Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Council Urban & Economic Development Committee reviewed board reappointments, approved a rezoning from CS to RM-2 for residential properties on Charles Page Boulevard (Z7848), and received detailed briefings on the domestic violence task force initiatives and the new Tulsa Police Department Downtown Division launching in August 2026. The Downtown Division represents the first new TPD division in 38 years and will cover the urban core from downtown through Cherry Street, the Gathering Place, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Key Decisions (12)
Reappointment of Scott Abhorenson to HUD Community Development Committee
Scott Abhorenson reappointment to HUD Community Development Committee from Council District 2, term expires 06/30/2027. He currently serves as chair of the committee. Vote scheduled for April 1 at 5PM meeting.
Reappointment of Steve Mitchell to Tulsa Development Authority
Steve Mitchell, CEO of Organot Private Equity, reappointment to Tulsa Development Authority from Council District 4, term expires 07/31/2028. Attended 7 of 15 meetings. Vote scheduled for April 1 at 5PM meeting.
Rezoning at Charles Page Boulevard (Z7848)
Rezoning from CS (commercial) to RM-2 (residential) for property located west of the Southwest Corner of Charles Page Boulevard and South 49th West Avenue. Two existing homes that have been remodeled will remain. Rezoning requested to align zoning with residential use for lending purposes. Applicant: Matthew Ward, property owner MKW Properties LLC. Council District 4.
IACP Grant for Victim Interview Rooms - $10,000
Supplemental appropriation of $10,000 from International Association of Chiefs of Police grant for setup of two victim interview rooms. Approximately 90% of equipment will be transferable to State Farm (new public safety center) when move occurs. Some funds for Family Safety Center, most for current building.
PD Equitable Sharing Justice Fund Transfer - $50,000
Supplemental appropriation of $50,000 from unappropriated fund balance within PD equitable sharing justice sub fund for department training including travel conferences such as Major Cities Chiefs Association Conference.
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Fund Transfer - $146,511
Transfer of $146,511 between account groups within sexual assault kit initiative sub fund, moving funds from other services into personal services to pay for additional overtime to work the backlog of sexual assault kits.
ARPA Fund Reallocation for Municipal Courts - $82,567
Transfer of $82,567 between projects within American Rescue Plan Act subfund for municipal courts community outreach, mental health initiatives, organizational development, and facility improvements including signs and TV screens. Reallocation as ARPA deadline approaches.
Animal Shelter Donations Appropriation - $41,010
Supplemental appropriation of $41,010 from donations received by animal shelter for food, medicine, and medical equipment. Additional $18,646.49 transferred from planning and neighborhoods to animal services due to departmental reorganization.
Oklahoma Route 66 Musical Road Grant - $110,000
Supplemental appropriation of $110,000 total ($20,000 Oklahoma Department of Commerce grant plus $90,000 match from culture recreation nonfederal grant sub fund) for Route 66 musical road project. Construction starting in next couple days. Musical road has 3-4 year lifespan.
DHS Boat Trailers Grant - $5,390
Supplemental appropriation of $5,390 from Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security for three boat trailers to replace boats that fire department totaled while responding to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Internet Crimes Against Children Grant - $22,532
Supplemental appropriation of $22,532 from Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for cyber crimes unit equipment and training, pass-through reimbursement of authorized expenses.
Route 66 Improvements Fund Transfer - $196,160.19
Transfer of $196,160.19 from planning and neighborhoods department to parks and recreation department for Route 66 improvements. Administrative transfer due to departmental reorganization - engineers now housed in parks and recreation.
Zoning Changes (1)
West of Southwest Corner of Charles Page Boulevard and South 49th West Avenue
Matthew Ward / MKW Properties LLC
Development Activity (2)
TPD Downtown Division Headquarters
New police division headquarters utilizing existing furniture left by Family Safety Center. Will house approximately 40-45 officers plus supervisory staff (65 total). $13,000 CAD system rewrite to be absorbed in existing budget. Temporary location for 12-18 months while permanent space identified.
Kirkpatrick Heights Development Area
Large development area brought within city purview, removed from UCAT situation. Described as having significant land available for development with potential for 50+ businesses. Development progress slower than anticipated.
Market Signals (6)
Commercial Demand
Downtown Tulsa transforms daily from business district to entertainment zone with growing nightlife, restaurants, and bar scene driving need for dedicated police division.
Infrastructure
87% of all special events in Tulsa touch downtown area, with recent events including SEC gymnastics, Big 12 wrestling, and soccer matches drawing large crowds.
Housing Demand
Greenwood revitalization described as 'overwhelming' with millions of dollars invested, arts district development, and convention center improvements driving urban core growth.
Commercial Demand
Private building owners have offered to provide free space for police presence downtown, indicating strong business community investment in public safety infrastructure.
Sentiment
Oklahoma leads nation in domestic violence incidents and ranks third nationally for DV homicides, with Tulsa County having highest rates in state even adjusted for population.
Commercial Demand
Data centers identified as opportunity for Tulsa region due to abundant power, water, real estate, and tax base supporting good schools.