce that will help fund a new research center, manufacturing facilities and drone testing corridor. The City also was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as a Tech Hub following our application which centered around drone technology.

This is an incredibly exciting time for Tulsa, which would not be possible without the support and dedication of so many Tulsans. I want to thank everyone in our community for working together to make Tulsa the best city on Earth.

G.T. Bynum Mayor of Tulsa

BYNUM: SHANE BEVEL; SCAVENGER HUNT: COURTESY CITY OF TULSA

On Sept. 23, 2023, the City of Tulsa observed 918 Day with a Saturday morning scavenger hunt, an annual tradition where groups of up to four people test their knowledge of Tulsa’s history. Participants received the official 918 Day T-shirt courtesy of event sponsors.

City Council

City Council Staff

Sarah Davis Council Administrator

Megan Boyd Senior Council Communications Officer

Andrea Guyton Council Communications Officer

Lori Doring Secretary to the Council

Chris Baughman Council Aide

Casey Clark Council Aide

Marissa Gomez Council Aide

Elizabeth Tankard Council Aide

Brandon Worley Council Aide

Simone Smith Council Support Assistant

Jennifer Karbowski Council Support Assistant

Vanessa Hall-Harper Councilor District 1

Jeannie Cue Councilor District 2

Crista Patrick Councilor District 3

Laura Bellis Councilor District 4

Grant Miller Councilor District 5

Christian Bengel Councilor District 6

Lori Decter Wright Councilor District 7

Phil Lakin Jr. Councilor District 8

Jayme Fowler Councilor District 9

City Councilors meet with the Youth Advisory Council, a Tulsa Changemakers program for 9th-12th graders who live in the City of Tulsa. These students build community with youth leaders from around the city, learn about functions of city government, advise decision-makers on issues directly impacting youth and conduct a community listening campaign.

Council Chair

Welcome to the wonderful city of Tulsa! Whether you are here for business, family, entertainment or historical exploration, you have made it to my favorite city, and I am glad you are here. As you explore our city, I hope you enjoy each unique section of our community and interact with our warm and welcoming residents.

Tulsa is home to some of the most generous and giving people in the nation. Tulsa Area United Way is celebrating its 100th year in 2024 and is consistently ranked in the top 3% in the United States. Our charitable organizations work diligently each day to serve those who are most in need of assistance. We Tulsans volunteer: we care for children, serve hot meals to the hungry, and offer our skills and talents to help our neighbors in countless other ways. If you are interested in serving our city while you are here or if you are a resident, we encourage you to reach out to us to find ways to get involved in our volunteer community.

Community focus is at the core of all we do. The City unveiled a new organizational structure this year which includes the Department of City Experience to concentrate on citizen-centric design and engagement. This department will provide enhanced support to our neighborhoods, so they continue to thrive. Not only do we want our communities to grow, but we want them to be safe. The City Council also passed legislation in the fall to increase resources to ensure that tenants of residential rental properties can live in healthy living environments.

Tulsa is home to a variety of cultural experiences. Take time to enjoy the history of Route 66, which covers 28 miles of Tulsa from the east to the west, and its founder Cyrus Avery who was a proud Tulsan. As Tulsans prepare for the centennial of Route 66, we will continue to grow and highlight everything that makes Tulsa the Capital of Route 66. Launched in January, the Special Event Matching Grant Program encourages heritage tourism and economic development by helping businesses host free special Route 66 events along our stretch of the Mother Road. A new Façade Matching Grant Program provides incentives for property owners along Route 66 to preserve and rehabilitate historically significant structures. And the City’s successful Neon Sign Grant Program has seen nearly 60 neon signs installed along the route in the last four years.

In the coming years, our Performing Arts Center will see a public investment of about $80 million as a result of our 2023 capital package that includes improvements to City facilities. These funds will help to renovate the PAC, ensuring Tulsans will continue to enjoy the best shows while benefiting from the hundreds of millions of dollars arts and culture add to our local economy.

Tulsa has always been and will always be recognized and defined by the people who live in it. I encourage you to engage with everyone you see, whether it is the server at one of our local restaurants or someone you encounter while exploring our beautiful parks, architecture and history. I know they would love to welcome you to our community.

I am so excited for you to start your journey through our home, and I hope you get to experience all that Tulsa has to offer. When you are ready to move your family or your business to Tulsa, give me a call — I would love to help.

Jeannie Cue Chair, Tulsa City Council

Tulsa Global Alliance Tulsa Regional Chamber

Tulsa Global Alliance is a culturally-focused, Tulsa-based nonprofit with a mission to build global community. The work of TGA is, in the words of the U.S. State Department, “citizen diplomacy” — the efforts of average Americans to build the friendships between nations that make win-win a possibility in international relations.

Through four key programs, TGA hosts international visitors, facilitates Sister City relationships, and promotes global education and international trade relations.

Friendly relationships between people and countries have never been more vital, and TGA offers Tulsans opportunities to make positive contributions to international relations at the local level. We promote Tulsa to the world by introducing future world leaders to the most important resource we have — our people and their warmth, hospitality and friendship.

These are some of TGA’s successes in 2023:

• Working with the Mayor’s Office and Mainsprings, TGA launched an initiative to add Mwanza, Tanzania, as Tulsa’s ninth Sister City, and its first Sister City on the African continent. Mayor Bynum led a group of 12 Tulsans to Mwanza in October 2023, and a delegation from Mwanza is expected to visit Tulsa in 2024.

• TGA hosted 303 international visitors through the U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, U.S. Congressional Office of International Leadership and from Tulsa’s Sister Cities, resulting in 1,019 hotel room nights and 2,133 homestay nights.

• TGA relaunched in-person Sister Cities student exchanges and activities in cooperation with Tulsa-area elementary, middle and high schools. More than 100 high school and middle school students from Tulsa’s Sister City of Amiens, France, visited Edison Preparatory School, Carver Middle School and Thoreau Demonstration Academy; and 25 high school students and teachers from Celle, Germany, visited Riverfield Country Day School. TGA also assisted Eisenhower and Zarrow International Schools with student exchanges with Costa Rica, France and Spain.

• Over 1,000 people attended World in a Box Day on Aug. 5 at the Tulsa Central Library. The event featured hands-on activities to educate children and families about Tulsa’s Sister Cities. TGA installed two new Sister Cities Directional Signs, one at McCullough Park, and another at City Hall. The City Hall sign was dedicated to the late Cathy Izzo, TGA’s Sister City Program Coordinator for 17 years.

• Tulsa’s Sister City of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, presented Tulsa with a Caja de Agua, or water box, a ceremonial cistern celebrating the friendship our two cities enjoy. The fountain will be installed and on display at the Tulsa Botanic Garden.

Tulsa is a city that inspires. It inspires investment. It inspires tourism. It inspires exploration, invention and engagement. And, as we increasingly see, Tulsa inspires other cities hoping to generate the same level of energy and excitement that we experience on a daily basis.

Tulsa is many things to many people. Tulsa is vibrant, offering a diverse mix of architecture, activities and events, from arts and music to food and theater. From the ongoing public and private investment in downtown, to quality of life improvements like the Gathering Place river development, to marquee venues such as BOK Center, Cain’s Ballroom and ONEOK Field, our community is one our children and grandchildren will want to live in.

Tulsa is active. Tulsans enjoy outdoor spaces like Guthrie Green, River Parks and Turkey Mountain, and they compete in events like the Tulsa Run and Tulsa Tough. Tulsa makes it easy to walk, bike and run, or to simply relax and soak up the sun.

Tulsa is creative. Tulsans pursue opportunities to push the envelope and expand the knowledge base. Tulsa’s creative thinkers are busy today imagining the jobs of tomorrow in fields such as computer science, aerospace, health care and the arts.

Tulsa is entrepreneurial. From our earliest days, Tulsans have been pioneers, and that pioneering spirit continues today through the region’s numerous career tech and higher education institutions, as well as through the Chamber’s own Tulsa Small Business Connection, northeast Oklahoma’s leading network for connecting small businesses with the tools to grow in a competitive global market.

Tulsa is family friendly. Our region’s attractions — including our zoo, parks and lakes — appeal to young and old alike, offering fun for the entire family. Tulsa is a great place to visit a fair, take in an outdoor concert and splash in the water.

Tulsa is historic. From our treasure trove of art deco architecture to iconic Route 66, Tulsa offers sights and sounds that chronicle the history of our nation. Tulsa offers world-class museums — including Philbrook and Greenwood Rising — that bring the history of our region — and other regions — to life.

Tulsa is as multi-faceted as its citizens, and Tulsa’s best days are still ahead. Take a look — you, too, will be inspired by Tulsa.

Bob Lieser Vice President of Programs, Tulsa Global Alliance

Mike Neal President and CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber

People of Vision

By Marnie Fernandez

JENNIFER JEZEK

Vice president, VSC Fire and Security; 2024 Tulsa Regional Chamber chair

After holding almost every board and committee seat for Tulsa Regional Chamber, Jezek is taking the top position as the 2024 Tulsa Regional Chamber chair. This busy mom of four is excited for the year ahead and values the importance of giving back.

Tell us a little about your business background. In 1984 my parents started York Electronic Systems. I started working there while I was in high school until I graduated from college. I left for a few years but came back because I wanted to work where I had an opportunity to be a part of something. I ended up buying the company when my parents retired in 2012. In 2022, we had an opportunity to partner with VSC Fire and Security, a 65-year-old family-run company. We had similar goals, cultural values and it was just a good fit. Our workplace is like a family and VSC supports this. In fact, the very first person my dad hired still works for us today. I am still extremely involved with the day-to-day operations of our business — protecting people and property is our mission, and I still love it after all these years.

Why do you love Tulsa? We have the most amazing community spirit. It’s such a friendly and welcoming place and there are so many opportunities to get involved. I also love the six degrees of separation. You can’t go anywhere without meeting someone who somehow you are connected to.

What can we expect during your term as Tulsa Regional Chamber chair? I am looking forward to the inaugural State of the Tribal Nations event this spring. As a Cherokee, I am thrilled the Chamber is taking an active role in partnering with the tribal nations and that they will be honored for their immense contributions to our city and region.

I am also looking forward to bringing more groups together — aligning all our assets for the good of our community. I believe in the power of collaboration and am excited to be a part of the continued growth of our region.

ELLIOT NELSON

President and CEO, McNellie’s Group

As a college student at Notre Dame, Nelson created a business plan for a class project for a pub called McNellie’s. Lucky for Tulsans, Nelson decided to move back to his hometown and give it a try in downtown Tulsa. Twenty years and some 20 restaurants later, Nelson’s vision has helped change the trajectory of downtown Tulsa and surrounding neighborhoods. And it all began with a neighborhood Irish pub.

Why are you passionate about Tulsa? Tulsa is my home, and I always knew it had so much potential. I especially love our downtown and wanted to see it grow. When I moved back and opened McNellie’s in 2004, I wanted to create a neighborhood pub where people congregate after work. There wasn’t a place like it in downtown at that time. And things just took off from there. But every new project we (McNellie’s Group) take on goes through our litmus test: Is this going to make Tulsa a better place? Is the project going to help the surrounding neighborhood?

What do you like to do in your spare time? Traveling to other cities; eating and drinking at various restaurants and bars. Visiting new places and seeing new trends energizes me and gives me ideas on things we can do here in Tulsa. We recently spent a month in Europe, and I just loved the scale of the cities, the walkability of the neighborhoods and their pace of life. Speaking of which, we are excited to open our newest concept, Maple Ridge Grocer, an all-day market and cafe, and Bishop Quigley, a pub, both located in the heart of the Maple Ridge neighborhood. I would love to see more food and retail come back to local neighborhoods and I hope this might kick start others.

What leadership advice would you give to others? Define your passion and make that your purpose and spend as much time doing it as possible. And stay true to your moral compass. Even when it means having to make some really difficult and/or unpopular decisions.

What is your favorite spot in Tulsa? Even after 20 years — my favorite place is still the downstairs bar at McNellie’s where it all began. There is no place I’d rather be.

MARQUESS DENNIS

Program director, Tulsa Dream Center; founder, Birthright Living Legacy

Growing up in a single mom household and spending time in prison for drug possession and attempt to distribute, Tulsa native Dennis could have easily become a statistic. But instead, the father of four turned his life around and found his calling in creating Birthright Living Legacy, a nonprofit focused on celebrating and supporting fathers by equipping them with the tools and resources to lead successful families in their home, out of the home or while incarcerated.

Did you have an ‘aha’ moment where you realized you wanted to lead a different life? First, let’s just say I went about all of this the wrong way. While in prison, I had an epiphany. The path that led me to prison made me realize there were no resources available for dads like me — and I wanted to change that. I began with interviewing guys in the prison yard. I started to figure out a pattern: the violent crime and drug charges all had missing father figures and tried to find validation elsewhere. The idea for Birthright Living Legacy began to take place — and as soon as I was released, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.

Why did you decide to stay in Tulsa? Tulsa is an amazing “small city/big town” that makes dreams like this possible. I’m proud of what I have been able to create — but I owe so much of it to the Tulsans who believed in my mission and helped point me in the right direction. Thanks to the support and mentorship of leaders in the community, I was able to start Birthright Living Legacy in 2020 — and it’s been growing ever since.

What do you like to do in your spare time? My actual job is the program director of the Dream Center, so running the Birthright Living Legacy is my hobby right now. I’m burning the candle at both ends, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to continue my work of providing support for fathers, because at the end of the day, a father’s voice is the most powerful voice a child will ever hear — or not.

Route 66

By Rhys Martin, President, Oklahoma Route 66 Association

Route 66 has been a big part of Tulsa’s identity since it was established in 1926. That doesn’t mean the city has always paid close attention to the highway — in fact, if you took a walk down 11th Street in the early 2000s, you’d probably have wondered what the big deal was. Thankfully, the city began re-investing in our Route 66 corridor over a decade ago. The results are easy to see and are sure to make Tulsa stand out as the centennial of Route 66 approaches in 2026.

Tulsa has a significant number of miles of Historic Route 66 — 28 to be exact. Originally, Route 66 came into town from the east on 11th, jogged north on Mingo, and continued toward town on Admiral. When the paving of 11th street was completed in the early ’30s, U.S. Highway 66 was re-aligned to come straight down the road that is most commonly used by travelers today exploring the world’s most famous route.

Starting in the east, Route 66 looks very much like it has since those early days. The quiet two-lane path rises and falls with the hills as it passes open fields, scattered homes and a trio of radio towers. That’s about where you’ll start to see the newer developments that embody the love Tulsa has for Route 66. Fire Station 66, renumbered a few years ago in tribute to the road, sports a striking sign with a giant shield. If the firehouse doors are open, you’ll also see the trucks are emblazoned with the moniker, “Keepers of the Mother Road.”

Route 66 in Oklahoma was recently designated a U.S. Bike Route. Accordingly, you’ll see green Bike Route 66 signs along the way and bike lanes in many areas. The first historic marker (of over 30) you’ll encounter is right next to the art decoinspired gateway near the Daylight Donuts facility, at 11707 E. 11th St., which is also within eyesight of an Interstate 44 overpass. The interstate system famously brought the end of Route 66 as a federal highway, but luckily for us in Oklahoma the old road still exists and has developed into such a diverse cultural corridor.

The Meadow Gold sign and plaza anchors the Meadow Gold District, which includes a collection of shops, restaurants and businesses located on the Mother Road near Peoria Avenue. Inset, Ike’s Chili, located on Route 66 at 1503 E. 11th St., has been a family-run Tulsa institution since 1908.

MEADOW GOLD, GOODWILL: GREG BOLLINGER; IKE’S: MICHELLE POLLARD

Development and revitalization efforts have continued to move eastward over the past several years. Route 66 Rising at the traffic circle of Admiral and Mingo is where the original alignment of 66 headed west into downtown. The giant sculpture is a representation of the ongoing revitalization. The Rose Bowl, just west of Memorial on 11th, houses a community center and provides an early taste of the architectural diversity that Tulsa offers. The Tulsa Route 66 Commission has a new façade grant that is inspiring many other spots in town to similarly return older properties to their former glory.

The most successful program Tulsa’s Route 66 Commission has established is its Neon Sign Grant Program. Since the launch in 2019, close to 60 signs have been restored or installed along Route 66 within city limits. Each sign begs to have its photo taken, encouraging travelers to stay a bit

longer. Of course, neon looks best when the sun sets; photographers from around the world stay overnight to catch the bright, buzzing lights that truly set Tulsa apart.

The intersection of 11th and Lewis, anchored by Oklahoma’s only nonprofit food hall Mother Road Market, has been transformed into a vibrant district of local entrepreneurship. In addition to the local shops and food offerings, Tulsa’s official Visitor’s Center is here. The enhanced streetscape that surrounds this intersection, complete with neon-lit accents, is proof Route 66 is constantly evolving.

Once the tall buildings of downtown are in full view, you’ll find yourself in the Meadow Gold District. This area, perhaps better than any other, shows how much pride Tulsa has in Route 66. Small businesses, local restaurants and art galleries have blossomed around the iconic Meadow Gold neon sign — one of the biggest on all of Route 66. Buck

Atom, the 21-foot-tall space cowboy, has become a must-see attraction for travelers who seek the kitsch that the road is known for. This district even houses Oklahoma’s oldest restaurant: Ike’s Chili. Will Rogers himself sat at its counter at the original downtown location and enjoyed a bowl of the titular cuisine. Park your car along the road here and you can easily spend several hours exploring.

As Historic Route 66 curves to the south and crosses the Arkansas River, a large statue pays tribute to Cyrus Avery. Avery was one of the men responsible for the federal highway system that formed in 1926; his passion project was a highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles via St. Louis. He predicted it would become the greatest commercial corridor in the country … and he was right. Because of his advocacy and support, Cyrus Avery is known as the Father of Route 66.

A separate neon sign park on the southwest side of the Arkansas River features three replica signs that represent the history of Tulsa’s Route 66 alignments. With the Tulsa skyline and the Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge in the background, it’s one of the best Route 66 photo ops in town.

Southwest Boulevard has its name for good reason, as it carries traffic toward Tulsa’s southwest border. It connects what was once the town of Red Fork to the rest of the city; today it’s a district that has its own identity steeped in Tulsa’s oil history. Route 66 Village sports a new depot building that is used for events and gatherings situated next to its leviathan Frisco Meteor locomotive. The historic Red Fork downtown area has several art galleries and shops to visit and has long been anchored by Ollie’s Station, a restaurant that celebrates the ever-present railroad operations in west Tulsa. At the Crystal City Shopping Center, the west gateway marks a transition point. Folks heading west bid farewell to Tulsa and prepare for the changing landscape that leads to the American Southwest.

As you can see, Tulsa’s stretch of Route 66 celebrates the future while honoring the past. The rich heritage that is ingrained into the city’s identity is easy to take for granted but talk to any traveler and they’ll tell you Tulsa is a highlight of their 2,400-mile journey. It’s why Tulsa is called the Capital of Route 66.

Tulsa Route 66 Commission’s Neon Sign Grant Program funds up to $10,000 for new and refurbished neon signs along the 28 miles of Route 66 located in Tulsa. 2023 saw the installation of the 58th neon sign under this grant program.

The Arts

By Ken Busby, Route 66 Alliance

Tulsa really is a cultural mecca, and over the past year it has witnessed some grand artistic endeavors. Take some time to explore the various arts and cultural offerings and see for yourself what living on Tulsa time really means.

The eagerly anticipated return of the Marjorie Tallchief (Osage) bronze sculpture to the grounds of the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum was met with great fanfare. On hand were Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill, who gave a land acknowledgment for the ground on which the historical society sits, and Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet), who starred in Martin Scorsese’s film “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center received some welcome news as Tulsa voters overwhelmingly approved $79.7 million in funding as part of the Improve Our Tulsa bond and sales tax-extension package for long-deferred maintenance, improvements and enhancements. Thanks to a generous donor, the PAC also was able to reimagine the LaFortune Studio, formerly a black box theater, into a new “Studio 54” style event space that provides a new source of revenue for the PAC and enhances the performance-goer’s experience.

The Bob Dylan Center celebrated its second anniversary in 2023, with thousands of visitors continuing to visit the Center each month. And Greenwood Rising continues to tell the story of Black Wall Street in a moving and engaging way, educating visitors about this important aspect of Black history in Tulsa.

The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) hired a new executive director, Jake Krumwiede, to focus on the installation of technology-forward exhibits. This museum will be part of the statewide network of museums under the Oklahoma Historical Society, and represents the first such museum in Tulsa.

And speaking of popular culture, Route 66 continues to raise its profile across Oklahoma as excitement builds for the centennial of Route 66 in 2026. AAA hosted the second annual Route 66 Road Fest this past June, welcoming thousands of visitors from Oklahoma

In 2023, the fourth temporary public art installation by Urban Core Arts Project was unveiled. Internationally renowned artist Rachel Hayes presented “Reflection Mode” at The Dome (formerly First Church of Christ, Scientist) in downtown Tulsa. Using fabric to create large-scale works, Hayes is interested in inserting color and form into both built and natural environments. The installation will be on display through 2024.

and surrounding states who learned about the history of Route 66 through a series of creative vignettes called “The Journey,” which allowed visitors to learn about the route decade by decade. It also featured an indoor classic car show with hundreds of makes and models.

Tulsa Symphony celebrated its 2023-2024 season with a tribute to veterans on Veterans Day. The concert began with an Armed Forces Salute honoring the various branches of service, and included Tulsa Booker T. Washington High School graduate and New York artist Julian

URBAN CORE ARTS PROJECT: DESTINY GREEN; TALLCHIEF, KRUMWIEDE: GREG BOLLINGER

Jake Krumwiede is the new executive director of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture — aka OKPOP.

Thomas narrating Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” TSO also celebrated the holidays with a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” featuring a musical score performed live by the Tulsa Symphony.

Tulsa Opera celebrated its 75th anniversary year with a series of “happenings” around town showcasing Tulsa Opera singers in various settings highlighting both performance and education. Among the highlights were Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium,” and “An Evening with Sarah Coburn” featuring the American soprano and Tulsa native.

Tulsa hosted the Mid-America Arts Alliance for its fall meeting in November with attendees from each of the six states represented in the consortium: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Showcasing the Tulsa arts scene included touring the art collection at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, experiencing the Philbrook Museum of Art, and seeing the dress rehearsal for Tulsa Ballet’s, “Don Quixote,” one of the most popular, rambunctiously witty, technically challenging and exceptionally entertaining works in ballet repertory.

