PLANiTULSA: The City of Tulsa Comprehensive Plan Update

July 2009 PLANiTULSA Update

Make way for Scenario "T" - for Tulsa.

 Results from the recent PLANiTULSA survey showed that many Tulsans have a 'preference' for one of the four scenarios created from over 200 workshop 'maps.' However, planners stress that certain indicators from all four scenarios will be included in the final Vision, featuring Scenario "T."

 "Voices from all regions of Tulsa will be represented in the Vision, our Executive Summary," said John Fregonese, lead PLANiTULSA planner. "All survey results will be used in creating Scenario T, which will be revealed September 15."

Fregonese noted that 5,800 Tulsans participated in the spring scenario survey which asked for personal preferences on the land use scenarios created following fall and winter workshops.

Fregonese and members of the PLANiTULSA team, (including planners with Fregonese and Associates as well as City of Tulsa Planning staff) have announced that creating the Vision (executive summary) using the input received from thousands of Tulsans is the next step of the PLANiTULSA process.

Survey results showed that top priorities for Tulsans are: repair and maintain the streets; improve public education; provide new economic opportunities and jobs; provide clear air and water; improve public safety; provide health care options; develop renewable energy; and keep young people in Tulsa. There was consensus throughout the city that the current philosophy and procedures regarding land use and planning in our city need to change to address these priorities.

While taking the survey, citizens also indicated which of the four representative scenarios would provide needed transportation options and investments, good paying jobs, housing options, and access to parks and open spaces which will meet their personal needs. Results were taqbulated to show variances in age and residence of those who responded.

The PLANiTULSA process, which began early in 2008, will create the City of Tulsa's first Comprehensive Land Use Plan in thirty years.

On March 31, 2008, the City of Tulsa partnered with Fregonese Associates, nationally-recognized planning consultants, to update the Comprehensive Plan.

What is the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan guides the physical development of the City. Its policies provide a framework within which individuals, businesses and public officials can make decisions that are consistent with the community's vision and objectives.

Typical Comprehensive Plan Components

What does the Comprehensive Plan guide?

• Development, to direct orderly and efficient growth of our City.

• Cooperation, based on the common values, goals, and objectives of the entire community.

• Public investments, suggesting the best methods to direct public resources to development and re-development projects.

• Implementation, using public policy tools such as zoning laws, capital improvement programs, development regulations and building codes.

Why Plan? To get . . .

• Informed Decisions

• Predictability

• Enhancement of Community Character

• Positive Economic Growth, and

• Balance of Political, Personal and Community Values