Public urges Tulsa to fund children, River Parks and sustainability as council approves multiple budget amendments

Public speakers at the Tulsa City Council’s hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget urged the council to fund programs for children and families, maintain River Parks services and hire a dedicated sustainability planner, while others raised concerns about stormwater fee increases. After public comment, the council approved a series of grouped budget amendments and ordinances.

River Parks Authority: Jeff Edwards, representing River Parks Authority, said the authority was removed from the city’s accounting system and has a budget deficit that required it to implement new accounts-payable and payroll systems. He warned that, without funding to cover those transitions, the authority could cut services such as mowing, trail lighting and restroom schedules. Edwards said trail lighting costs about “$12,000 a month” and that some events, such as FreedomFest, rely on private funding and police-service fees of roughly “$20,000 to $30,000” for officer costs.

Children, youth and families: Multiple speakers asked the council to approve funding for the mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families in…