Strong Neighborhood Demand Fuels Third Neighborhood Academy Cohort

12/17/2025

New Academy Launches February 28; 56 Neighborhood Leaders Now Certified

Building on strong community interest and growing participation, the City of Tulsa is now accepting applications for its third Neighborhood Academy - a free program open to all residents and neighborhood associations to learn how to build more informed and engaged neighborhoods.

Launched in October 2024, 56 neighborhood leaders have now completed the training, with more than 200 residents expressing interest - many of whom participated in the program to date.

Neighborhood Academy consists of a series of interactive workshops that cover neighborhood topics such as organizing volunteer cleanups, running effective meetings and mapping neighborhood assets. It provides attendees with valuable resources and tools like the Neighborhood Conditions Index Report that identify needed improvements and actions to drive positive change in their neighborhoods.

Participants who attend all three Neighborhood Academy sessions will be awarded a neighborhood leader certificate from the City Council and Mayor's Office.

In July, the City celebrated nine graduates of the program. Forty-seven participants are set to formally graduate from the second cohort during a special ceremony during the City Council meetings on January 14 and January 21, 2026.

“Neighborhood Academy was a great experience. I learned a lot and believe the program will bring progress for Tulsa," Charles Cook of David Patrick Neighborhood Association said. "I deeply appreciate everything the City is doing to support our neighborhoods and encourage others to join.”

 “The Neighborhood Academy provides knowledge, insight, and networking opportunities," Kellie Pendleton, of Charles Page Neighborhood Association said. "I now have the knowledge and support needed to create a Neighborhood Association within my neighborhood. Thank you, City of Tulsa for caring about local neighborhoods.”

To learn more or sign up for Neighborhood Academy, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/neighborhoodacademy,  email neighborhoodleaders@cityoftulsa.org or call (918) 596-1292. The third cohort will start on February 28, 2026, and the deadline to sign up is January 31, 2026.