Philbrook Museum of Art presents both traditional exhibitions as well as modern twists that engage all kinds of museumgoers. Three exhibitions this year stood out. The first was “Rembrandt to Monet: 500 Years of European Painting from Joslyn Art Museum.” The second was “Robert Peterson: Homecoming.” This Lawton, Oklahoma-based artist is selling out art fairs across the country including this year’s Art Basel Miami. The spotlight exhibition was centered on a new commission by the United States Postal Service featuring the iconic author Ernest J. Gaines (“A Lesson Before Dying”). Peterson’s painting of Gaines was featured on a new stamp that debuted during Black History Month in February. The third exhibit was “New Realms: Art Lab,” where visitors became worldbuilders, engaging with striking realitybending works of art then exploring three handson spaces, each inspired by the artwork on view,

where visitors could experiment, play and create new realms of their own design.

Magic City Books, an independent bookstore owned by the nonprofit Tulsa Literary Coalition, celebrated its sixth anniversary in 2023. Magic City Books is also the home of Booksmart Tulsa, which has been presenting engaging author events for over a decade in Tulsa. This past year’s highlights included a sold-out crowd for Rachel Maddow and her new book, “Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism” and a high-profile event featuring actor Tom Hanks.

Continuing down the literary path, the 2023 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award presented by the Tulsa Library Trust was awarded to American novelist Amor Towles. Towles is known for his bestselling novels “Rules of Civility” (2011), “A Gentleman in Moscow” (2016) and “The Lincoln Highway” (2021). Towles’ first novel, “Rules of Civility,” was so successful that proceeds from the book afforded him the luxury of retirement from investment banking and the opportunity to pursue writing full time.

The Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature was presented by the Tulsa Library Trust to author Steve Sheinkin. He began his writing career as a history textbook author and editor, and vowed to one day write his own novels where he could tell the stories that never made it into textbooks, and now he has!

The Marjorie Tallchief statue is part of the “Five Moons” sculpture on exhibit at Tulsa Historical Society and Museum.

The Vision For Gilcrease

By Alicia Chesser

Since its founding in 1949, Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum has served as both art museum and educational institute, anchored by one of the nation’s greatest collections of American art and history. Now, with full funding secured for a new facility slated to open in 2026, the museum, located at 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road, is poised to carry Muscogee citizen Thomas Gilcrease’s legacy into the future.

“We didn’t necessarily start with the idea of a new building,” said Susan Neal, recently retired executive director. “We started with an idea of doing a deep dive on this collection.” With more than 350,000 items spanning 12,000 years and reaching from Panama to Alaska, ranging from a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation to Indigenous art from across the continent, it’s a collection that offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with our own history.

“We have so many stories within the collection, so many different cultures represented,” Neal continued. “Gilcrease has the opportunity to tell history through the lenses of multiple perspectives, to bring people together for a greater understanding of our history and hopefully help us do better in the future.”

The new 92,000-square-foot facility sits on 460 acres in Osage County. The $193 million project — a price tag that increased by more than a third due to COVID/supply-chain issues and inflationary pressures — is taking shape thanks to voters who in August 2023 approved $10 million in Improve Our Tulsa 3 funds and donations from the private sector totaling $48 million. The museum is owned by the City of Tulsa, and its day-to-day operations are managed under a contract with the University of Tulsa. “We are filled with gratitude for our donors, Tulsa voters and our champions in city government,” Neal said, “all of whom stepped up to help us achieve the dream of a new Gilcrease Museum, against a backdrop of unprecedented economic challenges.”

In addition to increased gallery space, the new Gilcrease will feature elements that integrate the museum more deeply with the community and the natural landscape of the surrounding Osage

VISION ARTS GRANTS FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS

The fifth round of Vision Arts grants applications were accepted through Dec. 22, 2023.

Hills: 14 miles of hiking and biking trails that connect to the River Parks system; an outdoor amphitheater and classroom space; a community meeting room; multi-purpose terraces for programs, events and dining; and expanded space for activities on the grounds. Input from community members also generated ideas like an education wing, an outdoor pavilion, and a sculpture garden — amenities the museum hopes to execute once the core project is complete.

With construction already underway, the public can look for hard-hat tours to start soon, as well as a continuation of Gilcrease In Your Neighborhood, a program that engages the community by bringing reproductions of art from the collection to five outdoor locations across Tulsa. With the support of the people of Tulsa, Gilcrease is set to become an even more vibrant cultural destination, fostering its mission to narrate the vast American story through art and inform the future through a better understanding of the past.

Managed by the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Arts Commission and Tulsa Planning Office, Vision Arts grants support nonprofit arts organizations in creating economic development opportunities in Tulsa.

Vision Arts has been made possible by $2,250,000 approved by voters in 2016 as part of the Vision Tulsa capital package to support the arts in Tulsa and enhance their economic impact. These grants are scheduled for regular distribution during the Vision Tulsa program. So far, $900,000 has been distributed in grants to Tulsa arts organizations.

“The Vision Arts grant program plays a crucial role in maintaining Tulsa’s diverse and thriving economy,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “By supporting local music, theater, events and exhibits, we are not only creating jobs and generating economic activity but also enhancing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination and improving our residents’ overall quality of life.”

Two city councilors, Lori Decter Wright and Crista Patrick, serve on the Independent Review Panel to assist the Arts Commission in reviewing.

Learn more at tulsaplanning.org/visionarts.

Gilcrease Museum construction progress as of August 2023. The City of Tulsa contributed $65 million in Vision Tulsa funds for the project. The remainder came from various public and private sources.

Destination Districts

By Laura Dennis

In 2019, the City of Tulsa launched Destination Districts, a commercial revitalization program intended to increase economic growth, highlight diversity, support cultural representation and create a deep sense of community in selected areas of Tulsa with historical and cultural importance. COT has approved four districts in the Tulsa area: Kendall Whittier, the Tulsa Global District, the Historic Greenwood District and Route 66.

But Destination Districts Manager Samantha Extance said they are working to expand the program and make it more inclusive. “I’m hoping to add an option for other areas that are emerging, that do have grassroots organization, that do have investments,” she said. “We want to offer these areas the same kind of support we’re giving our current districts.”

KENDALL WHITTIER MAIN STREET

Kendall Whittier, located at 2205 E. Admiral Blvd., is primarily an arts district. You’ll find a handful of art studios, restaurants, the Las Americas grocery store and a lot of unique, eclectic retail. It’s also home to the Tulsa Farmers’ Market, Ziegler Art and Frame and several breweries.

The district hosted many events in 2023, including Small Business Saturday, the Kendall Whittier Arts Festival, the Los Festivales y Mercados and more.

“(Kendall Whittier) is recognized for its economic revitalization, placemaking and place-keeping,” she said. “We point to them as the example of what can be accomplished through the program.”

TULSA GLOBAL DISTRICT

The most recent addition to the Destination Districts program, the Tulsa Global District is a special qualifier because unlike the others, it’s nowhere near downtown. Located near the intersection of East 21st Street and South Garnett Road, you’ll find a multicultural hub of Hispanic and Latinx businesses and communities, comingled with a large and diverse Asian population.

The district’s calendar events for 2023 included the Hispanic Heritage Day, Illuminate Arts Festival, Night Market, Global Bites food tour, a community clean-up day and many others.

“The Global District has so much strength within their organization,” Extance said. “They’ve pulled off quite a bit in their first few years within the program.”

HISTORIC GREENWOOD DISTRICT

Located at North Greenwood Avenue and East Archer Street, the Historic Greenwood District is also known as “Black Wall Street” and is the epicenter of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This resilient community includes a hub of successful Black-owned businesses, as well as historic tributes to the many people affected by the race massacre.

Greenwood unveiled several new art projects and murals in 2023, as well as incorporating several health and wellness activities into the community roster with GreenwoodGo, Extance said.

The district has two redevelopment projects in the works that will bring economic

opportunities with them. PartnerTulsa is leading the development for Kirkpatrick Heights and Greenwood Master Plan and is overseeing the Evans-Fintube site redevelopment project. “Those projects compliment the work that Main Street is and has been doing to create a thriving forward-focused district,” Extance said.

ROUTE 66 MAIN STREET

Route 66 Main Street is Tulsa’s largest Destination District. It spans a 4-mile stretch, reaching from the Arkansas River to the Crystal City Shopping Complex near Southwest Boulevard and 33rd West Avenue. Centered at 3310 Southwest Blvd., you’ll find a mix of industrial businesses and manufacturing; quirky, assorted Route 66 businesses; tourism landmarks like the Route 66 Historical Village; retail and restaurants.

“The district has such a rich history in both Route 66 history and in Tulsa’s oil history,” Extance said. “You’ll find lots of historical markers and plaques in the area.”

Events for 2024 will include East Meets West Gala, monthly art crawls and much more.

Route 66 Historical Village

Live Music

By Julie Wenger Watson

From a world-class arena and a timeless honkytonk to the corner bar, music is everywhere in Tulsa. If oil built this city, steel guitars, fiddles and horns were the soundtrack. Seated at the geographical crossroads of the nation, Tulsa has produced talent as diverse as the funky ’70s rhythm and blues innovators the GAP Band to the perennially pleasing pop of the Hanson brothers and everything in between. On any given night, music is just around the corner.

BOK CENTER

Designed by world-renowned architect César Pelli, the BOK Center opened in 2008 with a sold-out show from legendary California rock band The Eagles. The arena’s stark, modern silhouette is a striking addition to the skyline of downtown Tulsa. The 19,000 plus-seat, multipurpose facility has hosted Sir Paul McCartney, seven consecutive soldout performances with Oklahoma country crooner Garth Brooks, farewell tour stops from megastars Elton John and Bob Seger,

and blockbuster events with Metallica, Zach Bryan and Bruno Mars. Recipient of numerous accolades, including its ninth nomination for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music, the venue is ranked one of the world’s busiest concert destinations. bokcenter.com

CAIN’S BALLROOM

Built in 1924, Cain’s Ballroom served as a garage and a dance academy before becoming a top performance venue beloved by musicians and fans alike. This revered honky-tonk is steeped in history. From 1935-1942, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys hosted weekly dances, a midnight radio show and a daily noon hour radio program from the Cain’s stage, popularizing a new sound called Western swing, a form of country and Western music that combines jazz, hillbilly, blues and big band swing.

Today, Cain’s still boasts its wooden dance floor and oversized photographs of country music icons like Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams and Tennessee Ernie Ford remain on the walls.

While Cain’s is proud of its legacy as the “Home of Western Swing,” it continues to make history. The Sex Pistols, Van Halen, Sonic Youth and even a very young U2 have graced this stage. This year’s calendar includes performances with Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, local act King Cabbage Brass Band, rockers SleaterKinney, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and many more. cainsballroom.com

THE CHURCH STUDIO

An historic church, which was converted to a recording studio and home office for Leon Russell and Denny Cordell’s Shelter Records in the early 1970s, has been lovingly restored and now boasts an intimate theater. It has hosted concerts with legacy artists like Kenny Loggins and Jimmy Webb. Artists as diverse as Tom Petty and the GAP Band (acronym for Greenwood Archer Pine) once recorded here, and the venue is still making history today. thechurchstudio.com

On Aug. 11 and 12, 2023, Oologah native Zach Bryan broke BOK Center records — highest total attendance for two nights by a single artist, highest grossing total food and beverage sales for a single event, and highest grossing single night of merchandise by any artist/event. Bryan will perform at BOK Center again Dec. 12-14, 2024.

CASINOS

For those who like a side of gambling with their music, Tulsa is home to several casinos housing excellent music venues. Hard Rock Live in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a state-of-theart 2,600-seat theater with an intimate feel. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

On the banks of the Arkansas River, River Spirit Casino Resort features the Cove, a music destination booking nationally touring acts. riverspirittulsa.com

Set in the Osage Hills in north Tulsa, the 45,000-square-foot Skyline Event Center at the Osage Casino Hotel always boasts an impressive lineup of entertainment. osagecasino.com

GUTHRIE GREEN

Located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, Guthrie Green is an urban park that regularly features free, live music. From national acts to minifestivals and musical food truck Wednesdays, this outdoor venue is a Tulsa favorite. guthriegreen.com

GATHERING PLACE

Tulsa’s $465 million park has free, familyfriendly programming with outdoor concerts featuring everything from wandering drum corps to full-blown festivals celebrating Latin, Caribbean and Native American cultures. gatheringplace.org

CLUBS

Mercury Lounge showcases the best in local music, but this neighborhood bar is also adept at capturing rising stars. Weekly performances from Tulsa’s best and brightest, as well as eclectic regional and national acts populate this venue’s calendar, attracting a loyal, diverse and interesting clientele. mercuryloungetulsa.com

For those wanting a taste of Tulsa’s original music, the Colony is a favorite of local musicians. Don’t be surprised to find an occasional special guest sitting in with one of the Tulsa bands. This bar is home to many afterhour jams and a frequent stop for nationally touring performers after their own concerts have concluded. colonytulsa.com

The Flaming Lips at Tulsa Theater

Bluegrass Brunch at Mercury Lounge

Gabby Barrett at Osage Casino’s Skyline Event Center

Downtown

By Laura Dennis and Anne Brockman

Downtown Tulsa has it all.

More than 34,000 work in the employment epicenter where landmark new mixeduse buildings meld with iconic art deco masterpieces. Nearly 5,000 live in the collection of apartments, condominiums and townhomes scattered across the IDL.

In 2022, the city center welcomed 1.93 million visitors, many of whom likely stayed in the 2,320 hotel rooms or dined in the 110-plus restaurants and bars. In 2023 downtown chefs also made the news with three — Ben Alexander of Mr. Kim’s, Lisa Becklund of Farm Bar and il seme, and those behind Et. al — earning James Beard Award nominations.

Downtown Tulsa Partnership — an organization that champions a prosperous, vibrant and inclusive downtown — fostered this energy and reported these high marks during its May 2023 State of Downtown report.

There’s much to see and do downtown — from festivals and the performing arts to monthly art crawls, gallery exhibits and so much more.

FESTIVALS

Throughout the year, downtown is the epicenter of numerous celebrations of culture, music and more.

Monthly Tulsa Arts District art crawls Held on the first Friday of every month from 6-9 p.m. in the Tulsa Arts District, the year-round monthly event is a crowd favorite. It features participating art galleries, studios, pop-up artists and museums. Grab dinner, drinks and maybe a towering slice of Antoinette’s pie before experiencing all the art crawls have to offer — from stunning visual art, to street and stage performances, to sometimes even post-Drillers’ game fireworks. Visit thetulsaartsdistrict.org/first-friday-art-crawl for details.

Mayfest This iconic arts festival, which celebrates music, art, food and fun, is held in the Tulsa Arts and Historic Greenwood districts. With more than 140 artists and 40 performers, the goal of this festival is to “keep Tulsa creative.” For details on this year’s Mayfest, visit tulsamayfest.org.

Black Wall Street Rally A motorcycle event held in the Greenwood District, also known as the Black Wall Street of America, the Black Wall Street Rally is an opportunity to experience its rich history. Rally-goers can expect tours, music entertainment, a motorcycle parade and more during a two-day celebration in May each year. Visit blackwallstreetrally.com for details.

Dreamland Festival One of Tulsa’s newest festivals, Dreamland made its inaugural debut in 2022. A celebration of music, art and culture, it was named after the Williams Dreamland Theater, which was destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Led by founder Steph Simon, the intention of Dreamland is to spark creative innovation in the city of Tulsa; it’s a music festival meets tech and art summit. For tickets and future dates, visit stephxsimon.com.

Dia de los Muertos Hosted by Living Arts of Tulsa, Dia de los Muertos Festival is a Latinx celebration honoring loved ones who have died. The festival includes live performances honoring Hispanic and Latinx culture, art displays and food and drink. For more details, visit livingarts.org.

Winterfest A holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy, BOK Center transforms into a winter wonderland from late November to early January. Tulsans can enjoy the outdoor ice rink or take a ride on the Winterfest Express train, which picks up passengers outside of the BOK Center from noon-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Food and drinks are available for purchase. For more information, visit tulsawinterfest.com.

The first Downtown Midweek Market debuted in September 2023 at Chapman Green where shoppers could find a mix of local produce and meats, prepared foods, beverages, artistic goods and live music. A project of Downtown Tulsa Partnership, the Midweek Market will return in 2024.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS

There is much to see and do within Downtown Tulsa’s distinct districts.

Arena District BOK Center has consistently received high-ranking numbers compared to numerous venues in the United States and overseas. Every season, BOK Center and neighboring event space Cox Business Convention Center promises phenomenal experiences for Tulsa.

Blue Dome District The Blue Dome District is one of Tulsa’s favorite entertainment districts. People of all ages flock to the bars, restaurants and venues found among its several blocks.

Cathedral District Downtown Tulsa is home to many beautiful and historic churches, cathedrals and chapels, some of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The district also is home to Tulsa Community College’s Metro Campus where Tulsans can seek higher education. Public Service Co. of Oklahoma is a cornerstone of the district, and a neighboring community partner.

Deco District Downtown Tulsa’s Deco District has some of the greatest examples of art deco architecture in the nation. These cultural treasures bring people from all over to marvel at what some locals may take for granted. Tours led by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture regularly sell out exploring the historical architecture, the underground tunnel system and the beauty of some of Oklahoma’s most notable skyscrapers.

East Village District The East Village District, centered at Third Street and Kenosha Avenue, offers a variety of exciting new residential and commercial opportunities as well as dining and entertainment experiences.

Gunboat Park A mix of family homes, smallerscale apartment buildings and local businesses call this district home. Earning its name from the street pattern that resembles a naval vessel, residents and visitors can find downtown’s only public dog park on its north end.

Historic Greenwood District Dubbed America’s Black Wall Street, the 35-block Greenwood District surrounded the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street and became a prosperous center for commerce in the early 1900s. When the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 destroyed much of the district, the community rebuilt from the ashes. Today, the district showcases its heritage through the Greenwood Cultural Center, the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, and numerous memorials and murals depicting reconciliation and resilience. Greenwood Rising history center opened in 2021 on the 100-year commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Tulsa Arts District The Tulsa Arts District has morphed into an eclectic collection of entertainment, restaurants, offices, retail, residential and arts establishments. Home to the popular Guthrie Green, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa Theater, Bob Dylan Center, Woody Guthrie Center and more, the Tulsa Arts District continues to grow and transform.

Deco District

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE PLAZA

Beyond the loop!

If a downtown area is considered the heart of a city, then the unique pockets and places that surround it become the arteries that help keep everything in a dynamic flow. One could easily say Brookside, Cherry Street, the Pearl District, SoBo and Kendall Whittier represent an eclectic mix of everything from boho to Rodeo Drive, with each having a unique soul of its very own. They, too, are seeing their fair share of revitalization and new construction.

Brookside, or “The Place to Be,” has storefronts featuring both local and national chains seamlessly blend together to create a sense of sophistication while shopping, dining or visiting.

Cherry Street is another staple for those who frequent or live in midtown Tulsa. New construction mingles amid historic structures with boutiques, restaurants and bars ready to welcome guests.

The Pearl District has seen a true polishing. Its bohemian feel is a huge attraction, and renovation of existing buildings seems to be the key. The historic Church Studio opened in March 2022 after a five-year renovation. Additionally, numerous brewery headquarters reside in the area.

South Boston (SoBo) is alive with completed projects like the Brut Hotel plus a recent surge in new restaurants. Here residents and office dwellers mix with visitors at district mainstays DoubleShot Coffee House and Dalesandro’s before a night out at Mercury Lounge.

The Kendall Whittier District is home to Circle Cinema, a vibrant artist community and the home of the Tulsa Farmers’ Market. Abutting the district is Mother Road Market, a nonprofit development featuring more than 20 restaurant and retail business concepts.

REIMAGINING THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Downtown Tulsa Partnership, the City of Tulsa and several private investors are revamping and restoring the Center of the Universe Plaza and Boston Avenue Bridge through the Reimagining the Center of the Universe partnership.

Created in 1983, this iconic city site surrounds an “acoustic anomaly” (as many refer to it) that was born from the ashes of a damaging fire that required reconstruction along the 100-year-old Boston Avenue Bridge. The distinctive space holds nostalgic memories and experiences for many Tulsans, and the city is committed to respecting its history and to maintaining its unique aspects through these improvements. Capital funding and DTP fundraising will cover the repair of the bridge structure and provide partial funding for the plaza improvements including new pathways, lighting, landscaping, public art and more.

The project was approved in December 2019 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed in 2021 with a structural survey conducted by the City of Tulsa. Construction is expected to resume in spring 2024.

MORE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN 2024

Arco 119 E. Sixth St. Built in 1949, this historic building is being transformed into 72 new apartments ranging in size from studio to four-bedroom units. Amenities will include a gym, club room, underground parking, roof deck and in-unit laundry.

Santa Fe Square Elgin Avenue at Second Street Commercial offices are now open and filling up in this 12-story office tower. Work continues on the 189-unit multifamily complex, as well as the 25,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space.

Western Supply 424 N. Boulder Ave. This site will boast a seven-story, 320-unit multifamily development that will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units at workforce and market rates.

Veterans Hospital in Tulsa Progress is being made on the new 58-bed Veterans Hospital which will serve the region’s 114,000-plus veterans and add up to 50 new medical residency slots. This hospital is part of the larger $650 million Oklahoma State University Academic Medical District that also will house a 140,000-square-foot Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center with 106 in-patient beds, doubling Tulsa’s current capacity.

Rendering for the new Center of the Universe Plaza shows improved seating areas and shade structures for the pedestrian bridge.

Tulsa City-County Library

Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL), composed of 24 public libraries throughout Tulsa County, provides informational, educational and recreational resources and services to more than 372,000 registered library cardholders.

The library is a learning center for students of all ages and backgrounds; a safe place to explore information and ideas; employment and business centers for all to use, including underserved populations. Every day, TCCL helps change someone’s life for the better — whether by providing free online tutoring for a student, connecting an entrepreneur to resources for starting a small business or helping parents improve their child’s or their own reading skills to better share stories with their family.

TCCL’s Resource Centers, which include the African American Resource Center, American Indian Resource Center, Hispanic Resource Center and Genealogy Resource Center, provide an array of free resources — from books, music and DVDs to microfiche, vertical files and events. The Digital Literacy Lab and Maker Space, both at Central Library, feature classes and specialized equipment

such as 3D printers, an audio lab, flight simulators, digitization tools and more.

