Dialog 2025

The last two large-scale, downtown facilities packages failed to capture Tulsans imaginations. 

TulsaNow was formed to learn why. TulsaNow is a region-wide, non-partisan, grass-roots organization of concerned, well-informed citizens. We have spent two years researching the views of outside experts and of Tulsans. We have arrived at an understanding of some basic tenets for success. We want to help pass the next set of projects. In order for us to do so with conviction, we ask you to consider our carefully researched principles as you develop your package to be put before the voters. 

Imagine for a moment those cities that you and your friends admire. What are the qualities that make these cities noteworthy? q Unique arts and cultural offerings q historic restaurant and retail areas q exciting nightlife q high density, safe, walkable neighborhoods q and, interesting people doing interesting things in interesting spaces? We believe these cities share certain qualities — qualities that we can learn from and use to promote projects that enhance the livability and economic prosperity of our region. From these examples and our research, we offer eight strong and true principles for you to consider in evaluating and selecting each candidate for public investment. 

We pose these important principals as a set of questions to be answered. 

1. To what degree does the proposal foster and benefit the diversity of our community? 
Including income, age, race, gender 

2. To what extent does it help to re-connect our communities? 
Creating human-scale, walkable, mixed-use environments 
Supporting downtown, core neighborhoods and regional downtowns 

3. Is it more conducive to the economic vitality of our city and region than other proposals? 
Generating property tax and sales taxes 
Enhancing our attractiveness to new added-value industries and businesses 
Strengthening existing small businesses 
Maintaining and attracting a knowledgeable and skilled workforce 

4. Does it maximize our region's existing assets and strengths? 
Including roads, sidewalks, infrastructure 

5. Does it safeguard our natural environment and resources? 

6. Does it enhance the civic amenities available to the broadest possible range of citizens? 

7. Does it enhance our cultural and entertainment resources? 

8. To what extent will it help to set us apart from other cities and regions by establishing a distinctive identity that draws visitors and new residents alike? 

The principles these questions highlight form the basis for those projects submitted by the many citizens interested in livable downtowns and neighborhoods. We believe these projects contain qualities that will appeal to the voters in all parts of our region. The inclusion of these proposals will help ensure the success of a public initiative. Prosperous, bustling downtowns and attractive, diverse neighborhoods are essential to economic development. Our principles apply equally across the board, whether discussing downtown Tulsa or regional centers. All of our cities will be looking at infill development eventually. 

These principles, based on the verified success of other urban areas, should serve as useful guides. They are absolutely vital to the sound economic development of our region and for capturing the imaginations of voters throughout the Tulsa region. 

We believe this: that if we pay attention to projects that impact the places where people live and work, regional citizens will vote for a balanced, well conceived package. Enhancing the livability of our downtowns and neighborhoods will result in vacant buildings being once again full — finding new life as shops and homes. We envision creative new infill construction, increased sales tax and property tax collections as goods and services are brought back to the core of our communities, and a uniqueness of character in our region that attracts both residents and visitors. We can make our core area vital again for all the important reasons. 

Downtown Tulsa can be another strong and vibrant neighborhood nestled among surrounding neighborhoods that complement and connect with each other. In turn, since by the year 2025 all of our communities will be facing the inevitable reality of infill, these projects can be “pilots” from which the whole region can learn. Let's not forget. All of our downtowns and neighborhoods are jewels in our regional community treasure box. By renewing the settings, the jewels can again be worn with pride. 
That's good living. 
That's good sense. 

We ask your support for these guiding principles and these projects. We believe the citizens of Tulsa will respond by honoring that choice with their positive votes.