City Council approves $5M opioid grant to support housing and education initiatives

The Tulsa Council Urban & Economic Development Committee convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss several key budgetary amendments and resolutions aimed at enhancing city services and addressing pressing community needs.

The meeting began with a discussion on an ordinance to transfer unencumbered and appropriation balances from various general obligation bond sub-funds dating back to 2014 through 2020. This transfer is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to identify existing savings to address a preexisting budget gap.

Next, the committee reviewed an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget to allocate $7,500 in supplemental appropriations from a grant received from the Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security. This funding will support fire department staff training, specifically for urban search and rescue training, covering conference fees and travel expenses for three staff members.

The committee then addressed another ordinance to appropriate $50,000 from grant revenues for legacy planning services training, which will continue to support financial counseling services through the Financial Empowerment Center. This initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to financial literacy and empowerment.

A significant item on the agenda was the amendment of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget to transfer $115,950 within the DNA backlog reduction sub-fund. This funding, approved by the grantor, will be utilized by the police department for purchasing additional testing materials and lab workstations, addressing the needs identified in their ongoing DNA backlog reduction efforts.

The committee also adopted a resolution authorizing a joint application with Tulsa Public Schools for a $5 million Oklahoma opioid grant. This grant aims to combat the opioid crisis in Tulsa, with a focus on housing solutions for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The proposed funding breakdown allocates approximately $4.3 million for housing initiatives and $700,000 for educational components. The housing strategy will employ a "housing first" model, providing support for rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing for those in need.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city’s proactive approach to budget management and community support through targeted funding initiatives. The committee's decisions reflect a commitment to addressing both immediate public safety training needs and long-term solutions for pressing social issues, such as substance abuse and financial empowerment. Further actions and follow-ups will be necessary as these initiatives progress.