TCCL also offers a multitude of resources, programs and services to promote lifelong learning and help children grow up able to compete globally. Free examples include an online homework assistance service in English and Spanish; the After-School Homework Club; Build A Reader storytimes; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; the annual Young People’s Creative Writing Contest; and an annual Summer Reading Program, to name just a few.

Hundreds of monthly community-led events in more than 40 meeting rooms across the Library system bring community members together by giving local groups and thinkers the chance to convene. From the Seed Library to the Literacy Center’s long-running Conversation Circles series for English language learners, TCCL offers itself up as a communal haven for anyone trying to discover and grow.

To connect Tulsa County with internationally and nationally acclaimed authors and individuals who

represent the diversity of the community, TCCL hosts programs such as: the biennial American Indian Writers Award; the annual Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature; the annual Books To Treasure program; the annual Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award; the biennial Sankofa Freedom Award; and the biennial Hummingbird Award in Literary Arts. Learn more about each award at www.tulsalibrary.org/programs-and-services.

Through a capital campaign, TCCL is seeking to replace the Rudisill, Brookside, Owasso and South Broken Arrow libraries. These new buildings will allow TCCL to expand critical public resources and better connect library users with the opportunity to reach higher and dream bigger. Learn more about this exciting project at www.tulsalibrary.org/ MYlibraryOURfuture.org.

To learn more about TCCL and all the great resources, services and programs it has to offer the community, visit www.tulsalibrary.org or call 918-549-7323

Left: Robotics demonstration in the Maker Space at Central Library. Top right: After-School Homework Club at libraries during school year. Bottom right: Seed Library examples available for check out.

Parks

By Deborah Laker and J.D. Myer

Tulsa is home to parks, trails and green spaces with myriad uses for recreation by its citizens.

RIVER PARKS

Along the Arkansas River are 26 miles of asphalt-surfaced trails, perfect for pedestrians and cyclists. River Parks has varied landscapes from the manicured lawns by the water to the rocky terrain of Turkey Mountain. One of the trails runs through the western perimeter of Gathering Place, linking the two parks.

River Parks is home to the Folds of Honor FreedomFest — Tulsa’s July 4th celebration — and Oktoberfest.

Turkey Mountain has seen numerous recent improvements — from new trails and benches to signage. The wilderness, which sees an estimated 250,000-plus annual visitors, will add over 80 acres to its footprint thanks to a recent grant.

Fishing, rowing and kayaking are some of the other activities available on the river itself. The hundreds of acres that make up River Parks are reserved for wildlife habitation and land preservation. Multiple wildlife sculptures dot the area, along with playgrounds and fountains. riverparks.org

GATHERING PLACE

Gathering Place is Tulsa’s $465 million riverfront park. In its 70 acres, guests can traverse the Chapman Adventure Playground to find towers, slides, climbing features and numerous play gardens. The ONEOK Boathouse holds the Cabinet of Wonder, a collection of eclectic curiosities and thought-provoking displays. Grab a seat on the east-facing deck to catch a view of Peggy’s Pond. Sit with an ice cream inside the Williams Lodge. A robust calendar of events includes everything from children’s storytime under the trees to cultural celebrations and seasonal festivals.

Discovery Lab, a 57,000-square-foot educational center, sits next door to Gathering Place and boasts numerous exhibits and science-based learning opportunities for children of all ages.

This summer will see the opening of Williams Crossing, a $34 million project to connect the east and west banks of the Arkansas River via a pedestrian bridge near East 31st Street and Riverside Drive. gatheringplace.org

TULSA COUNTY PARKS

Eleven sites make up the County-led parks system. On a summer day, Tulsans can be found at Chandler Park grilling hot dogs, sharing picnics and hiking in the scenic westside park, which sits on 192 acres of wooded land between Tulsa and Sand Springs. It houses a community center, splash park, two playgrounds and outdoor basketball courts.

Gathering Place’s ONEOK Boathouse HOPE PLAYGROUND, GATHERING PLACE: MICHELLE POLLARD

Tulsa Zoo

Tulsa Zoo is the region’s largest paid daily attraction, welcoming 700,000 guests to its 84 acres each year.

In 2024, Tulsa Zoo will break ground on its newest project: African Wilds. The 8-acre complex will provide a new, naturalistic home for the zoo’s lions, painted dogs, meerkats and other African species while introducing guests to pygmy hippos and bringing back zebras.

The coming year also will include the completion of the Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve. Tulsa Zoo’s plans are driven in part by an elephant welfare study and evolving husbandry standards, as well as the desire to care for larger and more varied social groupings. Zoo leaders envisioned indoor and outdoor spaces with maximum flexibility for herd management and care around the clock. The new 36,650-square-foot barn with natural substrate flooring, areas for bathing and dedicated staff areas opens spring 2024. In the preserve, elephants will have 10-acres to roam freely. When complete, this reimagined habitat will be one of the largest AZA facilities of its kind in North America.

Tulsa Zoo opened in 1928 with 35 animals and today it cares for nearly 2,000 animals of more than 300 species. Every ticket sold and dollar raised supports its work to educate future generations in supporting wild species and wild spaces. Tulsa Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Fiscal Year 2024 marks the 13th anniversary of Tulsa Zoo Management Inc. public-private partnership with the City of Tulsa.

For more information, visit buildingbeyond.org and tulsazoo.org

In the heart of Tulsa sits LaFortune Park, a 270-acre site that hosts more than 100,000 visitors a year with an 18-hole championship golf course and lighted driving range, the nationally recognized Case Tennis Center with 24 courts, and a 5K trail that encompasses the park. During pleasant weather, the many picnic shelters, baseball fields, playgrounds and fishing ponds are abuzz with activity. tulsacounty.org/parks.

TULSA CITY PARKS

Managed by the Tulsa Parks Department, 135 parks dot Tulsa. Oxley Nature Center resides in Mohawk Park, the largest city park, which boasts the Tulsa Zoo, an 18-hole disc golf course, two golf courses, as well as numerous pavilions, playgrounds and trails.

Six community centers offer Tulsans various amenities such as fitness facilities, pickleball courts, art studios and meeting rooms. The parks department is responsible for the upkeep of 57 miles of walking trails, nearly 100 playgrounds and 227 sports fields. Dog-lovers can be found in the three dog parks around the city. A plethora of water sports facilities — including five swimming pools, 13 water playgrounds and 18 splash pads — offer spots to cool off during an Oklahoma summer. tulsaparks.org

In September 2023, Hope Playground opened at Whiteside Park, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. The inclusive playground is more than wheelchair ramps and accessibility. It is designed with all users in mind, to engage children and adults with a wide range of abilities. “It’s important that all kids, regardless of their abilities, get to have fun and feel happy when they play,” Parks Director Anna America said. “This means getting rid of physical barriers and making sure everyone feels part of the group and can make friends. When we all feel safe and supported, we can build deeper connections with each other and feel like we belong.”

This year Tulsa Zoo will break ground on a new project: African Wilds, which will provide a new home for the zoo’s lions and other African species.

Tourism

By Renee McKenney, President, Tulsa Regional Tourism

“They did not just reach that goal; they blew it out of the water,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, referring to regional tourism’s fiscal year 2022/2023 performance metrics at the Tulsa Regional Tourism annual meeting in November 2023. “This is not just a point of pride for our community; it is having a huge economic impact on our city.”

A large contributor to such success can be culled from the findings in a recent DestinationNEXT study conducted by MMGY NextFactor, an industry-leading consulting firm specializing in travel and tourism. This effort revealed Tulsa’s positive (yet somewhat rare) positioning in the tourism industry as a “trailblazer” locale as destination strength and community alignment both ranked well above average. That is the top right corner for you business matrix connoisseurs.

“We are working together as a region to be the best city that we can be … instead of fighting with each other,” Bynum continued.

In the spirit of said collaboration, Tulsa welcomed Oak View Group — a new management company for BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center — in 2023. Within months of arriving, OVG and Tulsa Regional Tourism workshopped to begin defining new best practices and mapping long-term strategies to keep the two adjacent venues full year-round of top-tier events that will drive economic impact and bolster resident quality of life.

Referring back to this past fiscal year’s stellar metrics, tourism in Tulsa is seeing serious performance and growth, including year-overyear increases and even some “best-ever” numbers. Data released in October 2023 from third-party and industry gold standard Tourism Economics found the following .

In 2022, 9.7 million people (up 3.8% from the previous year) visited Tulsa and spent $1.4 billion (up 12.5% from the previous year), surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. This activity generated a total economic impact of $1.9 billion, according to the annual study. Of the welcomed visitors, 6.4 million were single-

day visitors and 3.3 million were overnight visitors, with increases on both sides.

Visitor activity sustained 12,618 direct jobs in 2022, with an additional 3,134 jobs supported from the indirect and induced impacts of visitor activity — approximately one of every 25 jobs in Tulsa (4%).

Visitor spending, visitor-supported jobs and business sales generated $270 million in government revenues. State and local taxes alone tallied $154 million in 2022. Each household in Tulsa would need to be taxed an

additional $900 to replace the visitor-generated taxes received by state and local governments in 2022.

The number of people choosing to visit our community is on the rise significantly as our destination surpasses notable pre-pandemic successes. And with a continued boom of investment in more “visit-worthy” offerings like lakes and outdoor space, large music venues, local and unique dining options, massive new statues and neon on Route 66, and the revitalization of existing gems within our region, Tulsa and the surrounding area can expect a boom of interest to follow.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Headlines ringing with praise for Tulsa don’t hurt the efforts. Good Housekeeping named Tulsa one of the “15 Best Places to Travel to in February.” Thrillist cited T-Town as one of the “15 Perfect Spring Road Trips for When You Need to Escape Dallas.”

And despite being a high attraction and amenities-concentrated destination, Tulsa’s lower cost barrier continues to provide a desirable narrative for itself, including a “Best Family Vacation Ideas: Most Affordable Cities for Families” headline from Forbes Advisor. The good news doesn’t stop at the top-level; in the last year, TripAdvisor highlighted Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center as one of the “8 Black Culture and History Museums to Visit Across the U.S.” while Mother Road Market and Tulsa Oktoberfest made it into USA Today’s 10Best lists for top food hall and Oktoberfest, respectively, with the former taking the No. 1 spot in the nation.

These numbers reflect the hard work and strategic focus of Tulsa Regional Tourism — the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s destination marketing organization — to attract visitors to our city.

Housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Regional Tourism is an umbrella organization that includes Visit Tulsa, the leisure marketing leg; the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau, the hobby and professional events segment; the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, an accredited film commission; and the Tulsa Sports Commission, which markets Tulsa as a destination for pro and amateur sporting events.

Tulsa Regional Tourism assists in the community’s bidding for and hosting of signature events such as the Bassmaster Classic, NCAA Division I and Big 12 Wrestling Championships, USA BMX Grand Nationals, USA Gymnastics Championship, PGA Championship, the Arabian Horse Association’s U.S. Nationals, the Pinto Horse Association World Championship Show, the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals indoor car racing, the SeneGence International Evolve Seminar, and many more events and conferences.

For the fiscal year 2022/2023, the total economic impact metrics of the conferences and events our city hosted was more than $183 million (direct) and $317 million (total). More than 201,000 hotel room nights were booked against a goal of 140,000. Tulsa Regional Tourism brought in 371 event sales leads to the region, well surpassing a goal of 260. As in previous years, the best news is that we are continuing to add to our tourism portfolio as a region. 2024 includes yet another packed schedule of quality events, including the Chili Bowl Nationals, the Oklahoma FFA Annual Convention (year three of five), the Bassmaster Classic, the World Breaking Classic, and multiple USA BMX and equine events, to name a few.

Beyond sports and large conferences, Tulsa’s reputation as a hub for creativity thrives. To better support our growing creative community, Tulsa FMAC maintains a regional creativity database and promotes Tulsa’s assets at events like South by Southwest and the Sundance Film Festival.

For film, Tulsa continues to make MovieMaker Magazine’s Best Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker, reaching No. 19 on the list of Large Cities of the top 25 in North America (graduating from the Small Cities and Towns list) in 2023. FY 2022/2023 proved film and television’s value as a source for economic development (in addition to as a tourism draw)

with 33 projects over 376 production days, close to $21 million in local spending, and 184 local crew put to work. The productions themselves continually provided prominent tourism interest in the region, headlined by incredible Indigenous projects, including the highly-praised “Reservation Dogs,” “Fancy Dance” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

And in true Tulsa fashion, collaboration resurfaces again as the key. Tulsa FMAC has kicked off unprecedented levels of communication and joint efforts with adjacent film offices, including Cherokee Film, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, and OKC Film and Creative Industries to lead with the-sum-is-greater-than-the-parts

PHILBROOK: MICHELLE POLLARD; TULSA DRILLER: GREG BOLLINGER

Our Neighbors

By Staff

BIXBY

Booming with new housing developments, Bixby continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.

Along with the well-rounded Bixby Public Schools system, the 114-acre Bentley Sports Complex is one of the most all-encompassing youth parks in Oklahoma, featuring baseball, softball, soccer, rodeo grounds, a playground and a splash pad.

In 2022, the $30 million Iconik Bixby downtown development project was announced. It will include luxury apartments, a parking structure and retail space.

BROKEN ARROW

Broken Arrow, the second largest city in Tulsa County, is home to the pedestrian-friendly Rose District.

The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center is a 1,500-seat venue that hosts local professional shows and touring performers, in addition to all the concerts and productions put on by Broken Arrow Public Schools’ fine arts program.

Broken Arrow Senior High School is the largest high school in Oklahoma, aside from virtual charter schools. It is home to the Pride of Broken Arrow, one of the foremost competitive marching bands in the country.

In 2023, BA broke ground on Elam Park, a reimagined 40-plus acre park in the southwest corner of the city. The park will include an adaptive playground, food truck park and more.

JENKS

Jenks is full of the personable charm, hospitality and a quaint atmosphere typical in small town USA. One can get a taste of this just strolling down Main Street, shopping for treasures in its many antique shops, or chatting with friends at local cafes.

The Jenks Public School system is highly regarded, and its high school is known for strong athletic programs.

The suburb has a booming housing market with many homes near amenities like Riverwalk, a dining and entertainment destination, as well as South Lakes Golf Course.

OWASSO

Northeast of Tulsa is the friendly and thriving city of Owasso. Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa is just a short drive away. American Airlines, Macy’s Distribution Center and Whirlpool Corp. are Owasso’s largest employers.

Owasso is home to three golf courses: Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a 400-acre public course; Owasso Golf and Athletic Club, an 18-hole course on about 145 acres; and The Patriot Golf Club, named by Golfweek as one of the nation’s top modern courses in 2017.

SAND SPRINGS

Sand Springs is a bustling community with nearly 20,000 residents.

Located within a short drive to Keystone Lake and just a stone’s throw away from the Arkansas

River, Sand Springs is an idyllic location for those who love to fish or spend a day out on the water. Its economy is proudly based on the promotion of small businesses; however, it is also home to Webco Industries, one of North America’s largest suppliers of industrial tubing products.

SAPULPA

Sapulpa was founded as a trading post in 1850 by Chief Sapulpa of the Kasihta tribe. Fifty years later, oil was discovered just six miles away, and the resulting economic boom put the town on the map. The town’s history includes a thriving manufacturing industry and is well-known regionally as a producer of brick and glass. Perhaps best known of its local companies is Frankoma Pottery, famous for its distinctive use of local red clay.

Sapulpa’s downtown features many buildings designed by Belgian architect Joseph Foucart, known for several notable buildings in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

To the delight of Route 66 enthusiasts, the heart of Sapulpa contains several miles of the original two-lane road.

Broken Arrow’s Rose District BROKEN ARROW: ANNE BROCKMAN; LOREN: TIM LANDES

Tulsa’s Native Heritage

By Kristi Eaton and Tim Landes

Tulsa sits at the confluence of three tribal nations: Muscogee, Cherokee and Osage.

In the 1830s, a group of Muscogee arrived in Indian Territory from their ancestral lands of present-day Georgia and Alabama. They created a new town called Talasi that would later transform into Tulsa.

Since then, the City of Tulsa and the tribal nations have created a shared idea toward prosperity.

“The City of Tulsa works hand in hand with tribal governments on a variety of projects to further develop the Tulsa community. Mayor G.T. Bynum thinks the world of the tribal leaders we have in the Cherokee, Muscogee and Osage Nations as they have been incredibly important collaborators with him during his time as mayor, and they will continue to be in the future,” the City of Tulsa said in a prepared statement.

The City Council’s Tribal Nations Relations Committee promotes direct dialogue between the City Council and the tribes to better serve the citizens they are all elected to represent.

“In these modern times, particularly the past couple of decades, the relationship has just become so positive over time, producing so many great results for Cherokee Nation and the City of Tulsa,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.

Cherokee Nation, he notes, has been heavily involved in food security and works with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the Tulsa Area United Way and the Tulsa Dream Center, among other organizations.

In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Congress never “disestablished” Muscogee Nation’s reservation status, and overturned the conviction of Jimcy McGirt, who was retried in federal court and sentenced to life. This means offenders who are Indigenous can face federal charges depending on the crime. Because the City of Tulsa sits on three tribal reservations, many local law enforcement officers are cross-deputized with tribal police departments.

Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States with more than 450,000 citizens — 141,000-plus within the nation’s boundaries in Oklahoma — and is one of the largest employers in the region, offering numerous career opportunities through Cherokee Nation Businesses. Cherokee Nation also partners with the local municipalities through its career services program to help fill jobs at large business operations like the Macy’s Fulfillment Center and Amazon Distribution Center.

Cherokee Film — which includes a film commission, film productions, film studios and film institute — incentivizes productions to film in the area. In August 2023 the tribe announced an expansion to its existing 27,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art soundstage in Owasso.

Speaking of film and television, 2023 saw the release of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” with critical acclaim for the film

telling the story of the Reign of Terror in Osage Nation.

There’s also local filmmaker Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee), who co-created the highly acclaimed FX Networks show “Reservation Dogs.” Its three seasons were filmed in the area and created more than $50 million in economic impact, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.

In early 2023 Osage Nation officials broke ground on Wahzhazhe Connect, a $54.5 million broadband expansion project that will dramatically increase internet connectivity throughout the Osage Nation service area.

In fiscal year 2019, Oklahoma tribes accounted for an economic impact of $15.6 billion, supported 113,442 jobs in the state and paid $5.4 billion in wages and benefits, according to the Oklahoma Native Impact Report.

Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film, at the August 2023 groundbreaking for a 10,000-square-foot expansion for its Owasso campus.

Transportation

By Patricia Dinoa, INCOG Principal Transportation Planner; and Jane Ziegler, INCOG Senior Transportation Planner

In 2024, INCOG will be updating two regional plans, the GO Plan (the regional bicycle/ pedestrian masterplan) and the Local Road Safety Plan.

Since INCOG adopted the GO Plan in 2015, followed by the City of Tulsa adoption in 2017, the city has implemented approximately 60 miles of bike lane infrastructure and filled in many more miles of sidewalk gaps. This plan still provides a blueprint at the planning level for regional connectivity.

Since 2015, best practices for implementation of on-street bicycle infrastructure as well as transportation technology has changed. The goal of the 2024 update is to create safer streets by designing and implementing public right-of-way that accommodates all ages and abilities and all forms of transportation.

In 2022, with assistance from Federal Highway Administration, INCOG developed and adopted the regional Local Road Safety Plan to address safety on locally owned roads in the INCOG region. Plan development was coordinated with several parties over an 18-month period. The process included setting a regional vision and goals to target fatality and injury reduction as well as data collection and analysis. The Safety Plan made it possible for the participating communities and INCOG to apply and receive Safe Streets for All grant funds for implementation. Part of the funds received is to develop a Supplemental Local Road Safety Action Plan that will enhance and update the existing safety plan. The SAP will enable INCOG to develop an equitable approach for future federal, state and local funding decisions related to road users’ safety with a focus on the underserved communities and disparities mitigation. The SAP also will address existing policies, guidelines and standards for opportunities to prioritize safety and to grow the culture of transportation safety in the region.

INCOG’s Travel With Care program is funded through the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and includes many facets. In 2023, Travel With Care posted educational commercials on Facebook and YouTube that included safety

1

The City of Tulsa has implemented approximately 60 miles of bike lanes over the past seven years.

MICHELLE POLLARD

messages such as “yield to pedestrians,” “school bus safety” and “child car seat safety.” In addition to videos and safety messages on Facebook and Instagram, Travel With Care attended numerous public events in the City of Tulsa to talk with kids and adults about bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle and vehicle safety.

In 2016, City of Tulsa voters approved a local tax package to support Bus Rapid Transit investments, including the Peoria Bus Rapid Transit line. Bus Rapid Transit (branded as AERO) is a premium fixed-route bus service that provides convenient, frequent and reliable bus service with limited stops and shorter wait times at each station. This project was completed and began operations in 2019. The second BRT is planned to travel east-west, on a combination of 11th and 21st streets, including much of Route 66. This project has been designed.

Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority is actively pursuing funds to construct and operate the RT66 BRT service by 2025.

In August 2023, MTTA launched its new micro-transit service, which is an on-demand, adaptable and more personalized alternative to traditional fixed-route public transportation. The service operates in “zones,” which vary by day and time. Combined, these projects will foster economic development and significantly improve the mobility needs of all Tulsans.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa opened in 1971 and is located five miles from Tulsa. Oklahoma is linked to national and international ports with 445 miles of waterway, which is easily accessible by the interstate highway system. The port industrial complex covers 2,000 acres and is home to 70-plus companies employing more than 2,600 people. More than 2 million tons of cargo are shipped through the port annually on 1,000 barges. The Port of Catoosa has an annual economic impact of over $300 million to Oklahoma.

Tulsa International Airport was established in 1928 encompassing more than 4,000 acres just 10 minutes northeast of downtown Tulsa. It presently covers 4,360 acres and operates

with three runways, along with parallel and connecting taxiways that provide aircraft access to the airport terminal and other airport facilities. Air carrier, general aviation, military and air taxi aircraft utilize these runways. The airport plays an important role in the economic vitality of the region, providing not only commercial benefits (moving more than 60,000 tons of cargo each year), but also service for

business and leisure travelers. More than 3 million passengers travel through the airport each year.

INCOG will continue to collaborate with its regional partners to create safer roads for all modes of transportation to decrease traffic crashes and fatalities, and to efficiently move goods and services between and through the Tulsa metropolitan region.

