[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6512725,"mediaKeyId","5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a","parentId",5091866,"title","Tulsa officials report 1,449 people counted as homeless in 2025 point‑in‑time survey; chronic homelessness rises","audioSeconds",2347,"startMs",1529000,"endMs",3876000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a&start=1529&end=3876","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6512725/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Tulsa-officials-report-1449-people-counted-as-homeless-in-2025-pointintime-survey-chronic-homelessness-rises","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512725-6e7c3f7ee1f2f84fed5ab2e958e86fb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163543&Signature=nAdcIZ7QozrTr61g3fHKIKGMz5Z0c0Ms8LLvVZdtyLykwWVo3EuqwTk9R4Xzh32rK7Nx3WiXCd6PuUsYdL-YVLyvgTd1CmTk119b9y3uy7vzqnCWkAvTq7Rb4~RlvQVjkQ3Cek4oSxT4DtLLSwn8tIFiitXRaX7CWRJ1W~5Wdxr-2bfnJib7Ifo5sgr5ngI7Bjizu4uXQ5~Zs5vF-k-Goqt72RhrznJgWj1z3jgCTaZ6Q6Aikio5koc0OhFT9dnQSGI5Htc4soGkCfk7fRkikqkkT3rDb~AsgxdG7JY9JakPlO9gfaybT7Mqg9URiS~opBxmu3yWA-obE07oUHdjPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tulsa","date","2025-06-25T14:34:00Z","article","Tulsa housing officials told the City of Tulsa Public Works Committee that the 2025 point‑in‑time (PIT) count identified 1,449 people experiencing homelessness on the night of Jan. 23, 2025. The presentation, given by Housing Solutions staff, said the figure is about 4% higher than the count on the same night in 2024 and shows a continued upward trend since federal COVID‑era rental assistance programs ended.

The update matters because the PIT count is the federally required snapshot communities submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to document need and allocate certain homelessness‑response funds. “We identified 1,449 individuals, who were experiencing homelessness on the night of January 23,” said Emily (Housing Solutions staff), summarizing the count and survey methodology.

Housing Solutions staff said the count included 812 people in emergency shelter beds, 496 people in places not meant for human habitation (encampments or sleeping outdoors, including vehicles), 133 in transitional housing and 8 in safe‑haven programs. Presenters emphasized that 151 of the emergency shelter placements that night were cold‑weather overflow beds that do not exist as permanent capacity, and that typical daily shelter capacity is closer to 600 beds.

The nut graf: officials said a mismatch between people falling into homelessness and the system’s ability to rehouse them is the primary driver of the rising numbers. Presenters and council members tied that mismatch to sharply rising market rents and reduced rehousing capacity after temporary pandemic supports ended.

Housing staff drew attention to subpopulation shifts. Chronic homelessness — defined in the count as people who have been homeless a year or longer and have a documented disability — rose 19%. Youth and young adults (18–24) increased by 18%; housing leaders said part of that rise reflects recent expansion of youth‑specific shelter and transitional programs that made those young people more visible to count teams. Veterans rose about 6% but remain a smaller share of the total. Presenters said 55% of counted individuals reported a disabling condition.

Speakers described why rehousing has lagged. Presenters cited a roughly 40% increase in effective market rents in the Tulsa market since 2018 and a mismatch with incomes. The presentation said it can take about 200 days on average for a person to move from placement on a local housing waitlist to an available unit, and that there is roughly one vacancy in permanent supportive housing for every 49 people who meet the chronic‑homelessness criteria.

Committee members asked about causes and possible responses. Councilor Dr. Wright asked whether the locations shown in the map represented where people sleep or where they were surveyed; housing staff explained the count is done primarily during daytime outreach and reflects where survey teams encountered people. Councilors asked about voucher availability, eviction records and documentation barriers; presenters said Tulsa Housing Authority voucher issuance has been limited while market rents have risen, and that eviction records and missing identification are common obstacles when someone tries to reenter housing.

