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Tulsa Regional Chamber briefs council on economic development, tourism and legislative priorities
Summary
The Tulsa Regional Chamber updated the council on recent economic development wins, tourism outreach and legislative priorities, emphasizing workforce programming, Route 66 promotion and advocacy on childcare and event-related legislation.
The Tulsa Regional Chamber presented an update on economic development, tourism and government affairs.
Chamber representatives noted recent company growth and recruitment successes, including an expansion by a local company (Lufasa Technic), a rocket-engine testing facility project (Agile Space) and a 6 Bridges shared services center expected to add up to 200 jobs. Kim Wilmes, senior vice president for economic development, highlighted workforce initiatives such as Tulsa's Next Gen Talent Program for high school juniors and seniors and outreach to college-bound students.
On tourism, Renee McKinney and Patty Krasart said the chamber has been promoting Tulsa internationally as part of Route 66 outreach, citing a European media roadshow and destination advocacy trips to Washington, D.C. Staff said most Tulsa tourism is domestic but international visitors are desirable, especially ahead of the Route 66 Centennial. The chamber also noted recent events: a record-attendance Big 12 wrestling event and the Big Vault Wrestling event; staff flagged an upcoming Sports ETA conference in April and a legislative briefing breakfast.
Katie (government affairs) briefed the council on legislative priorities the chamber is tracking, including a childcare tax credit (HB 1848), a sprinkler-exemption bill (HB 1847), a bill extending the Quality Events Act and extending the Route 66 Commission's funding access for the centennial. The chamber said it is coordinating advocacy and will provide bill one-pagers and calls to action for councilors and stakeholders.
Councilors asked about workforce development coordination with local unions and school districts, childcare and mental health appropriations at the state level, and how local recruitment aligns with housing and infrastructure needs. Chamber officials said they are working with school districts and other partners to standardize internship and job-shadowing processes and to align talent pipelines with company growth.
