Tulsa council committee introduces architect Nestor Castaneda for Arts Commission appointment

Nestor Castaneda, an architect who grew up in the east Tulsa area and trained at Oklahoma State University, appeared before the City of Tulsa Public Works Committee on the nomination to the Arts Commission. Committee Chair Councilor Dutton called the meeting to order and introduced Castaneda, noting the appointment would replace Scott Polins and that the term expires Dec. 1, 2026.

Castaneda told the committee he was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to Tulsa at age 10, attended Union High School and Oklahoma State University, and has worked for the same local architecture firm for nine years. “I was born in Mexico and raised till I was 10 in Mexico, and then I was Tulsa,” Castaneda said. He described projects in the area including work on a veterans hospital, two schools, and recent construction at the Tulsa Expo where he designed the stage.

The committee members welcomed Castaneda and asked about his motivations for serving. Councilor Archie asked what motivated him to apply; Castaneda said a friend told him the commission sought different perspectives and that he hoped to contribute his cultural and lived experience as an architect. Councilor Gilbert thanked him for his willingness to serve and said the nomination supports raising service standards in District 5.

No formal vote was taken by the committee on the appointment. Councilor Dutton told Castaneda the nomination will come before the full City Council at its July 16 meeting at 5:00 p.m., and invited him to attend that session.

Castaneda left the committee with the formal nomination pending council consideration. If approved at the council meeting, the appointment would fill the District 5 seat on the Arts Commission through Dec. 1, 2026.