Officials discussed short‑term uses for local funding and longer‑term strategies. Housing presenters said a recent allocation of roughly $230,000 in ARPA funds intended for encampment decommissioning and short‑term housing placement could be paired with existing rapid rehousing and case‑management programs to bridge immediate needs. They cautioned that short‑term rental assistance must be coordinated with longer‑term resources — vouchers, permanent supportive housing and other durable subsidies — to avoid people returning to homelessness when time‑limited assistance ends.

Speakers named several local providers and programs cited during the briefing, including Way Home for Tulsa, Tulsa Day Center, Salvation Army, John 3:16, Tulsa Dream Center West, Rose Bowl (shelter site), Black Queer Tulsa and the Tulsa Housing Authority. Presenters also noted work with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency and with outreach partners to prioritize shelter, case management and documentation services.

Housing staff described operational barriers the committee could consider addressing, including prioritizing or subsidizing birth‑certificate and government‑ID fees, expanding local drop‑in services where people can store documents and items safely, and supporting local efforts to seal or otherwise limit the mobility‑blocking effect of eviction records. Committee members asked staff to gather follow‑up details on youth subpopulations, veterans and whether the state’s mobile ID app could be used to help people access benefits.

The presentation closed with the announcement of a five‑year local strategic plan to rehouse 5,000 people; staff said Tulsa rehoused 4,200 people in the prior five‑year period and that reaching the new goal will require both time‑limited and permanent investments.

Officials said no formal committee vote was recorded on the presentation; it was an informational briefing and no immediate policy decision was taken.

Ending: Committee members thanked the presenters and partners and asked staff to return with follow‑up details on vouchers, youth data by demographic group and options for reducing documentation barriers.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tulsa - Council Public Works Committee - Jun 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Tulsa housing officials told the City of Tulsa Public Works Committee that the 2025 point‑in‑time (PIT) count identified 1,449 people experiencing homelessness on the night of Jan. 23, 2025.","taxTitle","Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma","taxId",2682,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512710,"Nestor Castaneda introduced as Arts Commission nominee; final approval set for July 16 council meeting",251,59000,310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a&start=59&end=310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a/thumbnail_59000.jpg","/articles/6512710/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Nestor-Castaneda-introduced-as-Arts-Commission-nominee-final-approval-set-for-July-16-council-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512710-d719e534e39b8e957484845fd561eef7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163543&Signature=gsZ3qEDR~RThZ7jraOkVlL1xkENsQ-ERhLVfUo8KXgleXSZFOP4L4N1IEuJZ422fGUu1d8ML6Wi65SxSWoWYUZzkVtRauR83Nl5CLe1YTxTCDpmWFc9YHBUWwxrTQCnnSLyGd~wVGh~7tDkwWFGDnpWU10rRQNUaqbl2aqaime9P14dCCbWDaUG3X6exLPFs4OFPolSipZuylGi6UtvUghWIitea61HvC-ATG09LfwXmtHfRYatzdXLIVs~dOdOjRuV4IU0cIX6f79IeKsL1plFl2ubbTPZlrlFwUGdSvkZ2iCEwS~vz~LOQ-uJM3GeWWjXW2WjOOugTIrUNN7qYsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Works Committee heard from Nestor Castaneda, who the committee introduced as a nominee to fill an architect seat on the City of Tulsa Arts Commission representing Council District 5. The appointment would replace Scott Polans and the term runs through Dec. 1, 2026. Castaneda described his background and local projects during a brief interview.

Castaneda said he was born in Mexico, moved to Tulsa at age 10, attended Union High School and graduated from Oklahoma State University. He told the committee he has worked nine years at GH2 (an architectural firm) on local projects including the veterans hospital, two schools in Salina and Stillwell, the expo stage and a timber “barn” project noted for daylighting features.

Councilors asked about his reasons for serving and the perspective he would bring. Castaneda said a friend and a council contact encouraged him to apply and that he hoped to contribute a different cultural perspective and local experience as an architect.

