Dear ______
After reviewing the Mayor's list of projects for potential third penny sales tax funding, I am very disappointed at the limited investment in downtown.
I believe we can only revitalize Tulsa by developing a distinctive identity and economic growth around a dynamic, urban core. As we achieve this, Tulsa and surrounding communities will benefit and prosper.
Reasons to invest in downtown:
• Become competitive with other cities
• Attract new, creative businesses
• More tax revenue for the City of Tulsa
• Rebuild the tax base that supports Tulsa Public Schools
• Complement Vision 2025 Downtown initiatives
• Attract individuals and families of all ages who prefer a walkable urban environment, many of who are the Creative Class
• Reintegrate the community
• Stimulate tourism
• Reduce the huge cost of maintaining our infrastructure
• Every expert tells us to revitalize our downtown if we want to stimulate economic growth
The Mayor and City Council must transform the third penny tax program into a genuinely strategic investment vehicle. I urge you to allocate substantially more funds to downtown projects. I understand that in the past, downtown's needs were viewed as one council district. I would like to challenge you to look at the big picture: Downtown is the economic engine for the entire region. Downtown is not just a district. Downtown belongs to everybody. It's the "city center" and "urban core" for all districts. It is what defines and gives identity to a city. To neglect downtown is to neglect the future prosperity of each and every district.
Our near competitors (such as Oklahoma City and Kansas City) are investing $Billions in infrastructure improvements and public-private partnerships designed to deliver vibrant livable downtowns. I urge you to invest an additional $100 million in projects dedicated to our urban core. I ask that you particularly include the following:
• Visual Arts Center site acquisition
• 6th Street Flood mitigation and canal project – additional and continued support of
• Centennial Walk – Phase 2 – additional and continued support of
• Sealed Corridor – Phase 2 Quiet Zone Extension for Railroad – additional and continued support of
• Structured Parking Facilities – Increase and enhance, including street level retail in the parking facilities
• Downtown Core Street Improvements, Enhancements, Streetscaping, Lighting, and Improved Signage
• Sidewalk, Streetscaping, Lighting and Landscaping in the emerging arts district of 3rd and Kenosha
• Assistance to Urban Residential Developments – additional and continued
• Connections between Downtown and the trail systems, including River Parks
• Boulder Avenue – Reconnect downtown to Brady district along Boulder Avenue
Many believe Tulsa is at a critical crossroads right now, and that if we don't make the right decisions now, we will lose our opportunity to become a truly competitive and vibrant city.
Sincerely,
(Name)
(Address)
(district)