1 2023 IS YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL THROUGH OCTOBER

SOURCE: TULSA PORT OF CATOOSA. COMPILED

Demographics

By Barbara Gibson, Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG)

The Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area is made up of Tulsa County and six surrounding counties: Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Rogers and Wagoner. According to the Census Bureau, the 2022 population estimate for the Tulsa MSA was 1,034,123 — an increase of over 96,000 people since 2010, achieving the 1-million-person count necessary for the designation as one of the nation’s major metropolitan areas. This benchmark of over a million people is important for economic development opportunities. Tulsa County claims over 65% of the MSA population, with a population estimate of 677,358 in 2022.

The City of Tulsa’s 2010 population was reported by the Census Bureau to be 391,906. The 2022 population estimate for Tulsa shows the city growing by over 19,000 people to a total of 411,867. Many of Tulsa’s neighboring communities have continued to grow as well. Reports for surrounding communities, based on 2022 Census estimates, list population in Bixby, 29,800; Broken Arrow, 117,911; Collinsville, 8,840; Glenpool, 14,211; Jenks, 27,141; Owasso, 39,328; Sand Springs, 20,031; and Sapulpa, 22,580.

The most recent data from the American Community Survey 2022 reports the City of Tulsa’s population has grown by 5% since 2010. The white race group has declined by more than 14% over the past 10 years as a percent of the total city population. The race group of African American also has seen a decline over the decade by 3.6%. The race group categories of American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Races and Two or more races have significantly increased in the 10year time span. These shifts in the racial makeup of the City’s population are partially due to the way in which people identified with the change in the race categories when filling out their census forms. All minority groups together represent over 45% of the City of Tulsa population. The Hispanic community accounts for 18% of the City’s population with an increase of 36% since 2010.

POPULATION DENSITY TULSA COUNTY BLOCK GROUPS

PERSONS PER SQ MILE

0 TO 1,894

1,895 TO 3,655

3,656 TO 5,462

5,463 TO 8,019

8,020 OR GREATER

CITY OF TULSA BY RACE AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION 2022 CENSUS DATA

WHITE NON-HISPANIC – 51.3%

HISPANIC OR LATINO (OF ANY RACE) – 18.2%

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN NON-HISPANIC – 14.5%

AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE NON-HISPANIC – 3.7%

ASIAN NON-HISPANIC – 3.1%

NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER NON-HISPANIC – 0.2%

SOME OTHER RACE NON-HISPANIC – 0.4%

TWO OR MORE RACES – 8.6%

SOURCE: US BUREAU OF THE CENSUS AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 2022 1-YEAR DATA FILE

Housing

By Kristi Eaton

As of November 2023, Tulsa has seen nearly 450 new homes constructed, a record number of home starts within the year.

Michael Skates, director of development services for the City of Tulsa, said there are many different reasons for the record number of home starts, including money from the American Rescue Plan, and the city being friendly toward development.

“I’d like to hope that a lot of it is the synergy the City of Tulsa has created throughout the community, the region, the state and nationally for low cost of living (and) a great place to live, work and play,” he said.

Most of the new construction is happening in east, south and west Tulsa, Skates said.

“We’re seeing a revitalization happening in north Tulsa, and a lot of that is different types of housing,” Skates said. “But as far as new subdivisions, we have a few in north Tulsa. They’re smaller in nature, some in midtown … but the larger subdivisions again are in east, south and west Tulsa.”

Skates said there’s a variety of housing sizes being built, largely due to the shortage of housing in the city.

A 2023 study examining housing in the city by Housing Solutions of Tulsa showed that a projected 12,900 units of all types and price points are needed over the next 10 years to meet demand and support equitable growth. Current, pent-up demand accounts for approximately 4,000 of these units.

The report noted housing is needed in Tulsa across the affordability spectrum.

“(To) substantially reduce housing vulnerability, the city needs to more than double its supply of dedicated affordable housing units, while also seeking to preserve existing naturally occurring affordable housing,” the report stated.

According to the report, the median home sale price in Tulsa increased by more than 40% from 2018-2022, or from $130,000 to $187,000. The average days-on-market decreased from 38 days to 12 days during the same period.

Meanwhile, the median price for new construction homes increased to $437,000, putting it out of reach for many moderate-income households. Monthly rents also increased substantially from 2018-2022 — from $726 to $885, a 22% increase.

The report stated there are many factors that have contributed to the tightening of Tulsa’s housing market. “The ease of working from home, especially post-COVID has allowed many households to move out of states like California and Texas where the cost of living is much higher,” the report stated. “This trend is adding pressure on the existing inventory and driving up the prices.”

Additionally, increasing construction costs contribute significantly to the rising prices/rents and limited availability.

According to the report, “Prices of construction materials have skyrocketed in the last two years which adds to the cost of building a new home.”

The City of Tulsa is working to address the housing crisis. In late 2022, Mayor G.T. Bynum announced a two-year $500 Million Housing Challenge goal. By November 2023, the City had exceeded the goal in under one year capturing all types of housing projects (new construction, renovations, conversions) and a variety of single-family, multifamily and everything in-between. The City is also planning to provide affordable housing project developers with a concierge service when it comes

to zoning and permitting. A service historically reserved only for the very largest industrial projects will now extend to affordable housing project developers to build additional capacity for private sector partners to help Tulsa meet its housing needs. And in the past few years, the City has revolutionized its role in combating homelessness with more than 20 initiatives now underway to address the issue.

Other areas in northeast Oklahoma also are seeing a record number of home starts, including Broken Arrow, Wagoner, Bixby and Claremore, which recently conducted its own housing market analysis. Claremore’s report indicated the Rogers County seat — which typically saw about 144 new housing units constructed each year over the past five years — has a current demand of 451 housing units annually.

Utilities

By Utility Sources

Reliable sources of electricity, natural gas and water are essential to a community’s quality of life. Tulsa’s utility needs are met by dedicated providers attuned to the future.

WATER

The City of Tulsa supplies drinking water to approximately 141,700 metered accounts in the City and more than 670,000 people in the metropolitan area. Treatment plants, distribution lines and other infrastructure have been built and upgraded over the years to keep pace with Tulsa’s growing need for high quality drinking water. Tulsa’s water delivery system is ready to handle future needs, with a treatment capacity of 220 million gallons per day. Average daily use is 113 million gallons per day.

As part of the City’s ongoing mission to provide residents the highest quality water and sewer service, more than 145,000 residential water meters will be upgraded over the next four years with new automated water meters. The replacement of City water metering equipment is part of True Reads, a joint program that also involves inspection of service line material to ensure the system is free of lead pipes. Pairing these two projects together ultimately saves money and allows the City to be as efficient as possible to meet customer expectations.

NATURAL GAS

Serving Tulsa since 1906, Oklahoma Natural Gas provides natural gas distribution services to more than 900,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oklahoma. Committed to delivering natural gas for a better tomorrow, Oklahoma Natural Gas provides a reliable and affordable energy source to customers that improves the quality of life in Oklahoma communities and helps local economies thrive. Oklahoma Natural Gas is a division of Tulsabased ONE Gas Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100% regulated natural gas distribution company serving more than 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

TULSA UTILITY COSTS / TYPICAL MONTHLY BILL

1 ONLY A MINORITY OF VOLUMES ARE SOLD DIRECTLY BY THE LOCAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANY TO THE END-USERS.

LARGE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FOR SPECIFIC COSTS.

MOST VOLUMES ARE TRANSPORTED, MEANING OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTS THE GAS TO CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE THE GAS FROM A THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIER.

2 WATER AND SEWER RATES ARE BASED ON COST PER THOUSAND GALLONS. ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY APPLY. RATES DO NOT INCLUDE MONTHLY METER CHARGES, WHICH DEPEND ON THE SIZE OF THE METER. RATES AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023.

SOURCES: U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION AND CITY OF TULSA WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT, 2023.

REPORT PREPARED BY RESEARCH CENTER, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

ELECTRICITY

Public Service Company of Oklahoma serves nearly 573,000 customers in 232 communities with safe, reliable, affordable power.

PSO is part of the American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) family, one of the nation’s largest utility companies. In Oklahoma, PSO and AEP employees total 1,600, including some 1,100 in the Tulsa area.

In 2023, PSO and the AEP Foundation fostered a partnership with Food On The Move, the Tulsa nonprofit dedicated to transforming food deserts. The AEP Foundation made a $100,000 donation to Food On The Move’s Urban Farm campaign, and PSO contributed a high-tech container garden being used to grow fresh produce year-round.

In May, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved PSO’s Fuel-Free Power Plan, which will add 995.5 megawatts of nameplate power to PSO’s portfolio and further protect customers against high natural gas prices.

Straight-line winds over 100 mph damaged more than 1,000 Tulsa homes on June 18, 2023, leaving more than 204,000 PSO customers without power. PSO marshalled a small army of more than 4,100 lineworkers, foresters and field support workers, including crews from 18 states, to restore power safely and quickly.

In September, PSO was named Veteran Employer of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Alliance.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Tulsa-based Public Service Company of Oklahoma — the electric company for more than 573,000 customers in 232 communities across the state — is dedicated to serving its customers with reliable, affordable power.

Weathering the storm: That pledge was put to the test on Father’s Day weekend 2023, when a powerful storm with straight line winds over 100 mph struck Tulsa, tearing mature trees from the ground, destroying homes and severely damaging the PSO electrical grid in metropolitan Tulsa. More than 204,000 customers lost power, the second largest outage in recent PSO history.

PSO quickly marshalled a small army of more than 4,100 lineworkers, foresters and other front-line personnel from its own ranks and utility companies across the nation to deal with the challenge safely and as quickly as possible. In January, PSO’s efforts were honored internationally with the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Response Award, which recognizes exemplary recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following extreme

weather or other natural events.

Empowering growth: PSO is also on the front line of economic development for communities throughout its service area. Recently, the Tulsa Regional Chamber honored PSO and Economic and Business Development Manager Garrett Wright with its economic partner of the year award. Described as the biggest economic development deal in Oklahoma history, the Enel project will be built on land formerly owned by PSO and donated to the port for economic development projects. PSO will provide power for the plant, which is expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs when it begins production in mid-2026.

Future energy: PSO has more than 4,300 megawatts of diverse generating capacity that primarily includes wind and natural gas.

In 2023, PSO’s Fuel-Free Power Plan was approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The six wind and solar projects will add nearly 1,000 megawatts of new power to PSO’s portfolio and result in lower customer

With nearly 1,700 employees — 1,100 in the Tulsa area alone — PSO has the workforce and the experience to safely deliver reliable, affordable power to Tulsa’s homes and businesses.

bills starting in mid-2026. To further support its customers’ needs, PSO continues to grow its power portfolio, seeking additional energy from all sources.

Corporate citizen: American Electric Power’s Feeding Communities initiative focuses on food and housing security across AEP’s 11-state footprint. As part of that effort, PSO partnered with Tulsa-based Food On The Move and its effort to fight food deserts and the legacy issues created by living without food security. In April, PSO and EPRI donated a high-tech container garden that produces fresh produce for Food On The Move’s Community Food and Resource Festivals. In August, AEP Foundation, a charitable private foundation of AEP and its operating subsidiaries, including PSO, donated $100,000 to Food On The Move’s Urban Farm project, which will produce 180,000 pounds of fresh produce a year.

PSO is your electric company … powering a cleaner, brighter energy future.

Learn more at psoklahoma.com

Environmental Management

By Michael Patton, Land Legacy

How a community respects the natural world is a sign of commitment to the health of the citizens and the Earth. Larger cities sometimes struggle to offer green space for mental health and exercise, or cannot guarantee clean water and healthy air. Often a community runs out of resources or space to do the simplest things like trash disposal. Adding to these are citizen demands for more and wider roads and continual work to convert open land into housing and environmental management becomes much trickier.

2023 showed Tulsa has excellent green space for all people. The City of Tulsa maintains 135 parks and trails encompassing over 6,500 acres. Voters approved Improve Our Tulsa, which included over $32 million in park investments. Tulsa County owns and maintains signature parks and multiple golf courses. River Parks Authority maintains trails and festival sites for 26 miles of riverfront and operates an urban wilderness of 600 acres at Turkey Mountain. Gathering Place, a privately funded 66-acre park, has seen 11.4 million visitors since it opened in 2018.

Water can be a second challenge to manage in a large community. Early Tulsa leaders saw the need for clean drinking water and made the decision to impound water and build a 50mile pipeline to Tulsa that opened in November 1924. Tulsa also has continually supported bond issues to maintain and build water treatment and delivery to all parts of the metro area. 2023 was a good year for Tulsa water. No violations from the state or the federal government again helps Tulsa be the leader in the region for drinking water quality. The biggest water-related changes to Tulsa involves the Arkansas River. Voters in 2016 approved monies that are being used to create a new lake and whitewater channel along the Arkansas River that should open in summer 2024.

Tulsa has had an exemplary voluntary air quality program for many years and has managed to stay below the regulatory limits and off the “dirty air list” despite the larger areas around us in non-attainment. INCOG leads education efforts

and Tulsa Transit provides free rides during the difficult air months of July and August. In 2023 Tulsa airshed saw 17 exceedances in the year and now two of the five monitors show a threeyear average over the limits. The exceedances are for less than 3 parts per billion so 2024 will see a renewed effort to do more.

Tulsa does not struggle with trash disposal. Residential households are offered carts for trash and recycling picked up the same day. Nonprofits like Metropolitan Environmental Trust offer 24-hour drop-off centers and conducts special events for trickier items. When weather events happen like the freak windstorm on

Father’s Day June 18, the City of Tulsa offers free debris pickup for every neighborhood. Tulsa officials in 2023 signed a 15-year extension for waste-to-energy services at a rate of under $27 a ton. Each of these actions have helped keep Tulsa trash rates affordable.

Environmental management will always be a challenge for communities. It is difficult to offer the services people want while also providing and funding other public needs. If the past is an indication of how Tulsa leaders will respond, then expect Tulsa to continue to grow and protect the natural environment at the same time.

The Mr. Murph automatic sorting machine at 1150 N. Peoria Ave. is a $13 million investment in north Tulsa that sorts recyclables received from City of Tulsa residential carts, as well as nearby suburbs.

American Waste Control

Tulsa’s Murph 2.0 recycling facility took on its first holiday rush since its upgrade. The facility is now equipped with state-of-the-art AI Robotics and advanced Optical Sorters, which makes it Oklahoma’s most technologically advanced recycling facility and the state’s most advanced materials recovery facility (MRF). Mr. Murph 2.0 is a new system that can process 33 percent more recyclables (53,000 lbs per hour) with improved performance to handle mixed recyclables within a 100-mile radius of Tulsa.

American Waste Control, the company that runs the facility, has big plans to educate the next generation of recyclers. Recently they have launched the “Feed Mr. Murph” game (iOS & Play), which is a fun and interactive way to teach children about the importance of recycling. The game is well received with over 1,000 downloads.

When you recycle with American Waste Control’s Feed Mr. Murph program, 95% of the recyclables stay in Oklahoma and 100% stay within the United States. This supports Oklahoma jobs and

the economy and serves as a model for keeping recyclables domestically. To schedule a tour of the facility or learn more about what is accepted and not accepted in the Mr. Murph program, visit FeedMrMurph.com

Oklahoma Disaster Restoration

Oklahoma Disaster Restoration (ODR) is a familyowned and operated business in Tulsa. Founded in 1988, ODR employs technicians who are certified in disaster restoration and reconstruction services.

“Our company utilizes state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and a highly trained staff for perils such as fire, water, sewer, mold and bio-hazard,” says Jay Stokes, president and co-owner of ODR with his wife, Tammy Stokes, who is general manager. “We do personal property restoration and reconstruction on homes that have been through those perils.”

Oklahoma Disaster Restoration offers:

Rapid Response Disaster Mitigation: The ODR team responds to calls within an hour, 24 hours a day. Callers talk to a live person with the experience to guide them through what can otherwise be a traumatic situation. We are a first responder for your disaster!

Quality Workmanship: ODR’s team is highly skilled in treating water and smoke damaged items, and offers a commitment to satisfaction and happiness with the outcome.

The Right Contractor: ODR can work as the general contractor to assume clients receive quality repairs to their home or and less down time for their business. It is a second-generation owned company that adheres to these core values: perseverance, integrity, compassion, urgency, and stewardship.

Commercial Restoration: ODR is the one to call for your business property needs, too. Our seasoned project managers have the experience to put a business back together quickly with less down time. ODR also helps small and medium businesses plan ahead by setting up Emergency Response Plans (using its app ODR Zero Hour) to prepare for unexpected disasters. ODR helps you keep your business open.

“The difference is in our people and company culture. ODR is a great company for our employees. We invest in our team making our members more valuable to us, their families, and our customers,” notes Tammy Stokes.

6565 E. 42nd St. | 918-992-4ODR okdisaster.com

Jay and Tammy Stokes

Robert Pickens, Vice President of Recycling for American Waste Control, standing in front of Tulsa’s only materials recovery facility, Mr. Murph, in North Tulsa.

TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

70.7% of graduating students complete TCC debt-free

Education

By Christopher Payne, Union Public Schools

2 out of 3 Tulsans have interacted with TCC

In 2023, Oklahoma legislators announced a historic $625 million recurring investment in public education, including $286 million for teacher pay raises. In addition to investments in rural schools and a pilot program to enhance safety and security, lawmakers also provided an income-based tax credit for parents of private school students, up to $7,500 per child.

Oklahoma ranks 11th in the nation with more than 3,117 teachers who are National Board Certified. The state continues to be a leader in universal pre-K and is ranked third among states with the highest enrollment of 4-yearolds (65%). Tulsa County serves 128,514 students (pre-K-12th) in 14 districts: Berryhill, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Keystone, Liberty, Owasso, Sand Springs, Skiatook, Sperry, Tulsa and Union

public schools. Graduation rates in the Tulsa region improved by 4% from 2017-2021, with 87% of high school students graduating on time after four years. Ninety high school seniors in northeastern Oklahoma were recently named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists.

Tulsa Public Schools is the largest school district in the state, serving more than 33,000 students in grades K-12 across 78 schools and charter partner sites. In 2023, Booker T. Washington High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School for the fourth time by the U.S. Department of Education. TPS has 45 schools offering free full-day pre-K programs. The district also offers a wealth of language enrichment options at 11 schools, including one- and two-way language programs (English and Spanish), as well as language immersion

90% of students remain in the Tulsa MSA after finishing their time at TCC tulsacc.edu

TCC is the 3rd largest college in the state

At Tulsa Public Schools’ Hale High School, roughly 100 students participate each year in the school’s culinary arts program. In 2022, TPS launched Pathways to Opportunities, a career-ready program that prepares students for professions after graduation.

MICHELLE POLLARD

Holland Hall

Holland Hall celebrated its anniversary in 2022, and its mission is the same as it was when it began — to provide a school “where each student may receive individual attention, within reach of any citizen of Tulsa.”

Holland Hall’s intentionally small-scale approach assures teachers truly know who their students are and where their strengths and passions lie.

“Students find it all at Holland Hall, and every student can find a place to excel,” says Assistant Head for Enrollment Management Justin Butler ‘O4. Holland Hall students see an average score of 1360 on the SAT and 27 on the ACT.

Historically, 100% of graduates who apply are accepted to a four-year college and 90% of graduates receive some form of college scholarship.

Holland Hall students have opportunities beyond the classroom, too. The Upper School offers 62 different art courses, 18 individual and team sports, and more than 30 clubs.

A Holland Hall education may be more affordable than expected. More than 31% of all students receive some form of tuition assistance.

“We believe the best way to learn what makes Holland Hall different is to visit our 167-acre

campus and see for yourself,” Butler says. In addition to private tours, the school offers open houses on “Welcome Wednesdays.”

To learn more, visit hollandhall.org/admission or email justin.butler@hollandhall.org.

Class of 2023

Last year’s senior class went to 58 colleges or universities across the United States and internationally.

Students were admitted to Austin College, Baylor University, Boston College, Brandeis University, Brigham Young University, Case Western Reserve University, Colorado College, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Dartmouth College, Emerson College, Fordham University, Furman University, Hampton University, Hendrix University, High Point University, Howard University, IE University — Madrid, Spain, Iowa Western Community College, Johns Hopkins University, Kansas City Art Institute, Missouri University of Science and Technology, New York University, Northern Arizona University, Northumbria University — U.K., Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Wesleyan Univer-

sity, Olin College of Engineering, Oral Roberts University, Purdue University, Samford University, Sewanee: University of the South, Skidmore College, Southern Methodist University, Southwest Baptist University, St. John’s College — Santa Fe, Texas Christian University, The University of Alabama, The University of Montana, The University of Texas at Austin, Trinity University, Trinity Valley Community College, Tulsa Community College, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Kansas, University of Mississippi, University of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of Tulsa, Washburn University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Wichita State University.

The Admission Office can answer questions about admission and tuition assistance. To register for an open house or to take a private tour, call 918-481-1111 or visit hollandhall. org/admission

Metro Christian Academy

“We like to say around here that you can tell a lot about something by its name,” says Keith Currivean, Ph.D., Head of School at Metro Christian Academy. “Metro is where we are, Academy is what we are, and Christian is who and how and why we are.”

Located on a 60-acre campus in the heart of Tulsa at East 63rd Street and South Trenton Avenue, Metro Christian Academy is an independent Christian school serving students age 3 through 12th grade.

They’re all under one roof but with distinct areas for preschool, elementary, middle and high school.

In addition to robust academic programs, Metro offers activities for students of all ages including 11 varsity sports, robotics, leadership, missions and fine arts classes like studio art, drama and band.

At the heart of Metro is a sense of community. Students, parents, faculty and staff work together to educate and nurture students to reach their full potential. “We work to develop this culture in which everyone knows who you are,” says Athletic Director Adam Taylor. “You are somebody here. You are someone important.”

Visit metroca.com or call 918-745-9868 for details on curriculum, activities and more.

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(French and Spanish). In 2023, 106 seniors from nine schools graduated with the district’s Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages. TPS has seven lottery magnet schools that require student application and acceptance, as well as five magnet schools that are criteriabased, meaning applicants must meet academic requirements. The Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, a national Blue-Ribbon School (2015) serving grades 6-12, is among six districtauthorized charter options. The district also offers seven specialized alternative schools.

In October 2023, Monroe Demonstration Academy received a $100,000 Farm to School grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with $30,000 in matching funds. This enables local nonprofit Food on the Move to expand at the school from traditional outdoor gardening beds to hydroponics and aquaponics, which includes raising freshwater fish and shrimp.

