Tulsa mayor addresses emergency management, homelessness and more

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols addressed several city issues during an interview with News On 6, touching on the recent resignation of the city’s Emergency Management director, efforts to reduce homelessness, the downtown youth curfew, and progress in Tulsa Public Schools hiring.

Emergency Management Director Resigns

Mayor Nichols confirmed that Joe Kralicek resigned late Tuesday night from his position as director of Tulsa Area Emergency Management, effective immediately.

RELATED STORY: TAEMA Director Joe Kralicek resigns from position following arrest

Nichols said he had previously recommended Kralicek be fired and proposed Tony as interim director. He added that the county commissioners are expected to review the situation soon.

“Long term, we’re going to have to come together to figure out the future of Emergency Management,” Nichols said. “But the city of Tulsa and Tulsa County are ready to face any challenge we might have.”

Plans to Reduce Homelessness

Nichols outlined the city’s plan to move people from shelters into permanent housing and reduce unsheltered homelessness.

He said the city aims to transition roughly 300 people currently living on the streets into supportive housing, while helping those in shelters secure long-term residences.

RELATED STORY: Tulsa mayor unveils $6M plan to move 300 homeless residents into apartments

“This is our most significant step in ending homelessness since I’ve been in office,” Nichols said. “The impact would cut the number of unsheltered individuals by about 60%.” The City Council is expected to take action on the plan on Aug. 20.

Downtown Youth Curfew Review

The mayor also discussed Tulsa’s downtown youth curfew, which has been in effect for six weeks. Nichols said compliance has been high, with only 10 citations issued, and credited the initiative for reducing overall crime.

RELATED STORY: Tulsa Police say downtown curfew is helping reduce late-night issues

“In the last six weeks, we’ve removed 155 guns, made 87 felony arrests, 130 misdemeanor arrests, and recovered 13 stolen vehicles,” Nichols said.

He said the curfew’s effectiveness will be evaluated before deciding on any extension.

Progress in Tulsa Public Schools Hiring

Nichols commented on Tulsa Public Schools’ ongoing effort to fill teaching positions before the new school year. He said the district has made significant progress, reducing the number of vacancies compared with the same period last year.

“I think Doctor Johnson and the school board are doing a really good job focusing on the things that matter,” Nichols said.