Councilor Gilbert thanked him for his willingness to serve and the committee chair, Councilor Dutton, said the appointment will be considered at the full City Council meeting on July 16 at 5:00 p.m.

Ending: Castaneda was thanked for attending; the committee did not take a final vote on the appointment at the meeting, and final confirmation will be at the council meeting cited.

","The Public Works Committee interviewed architect Nestor Castaneda for appointment to the City of Tulsa Arts Commission, replacing Scott Polans, with a term to Dec. 1, 2026. Castaneda described several local projects; the committee noted the council will vote on the appointment July 16.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512715,"Committee reviews utility‑easement closure at Tulsa Tech campus and a driveway license; staff recommended approval",205,1397000,1602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a&start=1397&end=1602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a/thumbnail_1397000.jpg","/articles/6512715/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Committee-reviews-utilityeasement-closure-at-Tulsa-Tech-campus-and-a-driveway-license-staff-recommended-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512715-ffe6cac3ba67e20f5997b0288a0b5f92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163543&Signature=cGVZ6buf522wAQQSqer7PpCvFM4mXUWKULDaToY7Ktd5zSVSYfCLPTB5dQZ2ndy~uQqxKKgcwrn2qqtCITTf1yf3GFkoEtaVmc7J3qmaSyg7~E3SPIa~~NqmByYsMMD8SrfAIstiJpDQOSeeNQWzzUIH6jFKf6O~XQTsmNtbD0t9nBPeAw~Ds-WGBOJHlSms2-uFzSuilDMdcaaGvbwJOb1pt--Ku418cFQPr2zMcx~~xfnbMpeECH7QozgmMurB2xN7wm0E1ClBePGr2sKVeRvZSqOi1GFQ2X9WajFX-bysisxHl0x34tJu3~NfcAJMZeIMuZvR94eg4TJ1OV2TwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Public Works staff briefed the committee on two land‑use items: an ordinance to close a utility easement requested by Wallace Design on behalf of Tulsa Technology Center for property at 3720 S. Memorial Drive (Tulsa Tech, Illinois Campus), and a license agreement to allow a colored‑stained decorative concrete driveway and decorative rock curb within the street right‑of‑way at 1581 E. 20th St.

Public Works staff said the Tulsa Tech easement request had been reviewed by utility companies and board authorities with no objections and recommended approval. The applicant’s stated purpose was future campus expansion; the request is associated with Council District 5.

On the license agreement, staff said utility work had removed a property approach and portion of the curb and the property owners requested permission to restore their decorative driveway and rock curb. The application was reviewed by relevant authorities with no objections and staff recommended approval. That item is in Council District 4.

No formal committee vote was recorded during the meeting; staff were dismissed after the presentations and the items will proceed through the city’s ordinance or license approval processes.

Ending: Committee members had no further questions after staff noted both requests had cleared utility and board reviews and recommended approval.

","Public Works staff told the committee that a utility‑easement closure request for Tulsa Technology Center’s Illinois Campus and a license for a decorative driveway at 1581 E 20th St. were reviewed by utilities and boards with no objections and recommended for approval; no formal committee vote was recorded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512720,"Public Works Committee reviews three sinking‑fund settlements totalling $1,105,000; final council action required",1112,279000,1391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a&start=279&end=1391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5091866-a8bf057df49b51ec8c478ce538dfa98a/thumbnail_279000.jpg","/articles/6512720/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Public-Works-Committee-reviews-three-sinkingfund-settlements-totalling-1105000-final-council-action-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512720-34856c58734e3f11988459f76e124a68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163543&Signature=lj~acIwV3Wc339ky3aJGOORyMw7oYUA0uteAmBXP27ywWSzoMyrp6nUWOPYoqhEM3wiFt1BxMr2n0HYCpbue5j3AcqVyXIT2D2iGZsYq3rDa4fI59P392Y6pIPFCPufwoDGBaPs8wOaUe1n7P43RUrFiCO4yn~APE22~z~lB6lG2y5yPv710lJETrQoEIOQBTlJyLET~vAcl0ry42x4O9huLu~KCBnc4uGzefHUKCH9wEqxSw2N3-xBtBMto8X0ZD8Z4FySER4~ysQsHGQKE0PDO4K5menb1Syt0SAtCzffzPmpPiC8ylVjiv-JCO2pkBqGsokpVhDsGhIcQq0eFzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Tulsa legal and treasury staff briefed the Public Works Committee on three separate resolutions that would authorize payments from the city’s sinking fund to resolve pending civil judgments and attorney‑fee awards.