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Union High School’s Rebecka Peterson was named 2023 National Teacher of the Year.

Tulsa Tech

Make Your Own Path

Tulsa Tech is the region’s leader in career and technical education and part of Oklahoma’s highly acclaimed CareerTech system. Tulsa Tech provides quality training annually to high school and adult students and is a dedicated partner for nearly a thousand companies and their employees at six campus locations and several satellite training sites.

Training Your Team: For over 50 years, Tulsa Tech’s Workforce Training and Development team has honed their skills and found solutions for businesses across a variety of industries. The team of professionals understands that one size does not fit all, and thus, it tailors training to meet your specific business needs.

Matt Litterell, Workforce Training and Development Director, explains, “What sets our training apart is we can come to you. Our knowledgeable trainers bring their experience to your location, ensuring your employees receive training in their familiar work environment.”

Yet, these offerings extend beyond the technical realm. Tulsa Tech is proud to present companies with flexible training and consulting options for safety, leadership and entrepreneurial classes. Tulsa Tech believes in nurturing not only skilled professionals but also dynamic leaders, contributing to the growth of our state and regional economy.

Top Tier Talent: If you are looking to hire the best, Tulsa Tech also has thousands of students with unique skills in more than 80 different career fields. From manufacturing to aviation and health care to IT, Tulsa Tech students have the skills to make an immediate impact.

Students earn industry certifications and develop the professional skills to work and live in a modern, multi-generational workforce. Through participation in CareerTech student organizations, these future employees gain leadership and critical teamwork and communication skills to make them stand out inside any team.

Recruiting the Best: While reaching the best talent for your company or organization can be difficult, Tulsa Tech offers students and employers a one-stop resource for hiring at HireTulsaTechGrads.com. Think of it as a recruiting service that is targeted to those with the skills your business needs, and the best part is the students are right here in Tulsa.

Training for the Future: Tulsa Tech continues to refine training programs, curriculum and equipment to meet industry needs. Due to high demand in these fields, Tulsa Tech will be launching two new programs in Fall of 2024 to train students for careers as utility line workers and plumbing technicians. These additions, combined with its existing programs, are designed to prepare students for high-paying, high-demand careers, right here in our vibrant community.

For more information, visit tulsatech.edu

OSU-Tulsa

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa is the urban-serving metropolitan branch campus of OSU. Tulsa-area students can earn an OSU bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree while staying close to home.

OSU-Tulsa offers workforce-responsive degree programs that advance careers and improve lives. Programs are designed for working adults, with most classes offered one night a week on campus, online or a hybrid of both.

“OSU-Tulsa has established a significant presence as Tulsa’s public, urban-serving research university as well as strategically implementing programs for degree completion and workforce development,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, interim president of OSU-Tulsa. “We serve Tulsa by expanding access to education, collaboration with community partners, delivering premier academic programs and addressing society’s most pressing needs through research.”

Students have the opportunity to participate in research, internships and mentorship programs that directly impacts Tulsa-area businesses, communities and families. Visit tulsa.okstate.edu to learn more.

Union Public Schools serves more than 15,000 students in southeast Tulsa and a portion of Broken Arrow. Rebecka Peterson, a Union High School math teacher, was recently celebrated as National Teacher of the Year. In June, Union Superintendent Kirt Hartzler was named 2023 State Superintendent of the Year. The district recently passed a five-year, $152 million bond initiative to reconfigure its Sixth and Seventh Grade Center, in addition to upgrading technology and safety/security districtwide.

Tulsa Community College is investing in first-generation college-goers and families who qualify based on income through the EDGE (Earn a Degree, Graduate Early) program. More than 300 students at six area high schools in Union, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs and Tulsa public schools — including KIPP University Prep High School — have the chance to earn an associate degree from TCC at no cost while earning their high school diploma. Students apply in the 8th grade. Those selected enroll in a rigorous college prep curriculum as 9th graders before entering EDGE in the 10th grade, where students take a prescribed course schedule taught by TCC faculty. To date, Union has had 95 students from the first three cohorts graduate with an associate degree.

Among Tulsa’s private school offerings, seven Catholic schools offer a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade education: Saint Catherine, the only Catholic school in the state to offer a year-round program; Saints Peter and Paul; Holy Family Classical School; the School of Saint Mary; Marquette School; Saint Pius X School; and Monte Cassino School. San Miguel School of Tulsa is a Catholic, independent, low-tuition school serving children in grades 6-8. Two Catholic high schools — Bishop Kelley and Cascia Hall — provide rigorous college preparatory environments. In Broken Arrow,

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Oklahoma

Center is one of the largest osteopathic teaching hospitals in the nation and serves as the official teaching hospital for the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Speaking with students is Johnny Stephens, interim president of OSU-Tulsa, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences and senior vice president of health affairs for OSU.

Monte Cassino

Since 1926, Monte Cassino, an independent Benedictine Catholic school, has been committed to providing an exceptional education for each student while nurturing the whole person. The PreK3–8th grade school features an 8-to-1 student/ teacher ratio and a dedicated faculty who provides a comprehensive educational experience.

The school, located at 2206 S. Lewis Ave., offers the traditional subjects of reading, writing, math and the sciences and programs in music, art, foreign language, STEM and athletics. Students are encouraged to take risks and explore concepts while developing learning strategies.

The Monte Cassino educational experience is complemented by a co-curricular program of over 25 clubs and offerings. The school offers unique and learning-based field trips, service days and project-based learning. The Monte Cassino athletics department offers team sports, and holds many state championships in basketball, volleyball and Academic Bowl.

Monte Cassino’s commitment to Catholic instruction is focused on eight universal Benedictine values: Love of Learning, Seek God, Prayer, Community, Simplicity and Balance, Hospitality, Service and Stewardship of God’s Creation. These values enable students of all faiths to build life skills and grow in their own spirituality while serving their community.

Monte Cassino’s rigorous and focused curriculum prepares students for high school and life beyond.

Monte Cassino distributed over $890,000 in financial assistance last year and are partners with the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program. A Monte Cassino education is more affordable than you might think!

To schedule a tour and for more information contact Brooke Jones at bjones@montecassino.org or at 918-746-4238. Visit montecassino.org to learn more.

All Saints instructs students in pre-K-eighth grade. Other private options include Augustine Christian Academy, Holland Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Christian, Lincoln Christian, Metro Christian Academy, Mingo Valley Christian, Regent Preparatory School, Rejoice Christian Schools, Riverfield Country Day School, Summit

Christian, Tulsa Adventist, Victory Christian School and Wright Christian Academy all offering pre-K through high school programs.

Peace Academy, which opened in 1990, is a coeducational, accredited college-preparatory Islamic school serving students in preschool through 12th grade.

Tulsa also is home to the Mizel Jewish Community Day School, six private Montessori schools and two schools that focus on students with different learning needs: The Little Light House (primarily for students living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other challenges) and Town and Country, which is designed to help students with learning disabilities, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and The University of Tulsa all have a significant presence in Tulsa. Recent data shows 90% of Oklahoma residents who attend state institutions remained to work in Oklahoma a year after graduation, and

87.5% five years out. Tulsa is a growing hub for cybersecurity with the addition of TU’s new Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute and the OU Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa, which is expected to launch in fall 2024. Oral Roberts University, Northeastern State University and Langston University-Tulsa also are highly regarded.

Tulsa Community College remains an exceptional value and continues to see more students graduate than ever before. Through the Tulsa Achieves program, every high school graduate residing in Tulsa County can earn an associate degree from TCC at no cost, provided academic qualifications are met. It covers 100% of tuition and fees for up to 63 credit hours.

Tulsa Tech, with six campuses in the Tulsa metro area, offers career training for high school students and adults, as well as for private, parochial, charter and homeschooled students. Through the Accelerating Independence Scholarship, students ages 18-23 living within the district can attend tuition-free.

Tulsa offers an array of educational choices at virtually every price point.

Faith in Tulsa

By Gary Peluso-Verdend, Ph.D., President Emeritus, Phillips Theological Seminary

Religious institutions play a visible, vibrant role in public life and offer a remarkable variety of options and opportunities for their members and for the Tulsa community.

Faith communities serve the spiritual needs of their members. Many engage in one or more community outreach ministries such as: public school partnerships, sponsoring parochial schools, food pantries and providing aid for the unsheltered.

The most numerically prominent and culturally influential communities identify as evangelical, charismatic or Pentecostal Christian. There are many megachurches (with 2,000 or more persons worshipping each week). There are allied educational institutions known globally.

In addition, the religious ecology includes:

• Roman Catholic congregations and charities, which are increasingly populated with Latinx members, and which minister to immigrants and refugees.

• Antiochian and Greek Orthodox churches.

• Mainline/ecumenical Protestant congregations (e.g., United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Disciples, ELCA Lutheran), a few large and many small in membership.

• Dozens of African American congregations — Baptists, Catholic, mainline, charismatics and Pentecostals. Generally, these congregations embrace evangelical theologies but differ markedly from white evangelical churches in matters of politics and social justice. Their role in addressing racism, reparations, mass incarceration, health care access, economic development and fair policing is central.

• Protestant Spanish-speaking congregations and ministries.

• Native American religious communities including both Christian congregations and those centered on traditional ceremonies.

Buddhist and Hindu communities call Tulsa home. One of the world’s largest UnitarianUniversalist congregations is here. The Jewish

population is small but powerfully represented through Reform and Conservative congregations, as well as a Hasidic community. In addition, Jewish philanthropists, who have contributed to huge civic enterprises in Tulsa, enact Judaism’s commitments to social justice and to tikkun olam — healing the world. The growing Muslim community is comprised of persons speaking dozens of languages and has built several institutions: a mosque, a first-rate school, an interfaith dialogue institute, and several social service organizations that extend the reach of compassion, mercy, justice and love far beyond their community.

There are progressive Protestant congregations, an independent Anglican-Catholic congregation, and Jewish and Unitarian congregations that teach and practice social justice, the value of science, honest social histories, multicultural inclusion, hospitality for immigrants, and that advocate for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in religion and society.

Interfaith relationships are manifested in ongoing dialogue groups, in times of celebration, and in collective action such as refugee resettlement. Practicing the Golden Rule in public unites persons from many religious traditions.

Anyone longing for a religious community and a center for the development of spirit and service to the public good will find a welcome home in a Tulsa faith community.

ORU: MICHELLE POLLARD; SHERWIN MILLER: TIM LANDES

Left, Kinderstone Children on display at the Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center at Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art; right, Praying Hands welcome visitors to the campus of Oral Roberts University.

Miss Helen’s Private School

Miss Helen’s Private School has been providing excellence in early childhood education since 1954. It was then that “Miss Helen” Wingo realized many of the children entering Kindergarten had difficulty adjusting socially, emotionally and academically. She believed there was a better way for the young students of Tulsa to be prepared for their academic futures.

Today, executive director Lynda Wingo — the founder’s daughter-in-law who is beginning her 50th year at Miss Helen’s — believes in the philosophy of the founder: to provide a great learning institution where children can develop their reading, math and social talents as well as improve communication skills and learning habits.

Leadership at the school is a Wingo family affair. In addition to Lynda, her daughter Jayme Wingo-Baker has served the school for 30 years. Lynda’s husband, Gary Wingo, the son of the founder, is a favorite with families and staff.

Miss Helen’s heritage lives on in the school’s

facility at 48th Street and Mingo Road. The school offers programs in three areas: Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary Grades first through fifth. The school employs degreed professionals and encourages ongoing teacher training throughout the school year. Each pod is

Phillips Theological Seminary

Phillips Theological Seminary invites you to join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitments and give insights to how to faithfully lead in a changing world.

Our nationwide network of students, faculty, churches, alumni/ae, trustees and friends is committed to embracing the full diversity of creation with a gathering of scholars that takes very seriously the expression of God’s justice and shalom in the world. We embrace the full inclusion of all persons into a life of theological formation.

Phillips strives to educate the whole church through programs dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations and the public good. We lead in our communities as biblically and theologically responsible interpreters, unique in the region as an unapologetically progressive Christian seminary.

Our fully online Center for Ministry and Lay Training (CMLT) provides affordable, high-quality education for those seeking to learn from our top-notch faculty and build a network of others engaged in ministry. The CMLT is designed for

supported by a lead teacher with experience and expertise in their grade level.

Call 918-622-2327 or visit misshelens.com to learn more.

those who want to do ministry without seeking a graduate theological degree.

Founded in 1906, Phillips provides online and inperson courses for learners from 29 states and 22 denominations with 230 enrolled in the 2019

fall term and more than 800 recent registrations in the CMLT.

Learn more about Phillips at wherefaithleads.com or call 918-610-8303

A pillar of carefully stacked stones in the Phillips Seminary chapel signals the beginning of a journey. The cairn marks a turning point along life’s path and represents an encounter with the divine.

Executive Director Lynda Wingo with Director Jayme Wingo-Baker, her daughter

Health Care

By Mark McElreath, Executive Director, Tulsa County Medical Society

Health care is a fundamental aspect of any community, ensuring the well-being and quality of life for its residents. Tulsa features a robust health care infrastructure, with a range of facilities catering to diverse medical needs. The city is home to several renowned hospitals. These state-of-the-art facilities are all equipped with the best cutting-edge technologies that allow for excellence of care across all specialties. Paired to all of this crucially important health care infrastructure is an elite and dedicated group of physicians who are more than up to the task of taking care of Tulsans and those in the surrounding area.

Health care providers, in Tulsa in particular, provide a special kind of personalized care and establish strong relationships with their patients. This is true when considering general practice care models and continues to hold true when the focused care of a subspecialist is needed. It is especially heartening to realize this special kind of health care not only holds up, but also, in fact, thrives as a part of the diverse population Tulsa is proud to encompass. Indeed, amid all other superlatives, Tulsa physicians are relatable and accessible. In particular, patients will repeatedly say they greatly value the convenience in scheduling appointments, the continuity of care and the personalized attention they receive from their private practice physicians. Not all communities our size can boast as many personalized private-care experiences as are available here.

Accessibility and affordability are crucial factors in determining the effectiveness of health care services. In Tulsa, efforts have been made to enhance accessibility for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background. The city has witnessed an increase in the number of health care providers accepting Medicaid and other insurance plans, ensuring that a larger portion of the population can access quality care.

To further improve accessibility, telemedicine services have gained popularity in Tulsa. With advancements in technology, patients can consult with health care professionals remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for minor ailments and follow-up appointments.

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GEOGRAPHICAL AREA: TULSA METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA.

This approach has proven especially beneficial in rural areas, where access to health care facilities may be limited.

In terms of affordability, Tulsa has made strides to address the rising costs of health care. The implementation of price transparency initiatives has empowered patients to make informed decisions about their health care providers and treatments. Additionally, the city has witnessed increased collaboration between health care providers and insurance companies, resulting in more competitive pricing and improved coverage options for residents.

There have been recent advancements in health care technology and innovation to Oklahoma and Tulsa. The state has embraced facilitating seamless communication and information sharing among health care providers through the Health Information Exchange. This digital transformation will improve efficiency and accuracy in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.

Moreover, Tulsa has prioritized preventive health care measures, with an emphasis on public health education and awareness campaigns through

SOURCE: DUN & BRADSTREET, 2023

COMPILED BY RESEARCH CENTER, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY

the Tulsa Health Department and Tulsa County Medical Society. These initiatives aim to promote healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and early intervention. By investing in preventive care, these organizations aim to reduce the burden on the health care system and improve the overall wellbeing of its residents.

When one takes into consideration everything that goes into the physical and mental health of a community, it becomes quickly apparent that challenges will never cease to exist. Even though this is the case, the trajectory of the state of health care in Tulsa is overwhelmingly positive. Health care providers and connected leadership entities in Green Country continue to prioritize health care. As outlined above, considerable efforts to identify health care disparities are always underway. Tireless work aimed at ensuring equitable access for all residents that is affordable is something that continues. Enthusiastic investments in infrastructure and technology will further strengthen the health care system. All these things benefit the community. They improve the well-being and quality of life in Tulsa — our home.

Medical Director Dr. Travis Campbell and Registered Nurse Michelle Fisher discuss a recent case at the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, which celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2024

LOCAL HEALTH GROUPS

Ascension St. John  Ascension St. John was founded in 1926 with the opening of St. John Medical Center near downtown Tulsa. Owned by the nation’s most extensive Catholic and nonprofit health system, Ascension St. John is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, especially those living in poverty and who are most vulnerable.

Ascension St. John operates hospitals in Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Bartlesville and Nowata, along with multiple urgent care locations and physician offices throughout northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas.

Community Health Connection/La Conexión

Médica Community Health Connection is a Federally Qualified Health Center committed to meeting the lifelong health care needs of the northeast Oklahoma community, particularly catering to the Hispanic population. The medical clinic is designed to provide the highest quality, affordable and accessible primary health care services in a culturally effective, languageappropriate and compassionate manner.

Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare

This facility was purchased by the Muscogee Nation Department of Health in September 2021. It provides several specialty clinics, including neurology, pulmonology and diabetes care to Native Americans and community members. A minor emergency clinic, primary care clinic and pharmacy services also are available. General surgery services are provided through a collaboration with the OU-TU School of Community Medicine.

Hillcrest HealthCare System Hillcrest Medical Center is the city’s oldest medical facility, opening more than a century ago in 1918. Today, Hillcrest HealthCare System is recognized as a leader in health care, committed to “changing lives for the better, together.” HHS is comprised of Hillcrest Medical Center, Hillcrest Hospital South and Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital in Tulsa, as well as five regional hospitals in Claremore, Cushing, Henryetta, Pryor and Owasso. HHC also provides primary and specialty care services through Oklahoma Heart Institute and Utica Park Clinic.

Morton Comprehensive Health Services

Morton Comprehensive Health Services is a Federally Qualified Health Center offering medical services to patients regardless of ability to pay. Morton serves patients throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Its mission is to provide quality, affordable health services to all people — along with dignity and respect — without regard to finances, culture or lifestyle.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

The OSU Center for Health Sciences houses the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in addition to other health care programs. OSU-COM trains physicians for Oklahoma while providing vital health care services in underserved areas of Tulsa and to patients across the state.

OSU Medical Center OSU Medical Center is one of the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching hospitals with 11 residency programs and nine fellowship programs. The hospital trains more than 150 residents in primary care and subspecialties each year. With full accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association, OSU Medical Center works to deliver high-quality care with compassion for patients and their families.

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital Founded in 2001

by a group of physicians, Oklahoma Surgical Hospital provides a wide variety of surgical services including orthopedics, neurosurgery, joint replacement, general surgery, colorectal, breast, gynecology, urology, ear nose and throat, cardiology and plastic surgery. OSH maintains its focus on providing premier medical expertise and technological resources to the provision of superior personalized health care.

OU-TU School of Community Medicine

The OU-TU School of Community Medicine is an educational track within the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Community medicine is focused on population-based health outcomes, with curriculum on the promotion of public health by education, early diagnosis and disease prevention. The OU-TU School of Community Medicine offers all four years of the Doctor of Medicine program and a 30-month physician assistant program on the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Campus.

Saint Francis Health System

Founded in 1960, Saint Francis Health System is a not-for-profit Catholic organization committed to excellence, dignity, justice, integrity and stewardship. As Tulsa County’s largest private employer with more than 10,000 employees, Saint Francis remains the only locally owned and operated health care system in the area. The System includes Saint Francis Hospital, the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Warren Clinic, the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis, Saint Francis Hospital South and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, along with community hospitals in Muskogee, Vinita and Glenpool and multiple outpatient specialty centers.

Our Ellen Ochoa Location

Saint Francis Health System

As Tulsa’s only locally based health system, Saint Francis is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic organization founded in 1960 by Natalie and William K. Warren, Sr. Throughout its history, Saint Francis Health System’s mission of extending the presence and healing ministry of Christ has been a guiding principle for its staff, physicians and volunteers. With more than 11,000 employees, Saint Francis Health System is the area’s largest private employer.

Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa is eastern Oklahoma’s largest acute-care hospital and the 11th largest hospital in the country. It is currently licensed for more than 1,100 beds and consistently provides patients with outstanding medical care and a broad spectrum of services that include emergency and trauma services, cardiac care, a certified comprehensive stroke center, oncology services, orthopedics, labor and delivery, surgical services, critical care and much more. The hospital has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 in the

state and most recently recognized in 2023 for high-quality care in 12 clinical areas.

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis continues to champion the health and well-being of children in the region. The 162-bed facility is recognized throughout the area for its advanced medical technology and team of skilled pediatric specialists. The 58-bed Henry Zarrow Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has the highest designation for critical care and provides the region’s most advanced treatments and services for premature infants and critically ill newborns; the facility is also home to the region’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The hospital is the site for Oklahoma’s only St. Jude Affiliate Clinic; this program provides access to clinical trials and protocols offered at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a care setting closer to home.

This past year, the Saint Francis Cancer Center completed an extensive expansion that provides increased access and more specialized care for patients. With this expansion, all outpa-

tient cancer care services including hematology/ oncology, radiation oncology, infusion services, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, physical rehabilitation and patient/family support services are all centrally located at this site.

Located near Highway 169 and East 91st Street, Saint Francis Hospital South fulfills its initial goal of providing families with quality health care in an easily accessible location. The 104-bed hospital provides convenient access for residents of Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, South Tulsa and Coweta with several specialized services and programs, including its newly expanded emergency center with primary stroke center designation. Services also include general surgery, radiology and imaging, cardiology, labor and delivery, orthopedics, urology and primary care. Significant expansion of this hospital is now underway that will double the size of the facility, adding 120 beds; expand critical care capabilities; add surgical suites and a new hospital lobby and chapel.

Saint Francis Glenpool

Saint Francis Hospital

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis

Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital

With a dedicated team of physician specialists, surgeons, nurses and staff, the Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute provides comprehensive cardiovascular services with several regional locations. Key services are based at Saint Francis Hospital with 24/7 in-house cardiology coverage, emergency services, and the latest in medical technology and diagnostic testing. Cardiovascular specialties include general cardiology, interventional cardiology, structural cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, electrophysiology and cardiac rehabilitation. The Institute’s cardiac care services extend into the region with services as Saint Francis Hospital South, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, Saint Francis Hospital Vinita and outpatient clinics at Warren Clinic locations in Glenpool, Owasso, Sand Springs, Coweta, McAlester, Bristow and the Memorial South location.

