City Council proposes new curfew hours targeting youth violence on weekends

The Tulsa City Council convened on June 25, 2025, to address pressing community concerns, particularly regarding youth safety and downtown curfew regulations. The meeting began with discussions emphasizing the need for increased youth representation in council deliberations, highlighting the importance of creating a safe environment for young people.

Council members expressed a consensus on the necessity of a targeted approach to curfews, particularly on weekends when incidents have been reported to be most frequent. A councilor noted that discussions with local business leaders indicated that Fridays and Saturdays are critical days for addressing safety issues. With the upcoming July 4 holiday falling on a Friday, the council considered implementing a curfew that would extend from Thursday through Saturday nights.

A motion was proposed to amend the existing curfew regulations, suggesting a sunset date of October 22, 2025, for the new measures. The proposed curfew hours would restrict activities in downtown areas from 9 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 6 AM the following day. This motion was seconded and opened for further discussion among council members.

Councilor Bush, representing a district that includes part of downtown, voiced concerns about the ongoing safety issues affecting youth. He highlighted the troubling trend of young people filming violent incidents for social media, which raises significant safety concerns. Bush emphasized that while business interests are important, the primary focus should remain on protecting the youth and ensuring their well-being in the community.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing public safety while fostering a collaborative environment that includes the voices of young residents. Further discussions and potential amendments to the proposed curfew regulations are expected in upcoming sessions as the council seeks to finalize measures that balance community safety with youth engagement.