Chad Becker, treasury staff, told the committee the sinking fund had sufficient cash to cover the proposed payments. “As of today, sinking fund balance is 81,600,000.0,” Becker said when summarizing fund availability.

Hayes Martin, assistant city attorney, described a $30,000 settlement in a public records dispute. The case, filed as CV‑2022‑2584 (Oklahoma Watch Inc. and Whitney Bridal v. City of Tulsa), arose from requests for law‑enforcement records; Martin said parties negotiated a settlement that reflected the mix of claims and anticipated court outcomes and that plaintiffs would receive $30,000 in attorney fees.

Lawson Vaughn of the litigation division summarized an officer‑involved‑shooting case that led to a $375,000 settlement. Vaughn said plaintiff Michael Delaney was shot in the left shoulder while fleeing the scene during a traffic stop on March 20, 2020, and that the city and officers had litigated issues including scope of employment and qualified immunity. \"He was shot in the left shoulder as he was fleeing the scene, and he was subsequently apprehended,\" Vaughn said. Vaughn also said the officer involved was later terminated after an internal review and was indicted by a grand jury on reckless use of a firearm; Vaughn described the case as mediated and settled for $375,000.

Michelle McGrew of the litigation division described a separate 1983 civil‑rights action filed by Sheila Buck arising from an arrest at a June 20, 2020 political rally. McGrew said Buck alleged First Amendment violations for refusing an officer’s order to leave while wearing a shirt she intended to wear later that read “I can’t breathe.” The parties agreed to settle for $700,000 in part to limit the risk of larger attorney‑fee awards if the case proceeded. McGrew said the mayor authorized the settlement at a mediation on April 23; she noted that prior settlement discussions exceeding $1 million had required council approval and in a previous mayoral referral had split on a council vote.

Committee members pressed staff on public access to court filings and asked for concise, council‑oriented summaries of case records. Councilor DeBrite asked that staff provide one‑page settlement summaries or direct links to OSCN (state court) or PACER (federal court) filings so councilors and the public could review the factual record without wading through voluminous filings. Legal staff agreed to provide clearer, condensed summaries that explain the basic facts and the city’s decision points.

The committee’s role was to determine that the sinking fund had sufficient cash to pay the judgments; final approval and payment paperwork would proceed after council action. No formal committee vote to approve payments was recorded during the discussion; staff said payments would be issued upon council approval and processed through the county levy and sinking‑fund repayment procedures.

Ending: Committee members asked legal staff to prepare brief summaries and accessible filing references for each case before the full council votes.

","Committee discussed resolutions to pay three court judgments from the sinking fund: $30,000 to Oklahoma Watch, $375,000 in an officer‑involved shooting case, and $700,000 in a 2020 protest arrest case. Legal staff described case backgrounds; committee asked for accessible case summaries and records links.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tulsa officials report 1,449 people counted as homeless in 2025 point‑in‑time survey; chronic homelessness rises

Nestor Castaneda introduced as Arts Commission nominee; final approval set for July 16 council meeting

Committee reviews utility‑easement closure at Tulsa Tech campus and a driveway license; staff recommended approval

Public Works Committee reviews three sinking‑fund settlements totalling $1,105,000; final council action required