Tulsa economic development director outlines $630M solar plant, rocket-test center and community-led Greenwood project

Aaron Persley, chief economic development director for the city of Tulsa, told the African American Affairs Commission that Tulsa has landed several large economic projects but needs local solutions to ensure residents can access the resulting jobs.

Persley said a Norwegian firm, Norsen, plans to move operations to Tulsa, representing a $630,000,000 investment and about 300 jobs. He also described a proposed Tulsa Space Testing Center near the airport that would test rocket thrusters — "the first of its kind in the U.S." — a $20,000,000 research and testing investment. Persley cited a separate $10,000,000 project tied to Crusoe (a company that makes switches used in large data centers) expected to bring about 100 jobs.

Why it matters: The city's recent wins could add hundreds of higher-paying jobs, Persley said, but many residents will face obstacles getting…