City of Tulsa

Oxley Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 artist-in-residence program featuring local artist Matt Moffett. This Spring, visitors to Oxley will have a unique opportunity to engage with Moffett's creative process while appreciating the center's natural beauty. With 28 years of teaching and artistic experience in Tulsa, Matt Moffett co-founded The Tulsa Girls Art School and currently teaches painting classes at Ziegler’s. He brings extensive knowledge from his participation in several international art residencies and is eager to focus on creating cyanotypes and daily paintings during his time at Oxley Nature Center. "I am thrilled to be the 2025 Oxley Nature Center Art Resident! My goal is to capture the essence of nature through my artwork and share that passion with the public," Moffett said. "Oxley Nature Center is a hidden gem for hiking and birdwatching here in Tulsa, and I look forward to finding my own Walden in my hometown and showcasing it to everyone." Moffett will have studio hours at Oxley on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where visitors can observe his artistic process and engage with him directly. He will also conduct monthly cyanotype workshops, with the first session scheduled for April 12 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Participants will have the chance to learn about this historic photographic technique, which utilizes UV-sensitive paper to create striking blueprints without needing a camera. Workshops are open to individuals aged 16 and up. All supplies and materials will be provided. Each class costs $8 for the general public and $5 for ONCA members. Registration for April sessions is currently full, but classes in May still have open spots. Register today at https://lnkd.in/gGifRk5h. Sessions for June, July, and August will open on May 1. Throughout the residency, Moffett will also sell his daily paintings to the public, with some of the sales supporting Oxley Nature Center. The residency will culminate in a special exhibition of Moffett's work on Thursday, September 18. This exhibition will showcase the artworks created during his residency and offer a vibrant reflection of Oxley's natural beauty. For ongoing updates and a glimpse into Moffett's artistic journey, follow him on Instagram @m2art. Oxley Nature Center serves as a hub for outdoor exploration and education. Nestled among diverse ecosystems, the center offers visitors opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the beauty of nature. With various educational programs tailored for all ages, Oxley aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the environment while promoting conservation efforts. For more information about the artist residency program and upcoming workshops, visit www.oxleynaturecenter.org.

Mayor Monroe Nichols, Tulsa City leaders, the delegation from Mwanza, Tanzania, and the Tulsa Global Alliance held a formal signing ceremony today further marking the formal partnership between Tulsa and Mwanza.    "I want to thank the representatives from Mwanza, the Tulsa Global Alliance, and everyone who made this partnership possible," Mayor Nichols said. "I am excited to begin working with and learning from our new Sister City, and I couldn't be happier to build this relationship and strengthen our cities in the months and years ahead."   The Mwanza delegation's visit to Tulsa is its first in-person meeting with Tulsa leaders since the City and Tulsa Global Alliance traveled to Mwanza last May/June for the initial signing ceremony.   Mwanza is Tulsa's first Sister City on the continent of Africa and has ties to Tulsa through local nonprofit Mainsprings that helped bring the city to Tulsa’s attention. Over the past several decades, numerous Tulsans have visited the city and made ties to the region. Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania, which is the capital of the Mwanza region with a population of more than 1.3 million. The city is also known as the “City of Rocks.”   Micah Keyan, Executive Director of the Tulsa Global Alliance, had this to say about the partnership:   "Tulsa Global Alliance is honored to partner with the City of Tulsa and the Mayor's Office to manage Tulsa’s Sister City Partnerships. After the incredible hospitality our fellow Tulsans received during the initial signing ceremony in Mwanza, Tanzania, last summer, our Tulsa community is excited to reciprocate with a secondary ceremony celebrating this special relationship. This week, we welcome our first official delegation from Mwanza, and we’re excited to finally host the final signing ceremony in Tulsa. Years in the making, this partnership engages key sectors in our two cities, including economic development, education, healthcare, arts, sports, science and technology, tourism, cultural exchanges, and more. I’d like to thank our Mwanza committee volunteers, TGA community partners, Mayor Nichols, Tulsa City Council, City of Tulsa staff, and all Tulsans for coming together to help us strengthen our global community!"   Tulsa’s eight other international Sister Cities include: Amiens, France; Beihai, China; Celle, Germany; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Lan Luis Potosi, Mexico; Tiberias, Israel; Utsunomiya, Japan; and Zelenograd, Russia.   Just last week, Mayor Nichols met with exchange students from one of Tulsa's other Sister Cities - Utsunomiya, Japan - to celebrate the 30-year partnership.    For additional information on Tulsa's Sister City partnership, visit https://lnkd.in/gVatrJMR.

