Tulsa launches ambitious plan to revitalize city infrastructure

The city of Tulsa is set to undergo a significant reevaluation of its comprehensive plan, originally adopted in 2010, to better reflect the changes and needs of the community over the past decade. The update, anticipated for completion by the end of 2020, will involve extensive coordination with various city departments to ensure that the plan serves as a guiding framework for city growth, investments, and public infrastructure.

Central to this update is a data-driven approach that aims to enhance understanding of community needs. Public engagement will play a crucial role in the development of the revised plan, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping the future of Tulsa.

In addition to the comprehensive plan update, the Tulsa Planning Office, established on January 1, 2019, is focusing on two primary areas: current planning, which encompasses zoning and historic preservation, and plan development and implementation, which includes both short-term and long-term strategic planning. The office is also working on establishing a destination districts program to enhance local areas.

Furthermore, discussions highlighted the environmental impact of urban waste management, particularly how runoff from yards and streets contributes to pollution in local rivers and streams. The planning office is advocating for community awareness and action to protect waterways by managing what enters storm drains.

The meeting also featured insights from Phoebe Stubblefield, a forensic anthropologist involved in the Tulsa Race Massacre investigation, who discussed the processing of remains exhumed for analysis. This aspect of the meeting underscores the city's commitment to addressing historical injustices while integrating community and environmental considerations into its planning efforts.