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Competence should count more than politics, says ex-Gov. Frank Keating

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 2:28 GMT by Tulsa World
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Tulsa City Council’s Landmark Vote on Affordable Housing and Community Development

In a tightly‑contested session that drew a full house at the Tulsa City Hall, the Tulsa City Council voted 5‑2 to approve a comprehensive plan to boost affordable housing, re‑zone a historic district, and redirect a portion of the city’s capital improvement budget toward community‑centered projects. The decision—announced on Tuesday night—has reverberated across the city’s political landscape, as it marks the first time the council has granted permission for large‑scale, low‑income housing development on a former industrial parcel along the Arkansas River.

The Proposal and Its Origins

Councilmember Tom Hall (Ward 8) presented the proposal in a presentation that began with a stark reminder of Tulsa’s ongoing “housing affordability crisis.” He cited a 2022 study from the Tulsa County Economic Development Office that found that only 22% of renters could afford a two‑bedroom unit at market rate—down from 29% a decade earlier. Hall argued that the city’s existing policies, especially the “no‑development” clause in the historic preservation ordinance, were hindering efforts to address the shortfall.

The plan, dubbed the “Riverfront Revitalization Initiative” (RRI), calls for the conversion of a 12‑acre former factory site into a mixed‑use development featuring 120 affordable units, a community garden, and a public park. In addition, the RRI proposes a rezoning change that would shift the parcel from “industrial” to “mixed‑use” and create a 15‑percent discount on property taxes for the first ten years of development. The proposal also earmarks $1.5 million from the city’s 2025 capital improvement fund—originally slated for a new library—to fund the park and community center.

Councilmembers had debated the proposal for months. Supporters highlighted the project’s potential to “create jobs, increase property values, and provide a long‑term solution to the housing crisis.” Opponents raised concerns about the impact on historic preservation, traffic congestion, and the possibility that the new development could attract “non‑community” residents that might change the neighborhood’s character.

The Vote and Immediate Aftermath

The final vote—5 in favor, 2 against—was decided in a 15‑minute debate. Councilmember Lisa Green (Ward 2) was the only councilmember to vote “no.” Green cited “the need to preserve the historic fabric of Tulsa’s downtown and the potential for gentrification.” Meanwhile, Councilmember Kevin Martinez (Ward 6) also opposed the proposal, citing concerns over the city’s fiscal responsibility and the potential for the project to “over‑depend on city subsidies.”

Following the vote, Mayor Jim Keown issued a statement applauding the council’s “bold step forward.” “This decision demonstrates Tulsa’s commitment to being a city where people can afford to live, work, and thrive,” Keown said. “We’re partnering with developers to ensure that the project meets the needs of our community.”

The council’s decision also drew the attention of Tulsa’s Community Advisory Council, a group of residents and local business owners that meets monthly to discuss zoning and land‑use issues. In a brief press briefing, the council’s liaison, David Kim, said that the council would convene a special session to discuss the community’s feedback and address the council members’ concerns about potential gentrification.

Additional Context and Resources

In the article, Tulsa World linked to the council’s official meeting minutes, which provide a full transcript of the debate. The minutes also include a Q&A session with a Tulsa Housing and Community Development officer, who explained that the city’s affordable housing formula—currently set at 1.5% of the median home price—would be adjusted to a 2.5% “incentive” for projects that meet the RRI criteria.

The city’s official website for capital improvement projects was also cited, offering details about the funding stream that will be used for the park. According to the site, the $1.5 million allocation comes from the “Historic Preservation Trust,” a program that typically funds the restoration of landmark buildings. By redirecting those funds, the council will effectively shift the focus of the trust from preservation to development—a move that has sparked debate among preservationists.

The Tulsa County Economic Development Office released a policy brief that accompanies the proposal, outlining projected economic benefits. The brief predicts a 7% increase in property values for nearby streets, a potential 15% rise in local sales tax revenue over the next five years, and the creation of up to 200 construction jobs. It also includes a risk assessment that highlights possible negative impacts on small businesses and calls for mitigation measures such as a small‑business support grant program.

Long‑Term Implications

Urban planners in Tulsa have long debated how to balance the need for affordable housing with the preservation of historic districts. The council’s decision may set a precedent for future projects, especially given that the RRI will be the first use of the city’s historic preservation trust for a development project rather than a restoration.

City council member Tom Hall noted that “this is not just about building houses; it’s about creating a model for how Tulsa can grow sustainably.” Meanwhile, community activists have expressed cautious optimism. A group of tenants’ rights advocates said that the project “could be a real lifeline” for many low‑income families, but emphasized the need for transparent oversight.

In the weeks ahead, the council is expected to hold public hearings to gather more input from residents, businesses, and preservation groups. The final design documents will be submitted to the city’s Planning Department for review, and the city’s mayoral office will work with state officials to secure any necessary approvals from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For those interested in following the project’s progress, Tulsa World has linked to the Tulsa City Hall website’s dedicated RRI page, which will host a calendar of upcoming hearings, downloadable design plans, and a portal for residents to submit comments.

Tulsa World concluded the article with a note that the city’s future depends on how well it can blend growth with its historic character, and that the RRI will be a litmus test for that balance. The city’s decision—while a victory for proponents of affordable housing—has opened a new chapter in Tulsa’s ongoing conversation about how to build a city that is both prosperous and inclusive.