Incentives for Commercial Developers

Expanding Opportunity in Tulsa

Tulsa’s expanding economy inspires confidence in business owners, creating more options for commercial developers than ever before. To this end, several incentives are available to qualifying developers in Tulsa, such as Tax Increment Districts, the Tax Incentive District, Retail Revitalization Funds, and the Economic Development Infrastructure Fund. Developers can also access educational and certification opportunities through PartnerTulsa.

  • Retail Incentive Program
  • Retail Revitalization Revolving Loan Fund
  • Commercial Development Fee Reimbursement
  • Economic Development Infrastructure Fund
  • Tax Increment Finance and Tax Abatements
  • Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund
Retail Incentive Program
People shop at a bookstore in the Tulsa Arts District .
Retail Incentive Program

The Retail Incentive Program is used to assist in the redevelopment in key retail corridors and the development of new retail locations for companies looking to expand in Tulsa. Incentives for these businesses are customized based on project size and impact, and may include tax abatements, retail sale tax reimbursements, or construction materials sales tax reimbursement based on the type and size of the project.

Retail Revitalization Revolving Loan Fund

The Retail Revitalization Revolving Loan Fund is a flexible loan fund used to support the development of small and medium sized commercial businesses in key commercial corridors throughout the City of Tulsa.

This loan is administered by Tulsa Economic Development Corporation to provide 0% interest loans of up to $200,000 for facade improvements, furnishings & equipment, and other capital needs to enhance local retail assets.

This loan program can be combined with other resources through TEDC to provide a robust capital stack for growing retail establishments.

Commercial Development Fee Reimbursement
Rt. 66 Sign at Buck Atoms

The Development Fee Reimbursement Program is intended to offset the costs of opening a brick and mortar business along the City of Tulsa’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. The fees associated with opening a business are frequently overlooked when opening a business and can influence a business’ success. This program can reimburse up to $2,500 in eligible fees.

Economic Development Infrastructure Fund

The Economic Development Infrastructure Fund is used to assist in the development of public infrastructure for job creation, expansion, and retention projects. The current policy document that describes the program, criteria for qualification, and evaluation process can be found here.

Tax Increment Finance and Tax Abatements
4/27/22 12:36:16 PM — Photos of Mother Road Market, NOMA, Meadow Gold and Adams Apartments. TAEO images of midtown and downtown Tulsa. Photo by Shane Bevel

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Districts (TIDs) are funding tools used to encourage and leverage private and public investment in specific areas of Tulsa. TIFs and TIDs are used to build and repair public infrastructure, encourage placemaking, and assist in the development of unproductive properties. PartnerTulsa currently manages TIF Districts in Downtown Tulsa, the intersection of 11th and Lewis, the Peoria Mohawk Business Park and 36th St. North and MLK Boulevard.

Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund

The Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund is a low-interest loan fund used to support the redevelopment of buildings or parcels where environmental issues present a barrier to redevelopment. Environmental Assessment and Investigation services are also available for free for redevelopment projects through PartnerTulsa. Loans of up to $1M have been previously made for redevelopment through the City of Tulsa’s Brownfield’s Program.

Contact Us

Michelle Barnett
SVP, Economic & Workforce Development michelle@partnertulsa.org (918) 805-0292