Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Urban & Economic Development Committee meeting on March 11, 2026 focused heavily on a proposed 365-day moratorium on data center building permits, with extensive debate about Project Anthem's expansion in Wagoner County. The committee also reviewed four charter amendment proposals including longevity pay changes, satisfactory performance increases for public safety employees, council confirmation of department heads, and independent civilian oversight of public safety. A Sabina Telephone Company license agreement for fiber optic installation in Mayes County was presented for approval.
Key Decisions (5)
Renita Bolden Appointment to HUD Community Development Committee
Renita Bolden was recommended for appointment to the HUD Community Development Committee from Council District 6, filling a vacant seat with term expiring 06/30/2027. She has 24 years experience with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Yatika Starfield Reappointment to Tulsa Arts Commission
Reappointment to the Tulsa Arts Commission was rescheduled due to emergency.
License Agreement with Sabina Telephone Company for Fiber Optic Installation
License agreement between City of Tulsa and Sabina Telephone Company for property at 439 Road and 4365 Road, Pryor, Oklahoma to install a four inch PVC duct and fiber optic line underneath raw water flow lines in Mayes County. Company must bore outside city property and maintain six feet minimum clearance below water lines.
365-Day Data Center Moratorium Ordinance
Councilor Bellis proposed a 365-day moratorium on acceptance of applications for data center building permits in the City of Tulsa, with an exemption for Project Anthem phase one. Discussion centered on zoning concerns, noise/vibration impacts, water capacity limits (Eric Lee stated capacity for only two data centers), and the need for appropriate zoning before allowing hyperscale facilities near residential areas.
Travel Authorization for Councilor Hall Harper
Travel authorization approved for Councilor Hall Harper to attend Chamber of One Voice Washington DC fly-in, totaling $3,400 for registration, hotel, and per diem.
Zoning Changes (1)
Wagoner County - Project Anthem Phase Two site
Atmos LLC/Project Anthem
Development Activity (2)
Project Anthem Data Center
Phase one data center already approved with TID incentive at 85% ad valorem abatement for 25 years. Phase two expansion proposed requiring AG to IL rezoning, going before Planning Commission next week. Developer now requires building in multiples of two or more. $75 million state infrastructure, $50 million ARPA funding, $25 million from developer. Part of larger Fair Oaks development including housing, green space, park, and town center.
Fair Oaks Development
Larger development surrounding data center including retail, housing, green space, park, and town center. Data center infrastructure investment of $5 million per year for first five years supports this development.
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
City of Tulsa water capacity can support only two hyperscale data centers according to Public Works Director Eric Lee, limiting future data center development.
Commercial Demand
Data center industry moving rapidly with companies competing to build as many facilities as possible; technology changes every 3-4 years requiring equipment replacement.
Labor
Tulsa Police Department down 130 positions from authorized strength, Fire Department down 12 positions, with recruitment taking approximately one year per officer.
Housing Demand
Child care costs exceed mortgage payments for many families, with 34 of Oklahoma's 77 counties designated as child care deserts with two-year wait lists for infants.
Sentiment
PSO and utilities seeking to spread data center power costs across all customers rather than having data centers pay their own infrastructure costs.