Taylor, Martinson Announce Blue Ribbon Panel

Mayor Kathy Taylor and City Councilor Bill Martinson announced today the formation of a Tulsa leadership committee to work with them in developing a Complete Our Streets plan for Tulsa’s eroding streets issue. The panel will be led by civic leaders Sharon King Davis and Dewey Bartlett Jr.

“I made a commitment to make streets a priority. This committee will help us put that into action,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor. “Now this committee will assist us in determining the best practices for contracting, how to integrate smart urban planning into projects and determine the best way to fund street improvements. We know that the average pavement condition index in our city is steadily declining. It is time something is done and we don’t need another band-aid fix.”

Three working groups will be formed from the panel. One will review best practices on projects that will integrate with the city’s urban planning. The members would consider the needs of all citizens including those with disabilities, pedestrian use, neighborhood needs and cyclists. A second group would analyze best practice models with regard to the city’s contracting processes, bid requirements and speed of delivery. The third group would make recommendations regarding potential funding mechanisms to complete and maintain our streets on an on-going basis.

“We have taken a piecemeal approach to our streets for far too long,” said Taylor. “It is time we took a comprehensive approach that will get our streets to a safe and optimal level- and most importantly, include the funding to maintain that level.”

Martinson commented on the complexity and reasons that have led to Tulsa’s current street dilemma. “Deferred maintenance over a multi-year period is part of the problem that got us here, along with a horrible winter last year that further eroded our city’s streets. We must implement a program that will insure adequate funding, and provide a long term commitment for this vital component of our infrastructure image and quality of life. The insight and wisdom of these community leaders will help us develop an effective comprehensive plan for our streets,” said Martinson.

Taylor and Martinson charged the leadership to begin work within the next two weeks and deliver their final recommendations by December 1.

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