Boston Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Update: On-Deck Work Underway, Access Changes Expected Project Expected for Completion in Late 2025; Center of the Universe Aesthetic Project to Begin Following Completion of Bridge Repair Project The Boston Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project is progressing, with both below-deck and on-deck structural work now underway. This project, part of the Vision Tulsa program, is set to preserve and enhance the century-old bridge structure, which serves as a key pedestrian connection and home to the Center of the Universe landmark. Work below the bridge began in December and is expected to continue through the summer as crews repair the bridge’s structural supports. On-deck work, which started on March 31, includes removing the raised concrete planter beds, bollards, brick pavers, and asphalt pavement to allow for repairs to the bridge deck at the south end. As part of this phase, access to the Williams North Parking Garage will be closed or reduced for a few weeks beginning in early to mid-May. While some pedestrian walkways may remain open during construction, temporary closures are expected as work progresses. Pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted signage for safety. This rehabilitation project is laying the groundwork for the upcoming renovation of the Center of the Universe, ensuring its famous acoustic phenomenon remains intact. The Artificial Cloud sculpture, located just south of the landmark, will also be preserved. The bridge rehabilitation is expected to be completed this fall, with the follow-up enhancement project beginning shortly thereafter. Led by the Downtown Tulsa Partnership, these improvements will bring new green spaces, improved lighting, updated landscaping, and enhanced pedestrian walkways to the area. More information about the project and future enhancements can be found at https://lnkd.in/gcZmF9M5.

The next steps for three new Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts have been approved, and promote the development of more than 1,800 housing units and additional retail/economic development opportunities across Tulsa.   The TIFs, which will be good for 25 years, were greenlighted by the Tulsa City Council over the course of the last few weeks.   Tax Increment Financing, or TIFs, are public funding tools that use future tax revenue collections in a certain geographic area to pay for immediate community improvements in those areas. TIFs are used to finance infrastructure, economic development, and urban renewal projects. Once established, TIF monies are collected into a special fund that is then used to pay for the improvements.   "These new TIF districts will have a direct role in helping us meet our affordable housing goals to bring 6,000 new units online by 2028, while at the same time providing quality of life upgrades across various parts of our city," Mayor Nichols said. "I want to thank our Economic Development Director Erran Persley, our team at PartnerTulsa, our local development community, and the Tulsa City Council for continuing to help us realize additional ways that we can accomplish some of Tulsa's most pressing needs."   The new TIFs include:   Crutchfield Neighborhood, 625 new housing units Location: East of US Highway 75 and Inner Dispersal Loop, east of Utica Ave, south of East Pine St, and north of Interstate 244. The TIF includes eight proposed districts in the project plan and is expected to create 625 new housing units, in addition to more single-family, affordable housing units. The area has already seen active development, and the TIF will help further catalyze additional developments in the area. Local developers already working in the area have prioritized affordable housing, as well as historical/neighborhood preservation efforts.     Southern Villa, 870 new housing units  Location: East of Riverside and west of South Lewis Ave, between East 87th and East 89th Streets Development in the area is a partnership between the City of Tulsa and the Muskogee Creek Nation. The property, which was a former mobile home park, is expected to be turned into a new, mixed-use development area with housing and retail. As the area is built up, the property is expected to be a major economic driver for the City that can also result in more than 870 new housing units.   Pearl District, 320 new housing units Location: East of U.S. Highway 75 and the Inner Dispersal Loop, south of Interstate 244, north of 11th St South, and west of South Utica Ave. The TIF includes opportunities for infill and housing developments in the Pearl District next to Downtown Tulsa. In addition to creating 320 new housing units and more parking, the TIF centers on access to transportation and Bus Rapid Transit lines.

In Tulsa, flood insurance is crucial for safeguarding your home against unexpected disasters – where it can rain, it can flood. With coverage for structural damage, personal belongings, and temporary living expenses, flood insurance ensures you're not left to pick up the pieces alone. Remember, typical homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover flood losses. Tulsa is one of only two communities nationwide with a FEMA Class 1 rating, which qualifies all residents living within the city limits for a 45% discount on flood insurance. To learn more about flood insurance and how to protect your property from flooding visit the City’s Flood Insurance page at https://lnkd.in/g7wdT_Hi, call the City of Tulsa’s Customer Care Center at 311 or email Tulsa311@cityoftulsa.org.

