Q&A: Tulsa Mayor hosts first 'Community Conversations' with residents

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols kicked off the first of five “Community Conversations” meetings with South Tulsa residents, aiming to connect city leaders with the public. Topics included homelessness, public safety, and local infrastructure.

Q: What was the event Tuesday night?

A: Mayor Monroe Nichols hosted the first of five “Community Conversations” with city leaders and Tulsa residents. The goal: open dialogue and community connection.

“I think the beauty of this event is to show people we’re all in this together... and talk about how we make this city the best one in the country.” – Mayor Monroe Nichols said.

Q: Where was Tuesday's meeting held?

A: The meeting was held at the Hardesty Regional Library. It was for South Tulsa residents, and dozens turned out to share their concerns and meet with the mayor, city councilor Phil Lakin, and other city officials.

Q: What were the big topics?

A:

1. Homelessness
2. Public safety
3. Tribal partnerships
4. Local infrastructure concerns

Resident Karen Gingerich brought up street widening and traffic light timing on her daily routes.

“The widening of 81st St. between Harvard and Yale, and also traffic lights in the city...”

Q: Did residents find it helpful?

A: Yes — many attendees were grateful for direct access to city departments.

“Very well done… wasn’t too long, hit all the highlights.” – Karen Gingerich said.

“I think so far Mayor Nichols is doing a good job, but he’s new — I wanted to see what his plans were,” Gingerich said.

Q: What was the mayor’s message?

A: Nichols emphasized transparency and collaboration.

“City Hall works for them... We’re here to help the community.”

Q: What stood out to other residents?

Longtime South Tulsan Jack Reeder, a retired engineer, was impressed by the mayor’s focus on accountability:

“We’re gonna benchmark these things, look at what’s working, tweak what’s not – and that’s perfect.”

Q: When is the next meeting?

The next Community Conversation is next Monday for East Tulsa residents.

Image Provided By: City of Tulsa