Greetings,

As I reviewed this past year in preparation for my final State of the City address, I was amazed by everything we have accomplished together to help move our city forward. Together, we have not only kept our great city growing, but have done it during tough economic times.

We know the state of our city is strong, and the nation agrees. Tulsa has received many prestigious recognitions, which includes being one of the country's five most livable cities, No. 2 midsize city for "Best Places for Job Growth," and one of the 10 outstanding travel destinations in North America, to name just a few.

We have much to be proud of and thankful for - we're protecting the best of our past while building for the future. Your involvement in PLANiTULSA is the first comprehensive update to Tulsa's land use plan in three decades. Thank you for your feedback and suggestions on how to make Tulsa an even better place to live.

Just one year ago, our amazing BOK Center opened and now holds the ninth highest ticket sales in the nation and is ranked 23rd on the planet. It is in the heart of Tulsa's newly revitalized downtown, which will welcome Tulsa's new baseball park - ONEOK Field -  with the opening game on April 8, 2010.

We're planting trees, paving streets and fighting fat, but there is no job as serious for a government as keeping our citizens safe. Our Tulsa police and firefighters work to do just that.

The economy has been tough on our city, state and nation. To balance our budget, we had to ask every city employee to take furlough days - they are doing so and continue working hard every day to keep our city running smoothly.

Together we are making progress for the future of our City! You can find the full State of the City address online.

I am thankful to Tulsans for entrusting me with our great city. I am confident in Tulsa's future and am humbled by the extraordinary opportunity I have been given to serve you.

Mayor Kathy Taylor
I Believe in Tulsa