Tulsa development authorities approve property and housing actions; trustees table staffing budget amendment

On Jan. 23, 2025, trustees for the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (TAO) and the Tulsa Development Authority (TDA) approved several property and development measures and heard a broad presentation on agency-owned assets. Trustees voted to delay action on a personnel budget amendment that would have funded two new senior staff roles, citing a need for fuller finance-committee review and clearer documentation.

The tabled personnel amendment would have used TAO fund balance to cover salaries and benefits for two new positions proposed to address workload and build up financial capacity. Staff told trustees the authority’s cash position could support the hires and said salary lines were currently under budget, but several trustees raised procedural concerns: multiple trustees said the memo lacked line-item detail, the finance committee had not met to review the request, and the board would like an updated organizational chart before approving changes. After a motion and second to postpone, the trustees voted by roll call to table the item until the next meeting.

Trustees approved a range of development and property transactions at the same session. The board unanimously approved a first amendment to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund agreement with 22 North Utica LLC, which delays the developer’s construction schedule. Staff said the developer, Stuart McDaniel, expects to submit building plans by April 2025 with construction beginning in August 2025 and an 18‑month construction period putting projected completion in February 2027. The amendment preserves the project’s overall scope, including the previously agreed affordable-unit set‑aside, while adjusting timing to reflect slower-than-expected capital arrivals.

The board also approved a first amendment to the purchase-and-sale agreement with WPA Partners LLC for the property at 311 North Boulder that sets the sale price at the average of two appraisals — $2,620,000 — after the developer obtained a separate appraisal that differed from TAO’s initial valuation. Staff said pre‑closing items including an alleyway vacation remain in process and anticipate closing in March.

At the Tulsa Development Authority meeting, trustees approved a one-year lease-with-option-to-purchase with William (Bill) White for a small, landlocked TDA parcel on Virgin Street. The lease carries a nominal annual payment ($200) and requires the lessee to maintain and insure the parcel; the option-to-purchase price will be the current appraised value if Mr. White elects to proceed. TDA staff explained the parcel is most practical to develop in combination with the adjacent privately owned property Mr. White controls and that short-term site control would help him assess project feasibility.

TDA trustees also approved the sale of 219 East Woodrow Place to Phelps Signature Homes LLC for $18,000 and approved the developer’s submitted construction plans for a roughly 1,400‑square‑foot, three‑bedroom, two‑bath single‑family home. Staff said the developer provided required deposits and financial documentation; trustees discussed, and staff agreed to share, information on down‑payment assistance and financing resources that can help improve buyer affordability.

Separately, TAO staff presented an asset overview of TAO/TDA holdings. Staff member Billy reviewed downtown parking garages (including the Civic Center Parkade and the 100 West garage), airport hangars, and TDA-owned vacant lots concentrated in North Tulsa, Kendall‑Whittier and the Pearl District. He noted a substantial reduction in idle “remnant” lots after an active disposition program and highlighted several completed, in‑progress and upcoming residential projects including Village Townhomes, the converted old Tulsa Boys Home apartments, Black Wall Street Square, and 22 North Utica. Trustees suggested greater marketing of local developers and more visible project storytelling to attract additional partners.

What happened next: the personnel budget amendment (TAO item 5) was tabled to the authority’s next regular meeting so the finance committee and personnel committee can review the roles and supporting budget detail. Other approved items will proceed to pre‑closing steps or contract execution as described in staff memos.

Votes at a glance (as recorded on the Jan. 23 meeting minutes/roll calls): - Item 5 (TAO) — Motion to delay vote on budget amendment: motion carried (roll-call yes votes recorded). Outcome: tabled to next meeting. - Item 6 (TAO) — First amendment to 22 North Utica Affordable Housing Trust Fund agreement: approved (roll call; one recorded abstention for conflict of interest). Outcome: approved. - Item 7 (TAO) — First amendment to purchase-and-sale agreement, 311 N. Boulder (WPA Partners): approved by roll call. Outcome: approved; sale price averaged to $2,620,000. - TDA — Lease-to-purchase with William White for Virgin Street parcel: approved by roll call. Outcome: approved; one‑year lease with two renewals, $200 annual fee, maintenance/insurance by lessee; option price per current appraisal. - TDA — Contract for sale of land to Phelps Signature Homes, 219 E. Woodrow Place ($18,000): approved by roll call. Outcome: approved; closing to be scheduled per standard process. - TDA — Construction plans and specifications for 219 E. Woodrow Place: approved by roll call. Outcome: approved.

Board members and staff said they plan to continue follow‑up on the budget request, provide an updated organizational chart and more detailed memos for trustees, and schedule a retreat discussion on process improvements and work‑plan priorities.