The City of Tulsa, Tulsa City Council and the Tulsa Arts Commission are pleased to announce the Vision Arts 6 grantees, with $150,000 going to support 20 local arts organizations. "Since 2018, Tulsans have demonstrated their commitment to investing in arts and culture through Vision Tulsa, and I'm excited to join the Tulsa Arts Commission in announcing this year's award recipients," Mayor Monroe Nichols said. "These grants allow our vibrant arts scene to thrive and help foster creativity and boost our local economy all while elevating our local arts community." Vision Arts supports organizations and activities that provide high-quality arts and cultural programing to Tulsa residents while also promoting tourism and economic development throughout the city. The program is funded through Vision Tulsa. Awardees were required to specify how their proposal will promote tourism or have an economic impact within Tulsa. sm "The arts play an important role in Tulsa's local economy and our tourism efforts," Council Chair Phil Lakin said. "The Vision Arts grants program provides cultural experiences for our residents and visitors that would not have been possible without leveraging these local funds. I'm thankful the voters approved this program and for Tulsans' continued support of the arts." Arts Commission Chair Machele Miller Dill explained the value of the program, saying, "The Vision Arts grants play a crucial role in retaining and nurturing local talent while contributing to our economy. Both Tulsans and visitors will appreciate the diverse array of arts and culture programming made possible through this vital funding initiative." Of the $150,00 allocated, the program will invest a total of $90,000 in 13 organizations whose annual donations do not exceed $400,000 per year: ‣ Theatre North - $10,000 ‣ Tulsa Shakespeare Company - $9,000 ‣ Portico Dance Theatre Inc. - $9,000 ‣ LoLoLook - $9,000 ‣ Redfork Arts Foundry Tulsa - $8,000 ‣ Red Dirt Relief Fund - $7,000 ‣ World Stage Theatre Company - $7,000 ‣ Clark Youth Theatre - $6,000 ‣ Tulsa Peoples' Orchestra - $5,000 ‣ Goff Center for the Continuous Present - $5,000 ‣ Kendall Whittier Main Street - $5,000 ‣ Hued Songs, Inc. - $5,000 ‣ Trueson Daughtery - $5,000 Additionally, the program will invest a total of $60,000 in seven organizations whose annual donations equal or exceed $400,000 per year: ‣ Tulsa Opera, Inc. - $15,000 ‣ Tulsa Historical Society - $12,000 ‣ Philbrook Museum of Art - $10,000 ‣ Signature Symphony at TCC - $8,000 ‣ Brady Craft Inc. (DBA 108 Contemporary) - $5,000 ‣ Downtown Tulsa Partnership - $5,000 ‣ Tulsa Symphony Orchestra - $5,000

The City of Tulsa has extended the timeline for developers to respond to the latest Request for Information (RFI) targeted to Tulsa housing developers as we seek to better understand what projects may be on the horizon. These responses will help us determine how to best disburse and/or bond all or a portion of the $75 million in Improve Our Tulsa (IOT) 3 housing funds. The RFI follows the work of the 3H Task Force, in addition to the Mayor’s executive order earlier this month that set housing as a priority and shifted resources to support the City’s housing goals. The City of Tulsa is considering bonding up to $35 million of the IOT 3 funds to immediately deploy toward selected development projects as early as this year, which would accelerate housing developments to meet Tulsa’s housing needs. One of the decisions will be how to best allocate the portion of bonded funds to go toward one or more of the following housing programs: • Housing Grant Fund: Leverage other programs, such as the Low-Income • Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to increase the supply of affordable housing for households at or below the 60% area median income. • Housing Investment Fund: Deploy revolving funds to increase the supply of affordable housing for households earning up to 120% of the area median income. • Housing Acquisition Fund: Acquire strategic sites across the city to produce housing units. • Housing Infrastructure: Invest in strategic areas where increase in capacity could enable more housing development with focus on projects that will utilize existing public infrastructure. • Housing Preservation & Rehabilitation: Preserve housing by investing in the rehabilitation of vacant and abandoned housing units. To see more information about the RFI visit https://lnkd.in/gMhnyMuH

The City's mulch site will be closed through Sunday, March 23, 2025, due to the continued high winds, fire danger, and fire that occurred on-site earlier this week. The mulch site will reopen on Monday, March 24 to all residential and commercial customers at 7:30 a.m. You can learn more about the Greenwaste site, including days of operation, hours, acceptable drop-off material, and commercial rates at www.cityoftulsa.org/mulch

The City of Tulsa’s Planning and Neighborhoods Department is inviting district leaders, community members and business and property owners to the second Annual Destination Districts Retreat on Tuesday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Centennial Center in Veterans Park, 1028 E 6th St, Tulsa, OK 74120. The event is free to attend, but an RSVP is required. Register here at https://lnkd.in/gbC9_yUp. This free, daylong event will focus on placemaking, collaboration and upcoming projects in Tulsa’s districts. Attendees will hear from experts on topics such as creating district tours, public art basics and commercial leasing, along with special presentations highlighting innovative strategies and new initiatives shaping districts. As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to support thriving and safe districts, attendees will also have access to the newly released District and Commercial Corridor Safety Guide. Developed with the community in mind, this online resource will be available in 200+ languages and will provide businesses and property owners with tips and best practices to enhance safety and resiliency. The guide covers topics like crime prevention through design, graffiti mitigation, establishing a Business Watch program, developing emergency plans and delivery vehicle safety. To learn more about the Destination Districts program, visit https://lnkd.in/g9y3J37R.