Downtown Resident Group Meeting
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 @ 6:00 PM, Central Library
The meeting was composed of 20 residents who participated in a Q+A with District 4 City Councilor Laura Bellis. The Q+A was moderated by the Director of Planning at Downtown Tulsa Partnership Emily Scott.
Questions were previously submitted, and then the floor was open for comments, concerns, and questions.
Q+A Session
Q: As Downtown residents, how can we effectively advocate as a group?
A: There’s a perception that because it is Downtown Tulsa, most needs and requests are covered simply because it’s Downtown, and there are more resources. As those living here, I know that you all know that just isn’t true. Another important note is that Downtown should be generating more tax revenue than it is. One suggestion I have is getting together as a group and formally requesting a Council/Mayor’s Office tour of Downtown, because that hasn’t happened yet. There are various things to advocate for, whether it’s more green spaces, sharing the state of housing/homelessness in Downtown, etc. Another suggestion is to come together as a group and list these advocacy things and communicate it to Council/Mayor’s Office/Stakeholders on a monthly or quarterly basis. Think about what is funded and what isn’t and try to be realistic to make change happen quickly, rather than meeting monthly and eventually hoping for a change. As a group, make your policy agendas and find a way to share them with city officials.
Q: Which meetings at City Council would be beneficial for this group to attend and share advocacy agendas?
A: City Council Committee meetings that happen earlier in the day (Wednesdays at various times, depending on committees) are more of the policy planning aspects of City Council meetings. These can be streamed online if you cannot make it in person. Agendas are posted 5 days before the day of the meeting. You can skim through agendas to see if any initiatives you are interested in will be discussed. I recommend that going through agendas be a task of a member of this group, so they can then share with the rest of the group.
Q: Are there any resources or groups we can refer to learn more about advocacy strategies within the Downtown Resident Group?
A: We have a Neighborhood Academy program that will launch in the fall. The curriculum is currently being built and would be a good resource for one member to attend/do the curriculum and download the information to the group. There are also a few neighborhood associations in District 4 that have been established for years who would be a good resource to learn more about how to sustain quality membership numbers.
Q: What advice do you have as an elected official for a group like this? This group is just starting out and needs more residents to participate and effectively advocate for Downtown living.
A: Do physical outreach to all the living complexes in Downtown Tulsa. Bring visible signage. Also communicating short-term and long-term goals for this group so people don’t feel stagnant. You’d be surprised how policy projects can be a short-term goal, and if the group succeeds in pushing for just one policy project, that can be a signal to other residents not currently involved that change can be made at these meetings and within this group. Also, feed the residents! Free food is always a plus.
Q: We were curious when crafting these questions about the hot topics that you experience when dealing with Downtown Tulsa? What often comes across your desk?
A: The main feedback currently has to deal with excess homelessness, which stems from mental health crises, drug crises, housing crises, and much more. And because of the resources and position of Downtown, this area is a hub for homelessness. The Mayor’s office is intent on reaching zero functional homelessness by 2030, and many organizations and initiatives are in the works to achieve that goal. The need for fresh food or grocery stores is always consistent. With this Oasis Fresh Market in development, we hope that project will fulfill that need of Downtown residents. There’s another aspect of walkability and accessibility in Downtown, and how everything is within walking distance but doesn’t feel like it at all. Those are the main aspects of Downtown that come across my desk.
The meeting concluded with personal experiences and questions from Downtown residents. Residents were appreciative of the transparency and communication from Councilor Bellis and resonated with her advice on how to effectively advocate for Downtown living as a group who has direct impact and interest in Downtown Tulsa.
The next resident group meeting will be held at the Midweek Market on Wednesday, June 25 from 6:00 – 7:30! The Market runs from 4:30 – 7:30 PM every Wednesday night at Chapman Green! (600 S Main St.)