Working to build a city that attracts and retains talent, like William Franklin, has been a pursuit of mine for years. Known professionally as William the Artist, Franklin could arguably thrive in any city on the planet; but he purposefully chooses to live in Tulsa. As an admirer of his and as an urban planning…
The madness continues. Sadly, and with little resistance, the Gilcrease Expressway extension planning continues unabated. Buoyed by support from misguided transportation officials, business interests and Chamber representatives, the
After four years of tireless advocacy, Smart Growth Tulsa is ceasing operations. Founded as a single-proprietorship in 2014, the organization transitioned to an Oklahoma 501(c)4 Non-Profit in 2016, governed by a Board of Trustees, and
While some property owners predictably resist what they consider to be cumbersome and sometimes expensive regulations, they are arguably the ones who have the most to gain by them. It is a mistake by those who dismiss design standards as nothing more than unnecessary aesthetics serving as barriers to doing business.
“If others want to dictate how downtown property is to be used, they should consider investing their own money in downtown real estate. Then they can call the shots.” Thus sayeth the Tulsa World editorial writers, the omnipotent, all-knowing purveyors of truth, justice and the American way.
Voting for the mayor’s proposal were Councilors Phil Lakin, David Patrick, Ben Kimbro, Karen Gilbert and Anna America, who as council chairwoman cast the deciding vote after her peers were split four in favor and four opposed.
It’s not difficult to speculate on what’s behind the February 21st, 2017 Special City Council Meeting to consider a mayoral sponsored resolution regarding the future of a portion of Helmerich Park. Quite simply, it is damage control, and an
On the more sobering side, no schedule has been set for re-visiting those four plans which in some cases will involve re-engagement with the area’s stakeholders in meetings and hearings, that could conceivably…
Smart Growth Tulsa was honored recently by Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) at the organization’s 2016 Boomtown Awards Ceremony at the new River Spirit Casino Resort Ballroom. The recognition of SGT with the Urban Advocate Award, highlighted our support for urban revitalization to enhance the quality of life and attract young professionals to our community.
Our organization recognizes that the RDO represents a significant step forward in getting Tulsans accustomed to the notion of an overlay district. With those sentiments in mind, our talented group of planners, urban designers and activists have collectively formulated some observations and recommendations which…
The idea of big box stores close to the core of cities is contrary to both leading-edge retail trends and best practices in urban design. It is even more questionable within an area designated as parkland. And what message does it send to Tulsans - who have just voted to fund beautification of the river?
Proposition 1 - If approved, the permanent, dedicated public safety tax will provide funding for the addition of 160 new police officers and 65 new firefighters. The City states that the added police officers will allow police stations to remain open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. It likely will improve response times for police by having more patrol officers ready to answer calls.