Warren Clinic is home to Saint Francis Health System’s extensive network of more than 600 outpatient and inpatient providers and specialists for adults and children. With numerous clinic locations in Tulsa and surrounding communities, including Broken Arrow, Coweta, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Bixby, Glenpool, Vinita, Bristow, McAlester and Muskogee, patients can connect

to the care they need closer to home. Patients also have the option to visit one of the seven Warren Clinic Urgent Care area locations or opt for Warren Clinic Virtual Urgent Care available 24/7 from anywhere in Oklahoma.

Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital is a private psychiatric health care facility with clinical programs that include comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services, adult inpatient and outpatient care, senior behavioral health, and a nationally recognized eating disorders treatment program. With more than 60,000 outpatient visits per year, Laureate is one of the largest behavioral health facilities in the region. This year it will undergo a facilities update and renovation which will include new inpatient bed capacity and a new patient admission and assessment department.

In 2016, Saint Francis Health System extended its commitment to the communities of eastern Oklahoma by establishing Saint Francis Hospital Vinita. With Saint Francis Hospital Vinita, Warren Clinic Vinita, and the Saint Francis Health Center locations in Langley and Monkey Island, residents of this area now have access to a wide range of quality health care services, including 24/7 emergency care, and the support of Oklahoma’s largest health care network.

With more than 300 beds, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee provides comprehensive, high-quality health care services to residents of a seven-county area in eastern Oklahoma, including a nationally accredited cancer program, trauma and emergency services, a robotic surgery program and a certified primary stroke center. In 2022, the health system announced a major expansion project which includes a new patient bed tower, larger patient rooms and additional critical care capacity. The facility project also includes a new hospital entrance, main lobby and chapel.

Saint Francis Glenpool is a state-of-the-art facility that features an emergency center as well as outpatient services including diagnostic laboratory and imaging services, CT, bone-density scanning, as well as outpatient physical rehabilitation, and speech and occupational therapy. This location includes a new Warren Clinic Glenpool physician office with internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and outpatient cardiology.

If you would like to know more about Saint Francis Health System locations and services, or to find a physician, visit saintfrancis.com or call 918.488.6688.

Warren Clinic

Rendering of Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee

Saint Francis Hospital Vinita

Saint Francis Hospital South

Philanthropy

By Kristi Eaton

Tulsa’s trademark of “America’s Most Generous City” didn’t occur by happenstance according to Phil Lakin Jr., CEO of Tulsa Community Foundation, which houses around 2,000 donors who support various causes in the city, state and across the U.S.

“I always used those words in describing Tulsa. I make lots of presentations ... and I’d always say, ‘America’s Most Generous City.’ And then I said, ‘Well, you know what, I’ve got to back it up,’” he said of the 2012 trademark. At the time, Tulsa had the largest community foundation in the country — bigger than New York City and foundations in California, he noted.

“We’re second largest right now,” Lakin said. “We’re just behind Silicon Valley.”

In 2023 TCF marked 25 years as a community of donors who have provided more than $7 billion in contributions and guided the foundation to distribute $3.1 billion in grants over its lifetime.

Another big community supporter — Tulsa Area United Way — will mark a centennial milestone in 2024. Eleven health and human service organizations came together as the Tulsa Community Fund in 1924. The organization was renamed Tulsa Area United Way in 1974. Today TAUW raises more than $25 million annually to assist 160-plus programs within Tulsa, Creek, Rogers, Okmulgee, Osage and Wagoner counties.

In 2023 TAUW took over operations for 211 Eastern Oklahoma, a 24/7 service that connects residents of 37 counties in eastern Oklahoma with social services via phone, live chat and text.

During TAUW’s annual Day of Caring event — set for Sept. 13, 2024 — more than 4,000 community volunteers provide direct service to area schools and nonprofits.

One Tulsa’s most well-known philanthropies is George Kaiser Family Foundation, which focuses on criminal justice reform, health and well-being, early childhood initiatives and more. It also spearheaded the creation of Gathering Place, as well as one of the first — if not the first — remote worker programs. Tulsa Remote has attracted more than 2,000 remote workers to move to Tulsa to live and work.

Lakin noted other local organizations with a large following and donors, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Mental Health Association Oklahoma and others.

Bank of Oklahoma employees participate in the 2023 Tulsa Area United Way Day of Caring, an annual community volunteer event, by making meal kits at Youth Services of Tulsa.

City of Tulsa Authorities, Boards and Commissions

By Staff

The City of Tulsa has dozens of citizen committees that cover a wide range of topics and appeal to a variety of interests. Arts, parks, economic development, historic preservation and demographic-specific interests are just some of the subjects.

Mayor G.T. Bynum and the City Council rely on these volunteer citizen groups for thoughtful advice to create policies and develop programs.

In early 2021, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, the Tulsa Parking Authority, the Tulsa Industrial Authority and the Economic Development Commission merged into one entity: the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, known today as PartnerTulsa. Its focus: increasing economic opportunity in Tulsa.

In its first year, PartnerTulsa accomplished $275 million in new investments. “PartnerTulsa’s mission of increasing economic opportunity is one which takes the collective effort, creativity and tireless work of countless partners across the city,” said Kian Kamas, executive director of PartnerTulsa. Also in its first year the organization led the planning and development process for the Kirkpatrick Heights-Greenwood Master Plan, provided funding for infrastructure improvements related to the buildout of Tulsa’s second Costco location, and was selected as one of 60 cities to receive a Build Back Better Regional Challenge Phase 1 grant of $500,000, and one of 21 cities to receive a $39 million Phase 2 grant.

The Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Equity supports six Title V Commissions, including its newest — the Asian American Affairs Commission. The new Commission will begin meeting in early 2024 and will consist of 15 members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Tulsa City Council to focus on workforce and economic development, research and data collection, community development, education and civic engagement.

“Tulsa’s Asian community has grown more than 50% in the last 10 years, with 26 Asian countries represented at our naturalization ceremonies since we started hosting them in 2019,” Bynum stated in a press release.

Members will represent private and public sectors, education and health, with three members appointed from the three largest Asian populations in Tulsa.

INTERESTED

IN SERVING?

The Mayor is looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply to serve for all of these boards. For all mayorappointed positions, you must be a Tulsa resident. Some boards have additional requirements. Learn more about each committee and complete an application at cityoftulsa.org/government/authorities-boards-and-commissions.

The City of Tulsa’s Asian American Affairs Commission was established in September 2023. It joins five other Title V Commissions supported by the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Equity. Tulsa citizens make up the 15-member commission focused on workforce and economic development, research and data collection, community development, education and civic engagement.

Financial Empowerment Center

By Kristi Eaton

Hundreds of clients have received free financial services since the Tulsa Financial Empowerment Center, also known as FEC, opened in December 2020.

“The FEC three-year anniversary is a great accomplishment for Tulsa — the launching of the Financial Empowerment Center or FEC has been a catalyst for so much of our financial resilience work,” said Krystal Reyes, City of Tulsa’s chief resilience officer. “In the City of Tulsa, we think financial resilience is part of our overall resilience. Our financial empowerment efforts advance our economic opportunity pillar with our city’s resilience strategy. When residents are financially secure, they are better positioned to buy homes, support city businesses and contribute to the local economy.”

Since its opening there have been 696 clients who have had at least one session with a counselor. And 2,257 sessions have been completed, according to Janae Bradford, director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth. Collectively, FEC clients have increased their savings by $244,129 and reduced their debt by $791,811 (as of Oct. 26, 2023). Of the clients, 71% are female and the average age is 42.

Clients work on outcomes, defined in the FEC model as banking (opening a safe and affordable banking account and using it actively), debt (decreasing non-mortgage debt by 10% and reducing the number of delinquent accounts), credit (establishing a credit score and increasing it by at least 35 points), and savings (setting aside at least one week’s worth of income and adopting new saving behaviors). Clients have achieved 529 outcomes. Clients can and do achieve multiple outcomes.

“Most commonly, clients are looking for guidance on how to pay down debt — 45% of clients are working on a plan to reduce debt or build credit,” Bradford said. “Others are wanting to save for a future purchase such as a car or a home — 36% have goals set around building savings.”

The FEC also works in multiple languages. Bradford said currently there are counselors who are fluent in Spanish, Zopau, Dari and Pashto.

“For clients who speak languages other than these, we also have access to interpreters and will work to break down language and other barriers as much as possible so all Tulsans can benefit from working with a financial counselor,” she added.

As the City marks the third anniversary Reyes said the City of Tulsa has made a commitment to building municipal financial empowerment programs — and to lead efforts to embed financial resilience into city services.

“And this effort is not done alone by city government,” she said. “It is accomplished in partnerships with dozens of stakeholders, including nonprofit providers, schools, universities,

banks and others who believe that financial empowerment is a function of city government.”

Bradford added since FEC launched the City of Tulsa and Goodwill Industries of Tulsa have partnered to provide professional one-on-one financial counseling at no cost to Tulsans.

“The FEC program has been so well received that the City has decided to expand to a second provider partner, Tulsa Responds,” Bradford said. “As we celebrate the FEC’s third anniversary in December, we also will be celebrating that, through our two provider partners, we will be able to double the program’s capacity and more seamlessly integrate financial counseling into existing programming in town.”

Modisane Kwanza, Financial Empowerment Center coordinator, and Janae Bradford, director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and Wealth, inside the FEC’s midtown office at 1667 S. Yale Ave.

New Department of City Experience

By Abigail Singrey

When city leaders wanted to be intentional about creating and supporting thriving neighborhoods in Tulsa, they created the new Department of City Experience.

“We’re moving from a city-centric lens to a citizen-centric lens,” said James Wagner, the director of the Department of City Experience. “It’s about rethinking how we measure success.”

This model focuses on how people feel about their immediate communities.

Previously, the City of Tulsa had a neighborhoods department, but it was about 85% focused on code enforcement and animal welfare. Now, they’ve combined numerous functions — community development, the City Design Studio, the Tulsa Planning Office, animal welfare, special events, code enforcement, the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Equity, and the Citizen Advocate — to create an entire ecosystem oriented around neighborhoods. At the core, it is focusing on building neighborhoods and community, Wagner said.

“We’re focusing on creating places where people feel like they belong and where their voices are heard,” he said.

For Wagner, the next step is developing a strategic plan for the department by summer 2024. While city leaders aren’t sure exactly what shape that plan will take, they do know that it will be focused on empowering neighborhoods.

One need that Wagner has seen is for more training for neighborhood associations. Many volunteer leaders find it to be a “murky road,” Wagner said. “It isn’t clear how to do it right.”

To fill the gap, the department plans to launch a Neighborhood Academy. It will help citizens navigate common challenges that neighborhood associations face and help them make sure everyone is included. They’re also starting conversations with the new Neighborhoods Condition Index, which rates neighborhoods on diverse livability conditions such as sidewalks, number of police calls and access to amenities such as parks, schools, health care and places to eat.

Another program, The City Design Studio, aims to make its mark on Tulsa. The team, led by Managing Director Ellen Ray, has launched an exciting project to develop a roadside attraction on city-owned land at Riverside Drive and 11th Street. They plan to incorporate citizen feedback to create an attraction that Tulsans can be proud of.

Despite its newness, the City Experience Department can already claim some victories. Thanks to the hiring of a new director, Animal Welfare has been transformed, Wagner said. Sheri Carrier, who has 30 years of experience in Tulsa County, took over in early 2023.

“She’s changed the morale and improved the environment for those workers,” Wagner said.

In addition, code enforcement officials have taken on a new project — proactively inspecting apartment buildings. After Vista Shadow Mountain had to be shut down by the fire marshal in 2021, suddenly displacing 160 families, city leadership decided to take action. By making sure all apartments are safe and livable and working with landlords to keep them up to code, they can avoid sudden closures.

“We don’t ever want that to happen again,” Wagner said.

By taking a comprehensive look at Tulsa and its neighborhoods, Wagner and his team plan to build spaces where Tulsans can thrive.

Tulsa Regional Chamber, Your Partner in Prosperity

By Tulsa Regional Chamber Staff

Tulsa Regional Chamber helps businesses of all shapes and sizes succeed.

For 120 years, Tulsa Regional Chamber has served as an integral part of what makes the Tulsa area a great place to live, work and play. Representing 2,000 member organizations and more than 170,000 area workers, the Chamber is the primary driver of regional and individual prosperity in northeast Oklahoma. The Chamber develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services designed to bolster and benefit Tulsa-area businesses of all shapes and sizes, from large corporations to small startups.

For companies looking to build business, the Chamber offers engagement opportunities through the Tulsa Small Business Connection, northeast Oklahoma’s premier organization for companies with 50 or fewer employees. Small firms can gain valuable insights at education events, and a listing in the Chamber’s online member directory can yield valuable business referrals.

Organizations seeking access to resources can save on office supplies through a Chamber affinity program. Businesses can gain recognition through Chamber award programs, including the Small Business Awards. Organizations also can be part of Mosaic, the Chamber’s coalition of companies and nonprofit partners that celebrate diversity, champion equity and cultivate inclusion within the business community. Participation in the Chamber’s Manufacturers’ Council, Aerospace Council or Technology Council offers chances to gain insights and collaborate with industry peers.

Companies can advocate for the region as part of topical task forces that develop the OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda, northeast Oklahoma’s unified business-driven policy platform. Interested firms can help develop a long-term regional vision with other

civic and community leaders by attending the Chamber’s annual Intercity Visit to a peer city to hear best practices. Companies also can encourage young employees to make a difference in the community through TYPROS, the young professionals organization housed at the Chamber.

Those looking to enhance regional economic prosperity can invest in Tulsa’s Future, the Chamber-led regional economic development partnership of public and private investors. There also are opportunities to support Chamber programs that impact quality of life, such as the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. More broadly, joining the Chamber’s Board of Advisors offers

the chance to influence the organization’s strategic priorities and, by extension, the future prosperity of the entire region.

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has named Tulsa Regional Chamber the nation’s best chamber a record four times: in 2005, 2008, 2010 and again in 2020. The Chamber holds three prestigious accreditations: five-star accreditation (the highest possible honor) from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; accredited economic development organization through the International Economic Development Council; and accredited destination marketing organization through Destinations International. Tulsa FMAC is accredited through the Association of Film Commissioners International.

2023 Small Business Award winners, from left, Aaron Bean of Asemio, Sam Littlefield of Littlefield Agency, Angelene Wright of Ida Red General Store, Ray’Chel Wilson of Raise the Bar Investments, and Matt Gipson of Extract Companies

The Business Case for Diversity

By Jonathan Long, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Increasingly, companies around the globe are realizing there is a strong business case to be made for creating and maintaining diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

In many cases diversity of leadership drives profits. Research by the management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. finds gender and ethnic diversity gives executive leadership teams an edge over their competition. According to the firm’s 2017 study of 1,000 businesses in 12 countries, companies in the top 25% for gender and ethnic/ cultural diversity on executive teams are more likely to outperform their peers’ profitability by 21% and 33%, respectively. Inversely, companies in the bottom 25% for both categories of diversity were 29% less likely to achieve above-average profitability.

Diverse teams tend to be more innovative, which impacts the type of revenue a company generates. A 2018 survey by Boston Consulting Group found companies with above-average diversity on their leadership teams derived 45% of their revenue from innovation, compared to 26% by companies with below-average diversity.

A company’s employee diversity can translate into improved customer service and a deeper understanding of consumer behavior. A 2013 study by the Center for Talent Innovation found that when a team has one or more members whose gender, ethnicity, culture, generation or sexual orientation matches that of their target customers, that team is as much as 158% more likely to understand their customers. The same study also found publicly traded companies with rich diversity among their leadership teams were more likely to improve their market share and capture new markets than companies without similar diversity.

Last but not least, diversity generates respect. According to the Gender Forward Pioneer Index, Fortune magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” have on average twice as many women in senior leadership positions as men. Gender diversity in the workplace increasingly matters to U.S. employees; a 2017 Pew survey found 78% of American adults ranked the issue as important.

For all these reasons many companies find that — beyond simply being the right thing to do — developing diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces benefit their bottom line. For organizations in search of additional

resources, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Race Equity and Inclusion Action Guide” may be helpful, especially since, in 2020, the pursuit of equity became increasingly urgent for many companies and communities.

MOSAIC AND THE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE INDEX

As the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s coalition of companies and nonprofit partners committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, Mosaic helps educate, lead and influence businesses on creating diverse workforces and inclusive workplaces to enhance their competitive advantage.

Through collaborative partnerships, community engagement, promoting resources and sharing knowledge, Mosaic helps companies not only improve inclusivity at their own organizations, but support and create equitable opportunities that help all communities thrive.

Mosaic also seeks to leverage the region’s diversity to improve perceptions of our community and grow the economy. Ultimately, Mosaic wishes to catapult the Tulsa region into the forefront of diversity and inclusion through talent recruitment initiatives and business retention and expansion efforts.

Taken annually by dozens of Tulsa-area companies and organizations, the Mosaic Inclusive Workplace Index quantifies the region’s progress toward inclusivity and equity. The index results provide both macro-level insights and tailored feedback for participants to help them improve their own DEI efforts.

Several encouraging insights came from the 2023 index. For example, of those organizations participating in the index, 96% state that DEI is one of their organization’s stated values and/or priority areas, 83% say their organization publicly communicates information about its diversity goals and/or values and 93% publicly support diversity and inclusion support in the Tulsa region.

A full 97% of participating organizations gather and analyze data around employee demographics, discrepancies in performance rankings, discrepancies in compensation, discrepancies in promotions or customer feedback on their diversity practices.

In conjunction with the Inclusive Workplace Index, Mosaic celebrates Chamber members successfully developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. During its annual State of Inclusion event, Mosaic honors individuals, companies and organizations demonstrating exemplary commitments to inclusive workplaces and equitable economic outcomes.

Aviation and Aerospace

By Bailey J. Siegfried, Vice President of Culture, Communication and HR, NORDAM

In the past century, our city expanded from oil capital to aviation manufacturing and repair heavy-hitter. Now we’re expanding again with advanced air mobility and space industry domination on the horizon. Here is a 30,000-foot view of recent aviation and aerospace highlights in Tulsa.

If your overall impression of the economic driving forces in Oklahoma is all oil derricks and pastureland: You’re about to encounter a bit of turbulence. According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the state’s $44 billion aerospace industry just surpassed agriculture as its second-largest economic driver and is now exceeded only by the energy sector. There are more than 1,100 aerospace companies here, employing 120,000 Oklahomans and accounting for 15% of all jobs in the state.

That’s an impressive use of these wind-swept plains. And in Tulsa, we’re just getting started.

AVIATION AND AEROSPACE WORKFORCE PIPELINE

Tulsa Regional Chamber lists a spate of aerospace workforce expansions in 2023, including Accurus Aerospace, American Airlines, BizJet International, CymSTAR LLC, Eaton Thermal Products, L3 Harris, Lufthansa Technik Component Services, NORDAM, Quality Aircraft Accessories and Universal Field Services.

To meet future demand, the chamber’s aerospace council is working to attract, train and retain aerospace recruits.

Through Choose Aerospace, an aerospace workforce pipeline development program that prepares high school students and others to become certified aviation maintenance professionals, member companies engage with students via mentoring, and hands-on and applied learning, ultimately selling students on a future in this well-paying field.

AMERICAN AIRLINES BASE IMPROVEMENTS

Over the next few years, American Airlines will add a $22 million grant from the state to an ongoing $350 million improvement project at its maintenance base, engine repair and overhaul facility in Tulsa. The resulting enhancements could bring more than 300 new high-paying jobs to the city.

SPACE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Much of America’s infrastructure is now dependent on space. As our country’s “New Space City,” Tulsa hosts an annual space conference and is uniquely positioned to strengthen America’s burgeoning space economy, which was aided by Tulsa native Jim Bridenstine, during his time in the U.S. Congress and as the 13th NASA administrator. Tulsa’s vibrant aerospace sector fosters an entrepreneurial environment that is the “place to be” if you are launching or expanding your space company. A vision for a “Rocket Park” is in the works as the Tulsa region hosted multiple rocket manufacturers in 2023 with more scheduled this year. Rockets manufactured in the Tulsa region will play a significant role in advancing the next industrial revolution currently happening in space.

Another valuable space asset is the Oklahoma Air and Space Port with its own approved Federal Aviation Administration spaceflight corridor, strategically located about three hours west of Tulsa and boasting the fourth largest concrete civilian runway in North America. The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority oversees the 2,700-acre complex.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

In June 2023, Oklahoma State University, Osage Nation and Tulsa Innovation Labs unveiled the LaunchPad Center for Advanced Air Mobility,

a hub for research, development and production of drones, cargo and logistics vehicles, and eventually autonomous air transportation. Later, TIL collaborated with Osage LLC on the Skyway Range for testing next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles. And at October’s Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility Summit, they received a prestigious “Tech Hubs” designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House.

AIR TRAVEL

In May 2023, Tulsa International Airport opened two new guest services areas on the lower levels of each concourse and added amenities for travelers with unique needs including a sensory room, quiet room, lactation room, indoor pet relief area and family restroom with both adult- and standard-sized changing tables.

Currently, TUL offers over 22 nonstop destinations. In 2024, Delta will add daily nonstop service to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, and Southwest will up the frequency of its Orlando, Florida, nonstop route by providing daily service to Orlando International Airport.

TUL is thrilled to welcome CAVU to the terminal this year, too. The company manages awardwinning airport Escape Lounges that consistently rank No. 1 across reviews of U.S. airport lounges. By fall 2024, passengers can relax in a lounge featuring locally sourced food and beverages, inhouse chefs and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Bailey J. Siegfried is a past chair of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, chairman of Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Aerospace Council, a member of the Oklahoma Governor’s Aerospace and Autonomous Systems Council, and a vice president with Tulsa-based and family-operated NORDAM.

Commerce

By Kelly Bostian

Expert accounts paint a picture of Tulsa’s economy as one anchored by energy, banking, manufacturing, health care and technology, and growing into 2024 with significant developments planned. Notable developments are remarkable population growth and evolving key economic sectors. Further, its diverse economic drivers — and proximity to lowercost energy sources and lower cost of living — help insulate the area from the worst of what might ail other regions.

Tally Ferguson, a University of Tulsa applied assistant professor of finance, said economic discussion a year ago would have included concern about a recession, but that likely is in the country’s rearview mirror. Still, he noted Tulsa probably would have felt less pressure than other regions, similar to its experience with inflation.

“The Tulsa area saw the same drop in inflation rates as the overall economy in 2023, but some core services, particularly energy prices, are lower,” Ferguson said. “We avoided the big swing in inflation that our friends in Houston or Dallas saw.”

