Guiding Principles

The City of Tulsa and the Citizen Team advisory committee adopted the following guiding principles, which are based on citizens' core values, to help shape how Tulsa should grow.

These principles will be used along with survey input to evaluate the scenarios. Future planning recommendations and strategies must remain consistent with the guiding principles.

Community and Housing

Tulsans have said they want a city where newcomers can move, buy a home and join the community. Future development should protect historic buildings, neighborhoods and resources while also enhancing urban areas and creating new mixed-use centers. There should be pockets of density for a more livable, pedestrian-friendly and cost-efficient community.

Transportation

Neighborhoods should be served by a variety of transportation options so that everyone has a choice of walking, biking, driving, or using public transit. Major employment areas also should provide nearby services such as child care, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Economy

Tulsans understandably want a lively and interesting place to live, where Tulsa's many assets - art, culture, history and natural beauty - remain accessible and define the city's quality of life and personality. Downtown Tulsa should act as a thriving economic engine and cultural center for the entire region.

Equity and Opportunity

Tulsans want a cohesive city where people can enjoy a safe, healthy life for themselves and their families. Schools should be safe, within walking distance, well run and part of a world-class school system. Tulsans want civic, business and government institutions to play a leadership role in expanding options for housing, employment, transportation, education and health care -- so that they're available for all income levels, ethnicities, and cultures.

Environment

Tulsans expect their city to be sustainable, carbon neutral, and efficient in the way it uses natural resources. Citizens want to expand current transportation options by embracing walking, biking and public transit resources. New buildings should meet high standards for energy, water, and carbon efficiency while delivering quality spaces and architectural design. City parks should provide natural areas and greenways as a respite from the urban environment.

Planning Process

Tulsans want city planning to be inclusive and transparent, with land use and neighborhood plans that are adopted, funded, implemented, and monitored to ensure they're working well. Residents should have a voice in solving their community's problems today and to be a part of planning for tomorrow