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Hasty Bake Charcoal Grills have been manufactured in Tulsa since the company’s founding in 1948. Nick Parsons, Hasty Bake’s marketing and operations vice president, stands with the 75th Anniversary Model 175 inside the Tulsa showroom.

First Oklahoma Bank

With its entrepreneurial spirit and passion for customer service, First Oklahoma Bank has become a leading local financial institution with more than $1 billion in assets in just over 14 years.

The community bank is owned and operated by people who live and work in Oklahoma. First Oklahoma bankers understand the local economy and can adapt to customers’ needs without the bureaucracy of big banks.

“What makes First Oklahoma Bank different from other banks is our people. Our shareholders are engaged in the community, supportive of bank efforts and are brand ambassadors for the bank. Our staff is technically skilled, has years of relevant experience and is focused on making First Oklahoma Bank the best it can be,” said President and CEO Tom Bennett III. “We are grateful our customers are loyal and have entrusted us to be their financial provider. Our combined efforts improve the lives of our stakeholders and enhance the communities we serve.”

First Oklahoma Bank has earned the trust and respect of customers by providing exceptional customer service that goes beyond expectations. Recent focus groups bear this out, with First Oklahoma Bank customers describing the service they receive as “excellent, tremendous and out of this world!” Focus group participants noted, “They have the most personalized service I have ever received … You aren’t just a number … They are reliable, consistent and personable. They make me feel like a member of the family … No problem is too big or small.”

First Oklahoma adapts to customers’ needs and preferences. In addition to offering competitive CD rates and concierge-level services, the full-service bank is a leader in local deposits, Treasury services and lending to businesses.

As a community bank, First Oklahoma also approaches banking with a different mindset than mega banks. “We believe our success is tied directly to the success of the communities where we live and work. We want a strong local economy and high quality of life. As such, our bankers serve on the boards of numerous local organizations that focus on economic development and the social, spiritual and philanthropic needs of the community,” Bennett said. “Our community bank focuses on lending activities in communities where

our depositors live and work, which helps local businesses and communities thrive.”

First Oklahoma has been recognized as a “Best of the Best” company for 14 consecutive years through its United Way fundraising campaigns. First Oklahoma helped found Jenks CarePoint, which provides free clothing and shoes to families in need. The community bank also is

known for its robust outreach to immigrants and has supported Afghan families who have resettled in the Tulsa area.

First Oklahoma Bank has locations in Jenks, midtown Tulsa, Glencoe and a loan production office in Oklahoma City. To learn more call 918392-2500 or visit firstoklahombank.com. Member F.D.I.C.

President and CEO Tom Bennett III

Arvest Bank - Commercial Lending

When Arvest Bank began operations more than 60 years ago, the founders set out to build a bank that was focused on the customer. That philosophy continues today. For 32 years, Arvest has served downtown Tulsa with one mission: helping people find financial solutions for life.

Arvest is one of the largest privately owned banks in the U.S. with more than $27 billion in assets. Instead of operating as one large regional bank, Arvest has 14 separate community-focused banks, each with its own management team and local board. This model allows it to offer a communityoriented, customer-focused banking experience for its customers. Tulsa is Arvest’s largest market with more than $3 billion in assets.

The bank provides numerous services across many financial spectrums. Its Operational Working Capital Lines of Credit provide capital to fund ongoing and seasonal working capital requirements. Term Loans provide funds for capital expenditures and investments such as equipment, oil and gas production, owner-occupied real estate, investment real estate and business acquisition financing. Arvest is an approved and

CONTINUED FROM P. 54

Vast Bank President Doug DeJarnette echoed that sentiment with an optimistic financial outlook. “The local banking outlook in Tulsa remains strong as our local economy is historically somewhat insulated from the dramatic economic swings that people see in the coasts or larger markets,” DeJarnette said. Deposit rates have the attention of individuals and businesses heading into 2024, he said. New systems are more flexible and allow more effortless money movements. Investors now can receive 100% FDIC insurance on large sums deposited using syndication products and multiple banks.

“In this elevated rate environment, people are focused on savings, money market and CD rates, which can yield in the mid to high 5s,” he said, adding that these are the highest since the 2008 financial crisis.

Northeast Oklahoma’s economy has “momentum,” DeJarnette said. “Since I was a kid growing up in Tulsa, people have always said Tulsa is a great place to raise a family, but now people are also saying that it’s also a great place to grow a business.”

experienced Small Business Administration lender offering 504 and 7A loans.

Arvest also offers business customers equipment finance solutions, as well as treasury management, international lines of credit, purchasing cards and credit cards.

Arvest and its banking officers are committed to community involvement and development as more than 55 personnel serve on local nonprofit boards.

For more information, visit arvest.com or call 918-631-1154

More people than ever are here to grow that economy, according to Ama Abrokwah, Ph.D., Tulsa Regional Chamber’s director of research. “We have seen tremendous population growth the past five years,” she said. With 4.3% growth in the past five years and 6.3% forecast for the next five, Tulsa is outpacing the rest of the state by more than 2%. The 10-year increase could total more than 108,000 new residents.

Abrokwah said that while Tulsa’s traditional economic sectors remain robust, less traditional niches, including the automotive industry, advanced aerial mobility and sustainable renewable energy, are evolving into the headlines.

From left to right: Jacob Lopez, Matt Condry, Derrick Crenshaw, Jack Carney, Kurt Kazmierski, Mike Jones, Andrew Marshall, Daniel Stinnett, Andrew Coffey *Not pictured: Blake Barrett, Ash Etwardo

Central Bank of Oklahoma

Central Bank in Oklahoma is local community market of Central Bancompany, which has over $20 billion in assets. Our local bank management is empowered to ensure we meet the needs of businesses and consumers in Oklahoma. Being a part of Central Bancompany expands the products and services we provide at the highest level of current technology. Central Bancompany serves more than 250 communities in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, and Florida. Central Bank in Oklahoma currently has nine locations, including the communities of Tulsa, Sapulpa, Owasso, OKC and Edmond.

Secure. In 2022 the prestigious business publication, Forbes Magazine, recognized Central Bancompany as a Best Bank in America among the 100 largest banking companies.

Central Bank is safe and secure because of our strong roots and commitment to prudent banking practices. We are committed to being a leading financial services provider in the communities we serve by continuing to provide customers

with quality financial solutions and exceptional customer service.

Community. Integrally involved in our communities, you will find Central Bank employees out in the community serving students in the class room through several outreach programs, including Junior Achievement. Employees are also involved as members and leaders in local organizations, chamber of commerce, and local charities. Central Bank in Oklahoma is proud part of each of our communities.

Our Business. Our Resources. We understand your business challenges which is why we offer diverse lending options and deposit accounts to help you manage the day-to-day finances, as effortlessly as possible. Trust our experienced lenders to evaluate your needs and custom fit lending options. Local lenders. Local decisions. Discover deposit products and services to fit your company size, account balances, spending habits and technology preferences, we’ll assist you in finding the perfect fit for your business.

Your Business. Your Rewards. Central Bank will help you automate your Accounts Payable and turn your payments process into a time saving, automatic process that adds incremental revenue to your bottom line; you earn cash when you pay your vendors electronically. Earn even more when you optimize your business travel expenses, purchasing, and fleet management with just one card.

Personal Banking. Banking YOUR Way. Take your personal checking to the next level with our outstanding package of technology products that will help you manage your money on your terms with our package of financial tools that allow you to access your accounts, transfer funds, create budgets, and make deposits virtually anywhere, at any time.

Let Central Bank be your financial resource. Contact Central Bank at (918) 477-7400 for the financial tools and expertise you need to grow your business or handle your personal financial needs. More information is available on our website centralbank.net

Security Bank

Preserving Community Banking

Picture a banking experience that goes beyond transactions, where each visit is a genuine interaction, never hurried or impersonal. A chat with your banker is a meaningful dialogue, fostering a connection where both parties leave knowing each other a little better. That is Security Bank.

Our commitment reaches beyond the financial realm; it’s about investing in the growth and success of people while preserving the community banking culture. Dawne Stafford, CEO, emphasizes the significance of relationships in community banking, stating, “We do not have customers; we have friends who do business with us. We provide better service and products when we know our customers and their needs.”

For more than two decades, Security Bank has cultivated a reputation for exceptional customer service, embodying its core values:

reliability, respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, responsiveness, and resilience. “We are a people-first culture,” Dawne states, “in the way we support our employees, take care of our customers and serve our community.”

As a locally-owned and operated business in Tulsa, our deep understanding of our community enables us to offer personalized service, prompt decision-making and tailored solutions. Whether you are a start-up or an expanding enterprise, a child or a grandparent, we are committed to the financial growth and success of both business and personal customers throughout their lives.

And, your money stays local, emphasizes Tom Gay, president. “Your money doesn’t leave Oklahoma. Deposits are reinvested in the businesses and individuals right here in our own community.”

Experience the difference at Security Bank. Visit us in person at 10727 E. 51st Street, at Highway

169 and 51st Street exit, or give us a call at 918-664-6100. You can also connect with us online at www.sbtulsa.bank. We are proud to be rated 5-stars by Bauer Financial for security, strength, and reliability. Member FDIC.

CONTINUED FROM P. 56

“For example, within manufacturing, we can tease out automotive and aerospace,” she said. Several automotive companies are coming to the region or have recently expressed interest in northeast Oklahoma. Stardust Power Inc. recently chose to build its central $1.2 billionplus battery-grade lithium refinery plant at the Port of Muskogee.

A $38.2 million Build Back Better-American Rescue Plan grant won by a Tulsa-based coalition to create the Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility Corridor will cultivate a hub for aerial drone testing and research.

Tulsa also gained recognition as one of 31 U.S. Department of Commerce “tech hubs,” Abrokwah said. That status brings recognition and possibilities for more development grants.

Perhaps the most significant development on the calendar, Enel North America and 3Sun USA picked the Tulsa Port of Inola to be the home of one of the nation’s largest solar cell and panel manufacturing plants, a deal recognized by Business Facilities Magazine as a “Deal of the Year.” The company expects to invest more than $1 billion in the new factory and create 1,000 jobs by 2025.

Security Bank CEO Dawne Stafford and President Tom Gay

In 2023 Silhouette Sneakers and Art Owner Venita Cooper launched to the public her latest venture Arbit, an app that serves the sneaker market.

Energy

By Robert Evatt

Tulsa’s energy sector continued to produce and distribute massive amounts of oil and natural gas in 2023. But last year, the biggest news happened away from the fields and in the boardroom.

Tulsa-based midstream giant ONEOK acquired Magellan Midstream Partners, another Tulsabased company, for $18.8 billion. Though Magellan will keep its name and operate as a subsidiary, the combined company should bring renewed attention from nationwide energy producers, said Eric Olson, director of the University of Tulsa’s Center for Energy Studies.

“It benefits the city quite a bit — they have a market cap of nearly $41 billion, so it’s good to have another big player in the energy industry,” he said.

The deal was part of a merger mania that’s recently gripped the sector — Chevron announced a deal to purchase Hess for $53 billion, ExxonMobil announced a merger with Pioneer Natural Resources for $59.5 billion, and, with just weeks to go before the end 2023, Occidental Petroleum announced it would purchase CrownRock for $12 billion. Closer to home, Devon Energy purchased WPX Energy for $5.8 billion at the end of 2021. Olson said more Tulsa-area energy companies could become part of a merger deal.

Oil prices threatened to move up to new heights over the past year. But after rising through summer, prices declined, taking many by surprise, said Jake Dollarhide, co-founder of Longbow Asset Management Co.

“It was partially due to OPEC, and partially due to U.S. drillers becoming so efficient on drilling for oil,” he said. “We’re not as dependent on foreign markets as we used to be.”

Local producers have taken a lesson from the production bonanza in the mid-2010s that lead to a collapse when Saudi Arabia increased production as well, Olson said.

“In 2014 and 2015 when the shale revolution happened, they spent a lot on production,” he said. “They’re needing to be more disciplined now.”

But local energy producers can now cut costs and increase production at the same time, thanks to emerging new uses for artificial intelligence that can automate time-consuming tasks and take the guesswork out of production, he said.

Though the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on oil prices became muted, Dollarhide said the war caused natural gas prices to spike in 2023 as European countries sought to turn away from Russia and purchase natural gas from other sources.

“Natural gas prices spiked on thoughts that we might export more natural gas to Europe, which might have experienced a tough winter with energy sources offline,” he said.

But after a spike in natural gas prices of up to $10 per million BTU, prices fell back to the $2-$4 range by the end of the year.

Though both oil and gas prices are expected to remain stable through 2024 — thanks in part to all the corporate mergers, which is likely to encourage equilibrium — Olson said the situation could change if the Israel-Hamas War spills over into the rest of the Middle East.

Though local and national companies continue to invest in wind and solar, and consumers increasingly consider electric vehicles that can be charged at home rather than fueled at a gas station, Dollarhide doesn’t expect these trends to cause a disruption for companies dependent on oil and natural gas.

“(Wind and solar) are a good supplement, but when oil and gas are cheaper than those two sources, it’s not an either/or — it’s about how they all work together,” he said.

But renewable energy isn’t just wind and solar. Olson predicts Tulsa-area organizations will investigate hydrogen sources of power, and he sees great promise in small-scale nuclear power, as small nuclear modules are starting to win government approval.

“They’re safer, because they don’t have enough material to cause a big event like Three Mile Island, and they can provide base power to support intermittent renewables like wind and solar,” Olson said.

ONEOK headquarters in downtown Tulsa

Manufacturing

By Dave Rowland, President, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Tulsa’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. While oil and gas continue as bedrocks of production in northeastern Oklahoma, there is a notable emergence of high-tech growth in aerospace and renewable energy. These emerging industries not only diversify the manufacturing landscape, but they also bring a forward-thinking dimension to the region’s economic prosperity.

“The area has solidified its position as a major player in aerospace, hosting a cluster of advanced-manufacturing companies and serving as a hub for aviation and innovation in unmanned systems,” said Roger Kelly, director of operations for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. “Of course, Oklahoma has always been an energy state, but now there is a local focus on renewables like wind power and solar power, or electric vehicle batteries.”

The impact of a healthy manufacturing sector on Tulsa’s economy cannot be overestimated. There are about 75,000 manufacturing wage-earners in the metropolitan area, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Manufacturing pays 40% higher salaries when compared to all other industries and every $1 million in manufacturing output supports the generation of $1.4 million in additional revenue for all businesses. Every 10 jobs in manufacturing supports 16.8 additional jobs, and taxes collected

on just manufacturing production in the area were $180 million last year. Overall, the regional value of manufacturing output is normally more than $37.5 billion annually.

Tulsa’s new energy trajectory became evident when Italian-based Enel announced it would construct a $1 billion solar panel factory at Tulsa Port of Inola. Enel’s USA affiliate — 3Sun — said it will create 1,000 new high-wage jobs by 2025 with 900 more positions coming in a second phase.

“We are taking a major step forward in developing a state-of-the-art solar cell factory, bringing hundreds of jobs and millions in long-term tax revenue, while moving Oklahoma to the forefront of renewables manufacturing,” said Giovanni Bertolino, head of 3Sun.

Upstream at Tulsa Port of Catoosa, manufacturing activity continues to expand with an eye toward innovation. Recently, the Port partnered with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and Rogers County to open an Advanced Manufacturing Center. The demonstration lab is designed to showcase what is possible in an interconnected enterprise, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Operated by experts and engineers, the facility will include collaborative robots, welding and industrial robots, a commercial 3D printer

and image measurement system, along with other advanced manufacturing resources.

Across town, one of Tulsa’s most prominent manufacturers said it is expanding to Broken Arrow and adding at least 100 jobs. Locally owned McElroy Manufacturing is renovating an existing space that will eventually provide an additional 200,000 square feet for assembly of its thermoplastic fusion equipment. In 2005, McElroy made a long-term strategic decision that all their manufacturing facilities would remain in northeastern Oklahoma. The company has not wavered on its commitment.

“We are proud to be increasing our investment and commitment to the greater northeastern Oklahoma region,” President and CEO Chip McElroy said of the 68-year-old family business.

Also in Broken Arrow, Blue Bell announced a major expansion to its ice cream factory. The 100,000-square-foot enlargement will include a new automated storage and retrieval system, dry storage warehouse, cold docks, stand-alone refrigeration engine room and site improvements. Elsewhere, Roxtec Inc. — the North American subsidiary of Swedish-based manufacturer Karlskrona — said that after 25 years in Tulsa, the company is moving to new property as part of a $9.4 million expansion that will nearly double the size of its local operations. “The combination of central location, affordability, strong workforce and values — all in a right-sized modern city — make Tulsa an ideal location,” President Aaron Fowler said. Roxtec manufactures modular-based transits, which are used across various industries to seal and protect cables and pipes.

The future of manufacturing in Tulsa got another big boost when the city earned a “Tech Hub” designation from the federal government. The effort, led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, opens the door to $75 million in funding to establish the region as a global leader in advanced autonomous technologies.

“Tulsa’s ability to innovate absolutely influences its economic direction by shaping industries, creating new markets, and fostering an environment ripe for job creation,” Kelly said.

Construction on Enel USA affiliate 3Sun’s 2 million-square-foot facility is underway at the Tulsa Port of Inola. The project — being touted as the largest economic development project in state history — is expected to see 3Sun manufacturing solar panels by the end of 2024. 3Sun joins fellow Italian-based tissue maker Sofidel at the Tulsa Port of Inola.

While job growth is vital to economic development, local manufacturers know all too well those jobs are increasingly harder to fill. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance hopes one solution is its registered apprenticeship program, which helps firms improve the expertise of new and existing employees.

“The initiative is structured specifically for Oklahoma manufacturers and is targeted at the relevant skills needed by individual companies,” said Sharon Harrison, who is leading the program.

A great example is Tulsa’s Generation FSH, a firstgeneration minority-owned firm that focuses on precision welding and metal fabrication.

“Our mission is to equip individuals with valuable skills and knowledge, unlocking their potential and fostering success while addressing workforce gaps and promoting job retention,” said owner Shavonne Grundy.

A plethora of resources help maintain the city’s proactive atmosphere. Tulsa’s higher education institutions provide strong support for industry.

The University of Tulsa and Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow work with area firms to strengthen local supply chains. The Business and Industry Training Service at Tulsa Tech is among the most effective in the nation. Tulsa Regional Chamber also understands the importance of manufacturing, and regularly consults with industry leaders when establishing its legislative agenda.

“Beyond the tangible economic contributions, manufacturing in Tulsa fosters a resilient spirit, reflecting the community’s ability to adapt to changing global dynamics,” Kelly concluded. “The sector’s importance is cultural as it weaves a narrative of hard work, ingenuity, and collaboration that defines the very fabric of our identity.”

Dave Rowland is president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, which coordinates a network of experts working with companies to help them grow, become more efficient, and integrate technology.

Media

By Deborah Laker

The pulse of Tulsa is captured by the city’s media outlets. Listening to classic hit stations during a commute, receiving mobile weather updates and reading reviews on downtown restaurants are some of the ways locals stay informed and entertained.

Tulsa World has been covering news, lifestyle and sports since 1905. This award-winning publication, located at 315 S. Boulder Ave., is the second-largest daily newspaper in Oklahoma. In 1997, Tulsa World became the first newspaper in North America to install state-of-the-art shaftless Wifag presses, capable of printing 70,000 copies per hour. A dedicated team of journalists is committed to informing and inspiring the Tulsa community with credible news stories.

The Oklahoma Eagle, La Semana del Sur and other print newspapers provide communityspecific news to a wide range of readerships.

Since 1986, TulsaPeople Magazine has educated, informed, entertained and enlightened readers through its monthly publication and website.

Broadcasting from the garage of an International Harvester dealership, The News on 6 signed on the air in October 1949 as Tulsa’s first television station. For more than 50 years, this CBS affiliate has offered its audience reports on current affairs, weather, lifestyle programming and livestreams of sporting events.

ABC, NBC and FOX have Tulsa affiliates. OETA is Tulsa’s local PBS station. Multiple stations also broadcast news and entertainment to Tulsa’s Spanish-speaking audiences.

On Oct. 19, 1947, the first Oklahoma FM station — 89.5 — began broadcasting, and its call letters — KWGS — reflect the generosity of oilman William Grove Skelly. Today it is Public Radio Tulsa, which is a listener-supported service of the University of Tulsa and the local affiliate of National Public Radio. Its sister station, Classical 88.7 KWTU, was the first station in Oklahoma to broadcast in digital HD radio.

More than 30 AM and FM stations broadcast in Tulsa focusing on subject matter ranging from news and sports to urban, Top 40, country and gospel music.

Over the past several years, multiple digital news options, such as the Black Wall Street Times and The Frontier, have been reporting local, regional and national news from their Tulsa newsrooms.

Griffin Media owns KOTV News on 6, which is headquartered in Tulsa’s Arts District.

Commercial Construction

By John Smaligo, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma

Tulsa’s commercial construction industry has been on a long winning streak. Contractors were riding a booming economic environment prepandemic. Then, they were largely shielded from the negative business consequences of COVID by being designated an “essential industry,” allowing them to keep their doors open and employees working.

As normalcy returned, governments at all levels — along with the private sector — have spent money on new infrastructure, keeping backlogs full and contractors cautiously optimistic.

American Rescue Plan Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding have flowed into the economy and deadlines are approaching to get the money spent. The federal government’s Inflation Reduction Act also is leading to even more building and local projects.

Northeastern Oklahoma has seen some huge projects proposed — from a $2 billion theme park to a new outdoor concert venue. A $1 billion solar panel factory is under construction nearby and new health care facilities are being built at a rapid pace in Tulsa and across the state.

Nabholz Construction is currently working on the $9 million Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton. This is a revitalization of the old Moton hospital at Pine Street and Greenwood Avenue.

Currently, the largest federal project in Tulsa is a re-use of the former state office building in downtown for the $171.2 million Veterans Hospital in Tulsa. This project is being led by VHiT LLC, a development partnership between The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation and Oklahoma State University. Work on the ground was awarded to Crossland Construction with the architectural partnership of Leo A. Daly and GH2 Architects. The public-private partnership will result in a 275,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical/surgical hospital. Construction began in 2023 with an anticipated construction completion date summer of 2025.

Miller-Tippens is overseeing another major renovation project — a conversion of the old OTASCO warehouse into the new home for 36 Degrees North. This project will be one of the five largest entrepreneurial hubs in the country.

Tulsa’s private sector also has seen some notable charitable investments. Nonprofit Food on the Move, founded by Taylor Hanson of the band Hanson, addresses Tulsa food deserts. A.C. Owen Construction is building a roughly 10,000-squarefoot aquaponics facility to grow produce.

Oklahoma Aquarium has hired Myers-Cherry Construction to build a $7.5 million holding facility for the quarantine of large animals.

A major factor in the success of the construction industry throughout the state of Oklahoma is the favorable policies governing businesses. Associated Builders and Contractors recently ranked Oklahoma in the top 10 states for construction. The rankings were based on policies and programs that strengthen career pathways in construction, encourage workforce development and allow for fair and open competition on taxpayer-funded construction projects.  Still, all of these advantages are balanced by a broad shortage in skilled workers and high input prices on materials. Inflation has impacted construction along with almost every other facet of our economy.

Higher interest rates have also had a negative impact, but those concerns are easing after the Federal Reserve indicated it would possibly lower rates modestly this year.

Tulsa’s construction industry is cautiously optimistic for 2024. Most contractors are reporting solid backlogs. Government, tribal and private sector spending on facilities has remained robust with few signs of slowing.

The construction industry is poised for growth. Recent years have taught us that reliable and plentiful materials and tradesmen are the keys to ensuring we’re able to capitalize on that outlook.

Our sector of the economy is essential and can’t be outsourced overseas. Construction will continue to grow alongside our community and region.

In downtown Tulsa a former OTASCO building is being converted into the new headquarters for 36 Degrees North. The 115,000-square-foot facility will be one of the top five largest entrepreneurial hubs in the country.

Commercial Real Estate

By Lee Wallis, President, McGraw Commercial Properties

The Tulsa commercial real estate market experienced a mixed bag of trends during 2023, driven by evolving economic factors and shifts in market dynamics, including inflation, rising interest rates and rising construction costs. With its resilient economy and evolving market trends Tulsa is poised for continued growth and expansion in the commercial real estate sector. Our thoughts regarding the 2023 office, retail and industrial markets are outlined below.

OFFICE Through the fourth quarter, CoStar is reporting 300,000 square feet of positive net absorption and a slight increase in year-over-year vacancy rate to 10.6%. However, these statistics do not tell the entire story regarding the impact of the trend of the remote and hybrid work culture. The COVID pandemic, a tight labor market and many employees’ preference for remote work has resulted in many offices being empty as employees continue to work remotely. As office leases expire, many occupiers are looking to reduce their office size by 30% to 50%, while redesigning their space utilization to create a more collaborative and inviting environment featuring fewer private offices and more unassigned workspaces. When examining office fundamentals, the picture is clear — demand for office space is softening, resulting in higher vacancy rates and increased sublease space. The aggregate effect is a downward pressure on effective rents and extended time required to lease vacant space. This trend is notably evident in older Class B & C assets. Some of

these properties will need to be converted into alternative uses. For many occupiers, office space has become an essential element in recruiting and retaining top talent. We also are seeing a flight to quality as companies relocate to newer buildings offering more amenities including walkability to restaurants, coffee shops and other entertainment. As office leases expire and tenants reduce their footprint, we expect to see an increase in vacancy rates and negative absorption. Given these softening fundamentals, the demand for office space in 2024 will remain fragile and landlords will be competing for tenants with generous concessions.

RETAIL The Tulsa retail market remains strong with consistent year-over-year demand for space and retail vacancy compressing to record lows of 3.5% compared with a national average of 4.8%. Rent growth in Tulsa has risen over the past year, trending above the U.S. average. Most construction activity of late has been build-to-suit projects, such as Costco, Walmart and various franchise restaurants. The northeast submarkets have accounted for the most significant share of retail net absorption by submarket. The construction of the Tulsa Premium Outlets in Jenks at 340,000 square feet accounts for just over 40% of new construction. Additionally, large scale speculative construction is rare, but Tulsa has two current developments with large blocks of space available: The Shops at Aspen Creek and Elwood Square at Tulsa Hills. Future growth is expected to taper, tracing a broader theme

of slowing consumption at the national level. Lastly, retail continues to shift toward experiential offerings. Additional projects for the Jenks area have been announced including a High 5 being developed by an Austin-based entertainment company and In a Pickle – Pickleball being developed by local investors. Both projects are projected to open in late 2024. Also noteworthy is the scheduled fall 2024 opening of the 240,000-square-foot Scheels, a North Dakotabased sporting goods store at Woodland Hills Mall. The Scheels store will feature an indoor Ferris wheel, wildlife mountain and a saltwater aquarium.

INDUSTRIAL

Tulsa’s industrial market continues to be a star performer, proving to be better insulated and a point of strength compared to other CRE assets. Demand is driven by the expansion needs of local companies and by growth of e-commerce and logistic companies needing warehouse and distribution centers. CoStar reports 1.2 million square feet of deliveries over the past 12 months with 1.5 million square feet of net absorption. The vacancy rate remains consistent at 3.2%. The Tulsa industrial vacancy rate has consistently trended below the U.S. average. Tulsa industrial rents continue to display healthy growth due to consistent leasing activity and minimal speculative construction. Annual rent growth is 5.1% over the past 12 months. Among major submarkets, the highest rents are found in southeast Tulsa. Conversely rents are typically lower in west and northeast Tulsa. Asking rents remain affordable compared to the national average and are on par with Oklahoma City and northwest Arkansas. Industrial investment sales and build-to-suit opportunities have been negatively impacted by rising interest rates and lingering fears of a recession. Lenders also are impacted by higher interest rates and tighter credit standards accompanied by regulators more closely monitoring the quality of CRE loans. The rising interest rate environment significantly dampened 2023 industrial investment sales. A reduction in interest rates will support the return of the industrial investment sales in 2024.

Later this year Scheels will open at Woodland Hills Mall. This will be the first location in Oklahoma for the North Dakota-based sporting goods store.

McGraw REALTORS ®

McGraw REALTORS® has been working to make real estate simple for more than 85 years. What started as an independent residential real estate company in Tulsa, Oklahoma has become one of the nation’s top ten fastest-growing real estate companies with over 830 experienced associates serving 21 offices throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado. We are a truly full service brokerage, and are able to meet any and every real estate need.

Residential real estate

With over 830 active residential agents, we want to make real estate simple for our clients so they can have confidence during one of the largest transactions they will ever make. Our years of experience, innovative technology, and our collaborative network of industry professionals that love what they do allows us to take the complexity out of the entire process. Visit mcgrawrealtors.com

Relocation & Referral Services

Through our Relocation & Referral division, McGraw REALTORS® can take the headache out of relocating in or out of the Tulsa metro area. Our Relocation Services division can help you make your corporate transition smooth whether you are moving into the city or to a new region. With

McGraw REALTORS® network of agents in Tulsa and connections to firms across the country, we can connect your company and employees with the right agent no matter your destination. Visit mcgrawrealtors.com/relocation

Property management & Leasing

Through our Property Management division, we have spent years serving property owners and investors by finding the right tenants for their investment properties. With more than 1400 units under management our team handles the leasing process and daily maintenance tasks associated with owning investment property. We also are able to serve renters, for whom an apartment may not be suitable but aren’t in a position to buy a home, by connecting them with great property owners. Visit mcgrawpropertymanagement.com

Commercial real estate

Founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008, MCP, formally McGraw Commercial Properties is a privately owned, full-service commercial real estate firm offering unmatched local market knowledge and unwavering commitment. We exclusively focus on commercial buildings and land delivering personalized, high touch, client services. Our local market specialists are invested in every

relationship. Our team has the expertise, tools, and the resources to capitalize on market trends as we meet our clients’ most complex business objectives. Our innovative and entrepreneurial culture is the engine that drives everything we do. We are committed to our clients, to our community and to each other. We are loyal to our clients and to our core values and we are tenacious in our drive to create positive outcomes that exceed our clients’ expectations. We support our local community as individuals and as a firm. Visit mcgrawcp.com

Winfield Property management with McGraw REALTORS®

Winfield Property Management has been serving multifamily investors and their tenants with dedication and excellence for over 19 years, and currently has over 5,200 units under management. In 2019,In the summer of 2019, Winfield Property Management partnered with McGraw REALTORS®. Their combined experience offers top-tier management services to their current clients and future expansion to new markets. As investors come to Tulsa and are looking for new properties, they now have access to a combined quality management and brokerage team. Visit winfieldliving.com

(Left to right) Bill McCollough, Heidi Williams, Lindsey Schlomann, Veronica Oswald, Kira Allert, Jennifer Richard, Jeff Horany, Rachel Hicks, and Curt Roberts.

High Tech

By Jim Sluss, Ph.D., Regents Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa

As the nature of work changes with the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, an educated workforce with the skills, training and adaptability for learning is more important than ever to meet the needs of high-tech job creators. Local leaders from the business, government, nonprofit and higher education communities joined forces many years ago to plan for growth in regional access to higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.

The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance works to grow the pipeline of pre-K-12 students who are academically ready to pursue higher education, whether at the college level or with a focus toward a skilled high-tech trade. Tulsa Community College is an ideal starting point for collegebound students seeking a two-year associate

degree. Another option is Atlas School, formerly known as Holberton Tulsa, which produces software engineers without a typical two- or four-year degree. Tulsa Tech, part of Oklahoma’s CareerTech system, also offers technology programs for non-degree seeking students.

The University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute at OU-Tulsa focuses on advanced and applied technology degrees that are in high demand and driven by the changing workforce needs of Tulsa’s regional industry partners. OUPI’s programs include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and integration, digital manufacturing and health information systems. The Tulsa Higher Education Consortium brings together TCC with nine area institutions to improve transfer student success for those moving on to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Coupled

with a broad offering of STEM-focused master’s and doctoral research degree programs, this next-generation workforce can meet the needs of current and future job creators. To retain this talent, Tulsa Regional Chamber, the City of Tulsa and George Kaiser Family Foundation launched Campus Tulsa, an initiative to encourage college graduates to begin their careers in Tulsa and create diverse and inclusive work environments in which they can thrive.

Tulsa’s research community is growing, fostered by leading-edge investigations into focus areas such as cybersecurity, aerospace and defense, advanced mobility, health and biosciences, and energy technologies. This research is being conducted within our comprehensive universities in partnership with industry, government and nonprofit organizations. For example, the GKFF-funded Tulsa Innovation Labs brings strategic focus to Tulsa’s economic development activities in the high-tech domain areas such as virtual health and advanced aerial mobility. The University of Tulsa, long at the forefront of research and education in cybersecurity, recently partnered with TIL to establish the Cyber Innovation Institute. To create a pipeline of qualified students, TIL partnered with TCC to establish the Cyber Skills Center. Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has a robust materials science and engineering program developing advanced materials for energy, medical, electronics, aerospace and defense technologies. OU-Tulsa is a leader in self-organizing and 5G cellular networks incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things and big data analytics.

Disruption, the acceleration of technology development, and easy access to information on a global scale exemplifies the 21st century innovation environment. Tulsa is prepared for this environment and tomorrow’s high-tech researchers and innovators — engineers, scientists, technologists and health care professionals — can be found today in the classrooms and laboratories of Tulsa’s research universities, regional universities, community colleges and technology centers.

A drone flies as part of a demonstration on the campus of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa.

ImageNet Consulting and Youth Scoreboards

Mike Henry had a vision. Coach Barry Switzer recognized the need. And ImageNet Consulting saw the potential. Together, this team is making the difference.

Through their partnership, both Youth Scoreboards and ImageNet Consulting are changing the game.

ImageNet provides evolving IT services to businesses throughout Oklahoma and 5 other states. Founded in Tulsa, Youth Scoreboards also serves areas throughout Oklahoma and is currently expanding in to Texas, Kansas, and Missouri, providing interactive, LED scoreboards to baseball and softball complexes—featuring displays that intersperse digital ads between gameplay.

From his success with the OU Sooners to the Dallas Cowboys, Oklahoma’s own Coach Barry Switzer co-founded Youth Scoreboards with Mike Henry.

“My partner had a grandson playing baseball, and there were no scoreboards,” Coach Barry Switzer shares. “So people were bothering the team mom with questions, constantly asking ‘what’s the score’ and ‘what inning is it,’ just completely wearing her out.

We decided this could be the right space to innovate and so we started Youth Scoreboards.”

The evolution of Youth Scoreboards goes back nearly 40 years and continues to evolve today. However, the partnership with ImageNet has been the true game changer.

When the introduction was made between ImageNet’s CEO Tom Russell and Coach Barry Switzer, there was a handshake partnership deal made within the hour.

“For Youth Scoreboards, ImageNet is the perfect partner,” Switzer shares.

“The screens are bigger and brighter, even in the daylight. Now when you want to know the score, you can see it for yourself, and the kids feel like they’re playing in a stadium.”

The scoreboards brilliantly light up the ballfields, but also grow the local community. A revenueshare program helps businesses grow their brand with affordable advertising options that ultimately gives back to the participating sports complex.

“Let’s get kids up off the couch, and out there playing youth sports,” says Switzer.

With vibrant, high resolution screens—in which there are just 10 millimeters between the center of one pixel and its adjacent pixel—Youth Scoreboards is bringing a major league feel to little league play.

“At ImageNet, we are excited to be able to provide the technology to Youth Scoreboards and Coach Switzer’s team to fufill their desire and needs to create such a dynamic product for ballparks being utilized by youth in Oklahoma. It is truly an enhancement…for both players and fans,” said Alan Webb, Oklahoma Market President for ImageNet.

7231 East 41st St. South, Tulsa OK 74145

imagenetconsulting.com

youthscoreboards.com

The ImageNet lobby.

Coach Switzer with youth baseball players standing in front of a Youth Scoreboard at a playing field.

ImageNet Market President Alan Webb with Barry Swtzer.

City Government

By City of Tulsa staff

The City of Tulsa serves more than 411,000 citizens in our community, and it is the 47th largest city in the United States. The City strongly pursues an organization-wide commitment to continuous improvement, but our deeper commitment is to bring all Tulsans along on our journey to excellence.

Incorporated nine years before Oklahoma statehood, the City operates under a homerule charter, amended by Tulsans in 1989 to establish a mayor-council form of government.

With a total annual budget approaching $1 billion, the City manages over $4 billion in capital assets, from a complex network of underground water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure to the world’s most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West at Gilcrease Museum.

Mission, vision and values

We rally around a clear mission, share an ambitious vision for our future and resolve to live and work by unwavering organizational and community values.

MISSION

Build the foundation for economic prosperity, improved health and enhanced quality of life for our community.

VISION

Tulsa will be a globally competitive, world-class city.

VALUES

Committed teamwork — we work together toward common goals.

High expectations — we expect excellence in our work, our organization and the city we are building.

Our values reflect what unites us. We excel at representing different (even competing) interests across our diverse community and bringing people together — in a spirit of high expectations — to address critical challenges.

Public service

The City establishes local laws and public policies, builds and maintains the basic infrastructure that enables commerce and quality of life and delivers a variety of services and programs. These operations are managed through administrative and operating departments in addition to public trusts and public-private partnerships. We work every day across silos to provide quality services to all those who live, work and play in Tulsa.

Organizational relationships and structure

Tulsa has a strong-mayor form of government. Responsible governance is ensured through checks and balances among three separate elected offices: the Mayor, the City Council and the City Auditor. The Mayor executes municipal laws and administers City operations. The City Council adopts municipal laws and policies and appropriates City funds. The City Auditor provides government oversight and ensures adequate protections are in place to manage risk.

The City’s Authorities, Boards and Commissions are empowered in different ways to achieve City-wide objectives. The ABCs assist in oversight and management of City operations, but also provide a citizen perspective. This ensures that residents have a voice in the prioritization of resources and delivery of services and products.

Citizens hold the leaders of all three branches of City government accountable through the election process. Elections are non-partisan, which gives Tulsa’s citizens a strong voice in each election. This power, along with the rights of initiative and referendum, provides citizens a strong governance role. The Mayor is elected for a four-year term; City Councilors and the City Auditor are elected for two-year terms.

The City of Tulsa also goes to great lengths to protect its financial health. In its July 2022 report, Moody’s Investors Service assigned the City of Tulsa an Aa1 rating with a stable outlook. Standard and Poor’s assigned an AA rating with a stable outlook for the City’s general obligation bonds in its July 2022 report. Reports of internal audit findings and financial reports, such as City Budgets and Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, are published on the City website.

Transparency in operations is achieved through open records and open meetings. The City maintains records for public inspection and agendas with all items of business to be conducted are posted 24 hours in advance of public meetings. The City’s television channel, TGOV, broadcasts all City Council meetings and select ABCs to give interested parties a window into decision-making processes. Meetings are broadcast live, and once recorded, can be viewed anytime on the TGOV website. City Council meetings also are broadcast via Facebook Live.

Workforce profile

The City is one of the largest employers in our community, with 3,550 full-time public servants who are as diverse as the community they serve. In addition to a paid workforce, the City engages hundreds of citizen volunteers as well as unpaid interns to assist with special assignments and initiatives.

The annual employee survey helps identify how best to engage employees in achieving our mission and vision. The survey also provides feedback on employee satisfaction, morale and information on specific areas leaders need to focus on for improvement.

We have a vigorous commitment to safety. We require all employees to renew safety promises annually, carefully analyze and communicate injury data trends and provide a robust health and safety-training program with specific courses offered for different business functions.

Assets

Providing excellent services to citizens, visitors and businesses depends on reliable facilities, fleet, equipment and technology. Major facilities include:

• One Technology Center (including City Hall)

• 4,348 lane miles of city streets and 546 signalized intersections

• Lake Yahola, Unruh Reservoir, Lake Spavinaw, Lake Eucha and associated dam and transmission infrastructure

• Mohawk and A.B. Jewell water treatment plants, with the capacity to treat 220 million gallons of raw water per day, to be distributed through 2,332 miles of water lines

• 2,023 miles of underground sewer lines and 65 lift stations, moving wastewater to the Northside, Southside, Haikey Creek and Lower Bird Creek treatment plants

• 122 stormwater detention facilities and 64 miles of improved drainage channels

• 135 parks covering roughly 6,553 acres, including 57 miles of walking trails, 227 sports fields and 99 playgrounds

• 27 police facilities, including a municipal courthouse and jail

• 35 fire stations and related facilities

• Tulsa Performing Arts Center with five performance spaces, designed by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the former World Trade Center towers

• Gilcrease Museum and its world-class collection

• Tulsa Zoo

• Cox Business Convention Center

• BOK Center, designed by Cesar Pelli

• Tulsa International Airport and Air Force Plant No. 3.

The City owns a fleet of 2,914 on-road vehicles, 1,422 pieces of off-road equipment and 146 fire engines, ladders and other apparatus. The Fleet Management Steering Committee and Equipment Management team utilize national standards to schedule preventative maintenance and replacement of fleet vehicles and equipment.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OVERVIEW ENTITY MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY

Mayor (elected at large)

City Council (9 members; elected by district)

City Auditor (elected at large)

City Department (directors hired by Mayor)

Authority (appointed)

Board or Commission (appointed)

Execute municipal laws. Administer City operations.

Adopt municipal laws and policies. Appropriate City funds.

Provide government oversight. Ensure adequate protections are in place to manage risk.

Manage personnel. Execute strategies and plans.

Acquire and manage or oversee management of assets.

Review and recommend policy changes to Mayor and City Council.

Customers and stakeholders

The City has the privilege of serving residents, businesses, visitors and even our surrounding communities. A single person can be a City customer for many different services, each with different methods of delivery, providers and expectations.

To serve these many needs, businesses expect excellent City services and a high qualityof-life for their employees, including safety, well-maintained infrastructure and low taxes. Feedback from customers is a key part of the City’s strategy for continuous improvement, and we employ multiple methods to receive and respond to customers’ input, such as our consolidated 311 system.

For more information, visit cityoftulsa.org and tulsacouncil.org, or call 918-596-2100.

Economic Profile

1 REAL = DEFLATED DOLLARS. TULSA MSA PERSONAL INCOME IS PUBLISHED BY THE U.S. BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. TULSA COUNTY INFLATION ADJUSTED TO 2022 DOLLARS USING THE CPI-U INDEX FOR THE SOUTH REGION WITH A BASE PERIOD 1982-84=100.

2 REAL TULSA MSA GDP IN BILLIONS 2017 INFLATION ADJUSTED DOLLARS TULSA MSA IS COMPRISED OF CREEK, OKMULGEE, OSAGE, PAWNEE, ROGERS, TULSA AND WAGONER COUNTIES. SOURCE: TULSA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; RESEARCH CENTER, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY.

Acknowledgments

Principal Contributors

Sarah Davis , Council Administrator and Chief of Staff for the Tulsa City Council, holds a Juris Doctorate with distinction from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law, and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is an editor and content developer of Vision Tulsa.

Megan Boyd , Senior Council Communications Officer, received her B.A. in Journalism and MBA from Oklahoma State University. She is a contributor to and content coordinator of Vision Tulsa.

Martha Gregory and Jennifer Pawlowski , Research Center, Tulsa City-County Library, have been instrumental in gathering information for Vision Tulsa. Without their able, insightful assistance, the publication would not have been possible.

Very Special Thanks

Kelly Bostian

Michelle Brooks, City of Tulsa

Ken Busby, Route 66 Alliance

Alicia Chesser

Laura Dennis

Patricia Dinoa, Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG)

Kristi Eaton

Robert Evatt

Samantha Extance, Tulsa Planning Office

Marnie Fernandez

Barbara Gibson, INCOG

Wayne Greene, Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Leah Harper, Oklahoma Natural Gas

Deborah Laker

Bob Lieser, Tulsa Global Alliance

Jonathan Long, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Rhys Martin, Oklahoma Route 66 Association

Mark McElreath, Tulsa County Medical Society

Renee McKenney, Tulsa Regional Tourism

J. D. Myer

Jim Myers Morgan, Tulsa Regional Chamber

Christopher Payne, Union Public Schools

Michael Patton, Land Legacy

Gary Peluso-Verdend, Ph.D., Phillips Theological Seminary

Morgan Phillips, Downtown Tulsa Partnership

Dave Rowland, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Bailey J. Siegfried, NORDAM

Abigail Singrey

Jim Sluss, Ph.D., University of OklahomaTulsa

John Smaligo, Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma

Lee Wallis, McGraw Commercial Properties

Julie Wenger Watson

Lara Weber, City of Tulsa

Jane Ziegler, INCOG

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