PartnerTulsa CEO Update: First 90 Days – Garry Clark
Dear PartnerTulsa Team, Partners and Community Stakeholders,
As I reflect on my first three months as Chief Executive Officer of PartnerTulsa, I am filled with gratitude and excitement about the opportunities ahead. It is truly an honor to serve this incredible organization and to collaborate with so many passionate individuals committed to making our community stronger and more vibrant.
In my first three months, I’ve been focused on listening, learning and building relationships with our stakeholders, while also championing key initiatives led by the PartnerTulsa Team. I’m excited to share with you some of the accomplishments and developments that have taken place during this time.
Establishment of the Greenwood Legacy Corporation
One of the most exciting milestones in these early months has been the establishment of the Greenwood Legacy Corporation. This new Community Development Corporation (CDC) will lead the community-driven revitalization of 56 acres of land, guided by the Kirkpatrick Heights-Greenwood Master Plan. This historic project aims to restore and develop areas that were once a hub of Black entrepreneurship, with a focus on housing, local business growth and preserving cultural heritage.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
Over the past three months, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with more than 100 stakeholders, community members, and partners through meetings and listening sessions. These conversations have been invaluable in shaping our strategic priorities and reinforcing the importance of collaboration. The relationships I’ve developed with City Councilors, City staff, state economic development professionals, community leaders, and many others will be key in moving our initiatives forward.
Infrastructure Development
Another highlight from this quarter was the announcement that the Tulsa Development Authority (TDA) has been awarded a $990,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program (IFACGP). This funding, part of the larger $49.46 million initiative through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support urban infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and community revitalization across the nation. It’s a major win for Tulsa, and we look forward to leveraging this opportunity to enhance our infrastructure and support future development.
Historic Moton Hospital
Our team continued to invest time and resources in the development of the Moton Capacity Study and Master Plan. The Moton Hospital is a cherished piece of history in North Tulsa. It was erected as the Maurice Willows Hospital after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, acting as a crucial component in the health care of victims of the deadly attack on Greenwood. The clinic relocated to a new building in 2006 with support from Tulsa’s Vision 2025 program. The City of Tulsa, PartnerTulsa, and the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) are partnering to support this initiative.
Community Impact Initiatives
We celebrated the completion of the first Community Impact Initiative project in the Phoenix District with the “Blazing Wings of Dreams” installation. This 9-foot interactive sculpture was designed by local artist Trueson Daugherty and developed with public input, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
Real Estate
Our team is proud to report the ongoing construction of five housing units, with eight more under contract. These housing units are an essential part of our broader goal to increase affordable housing options across the city.
On the commercial real estate front, we’ve made headway with the redevelopment of the Art District, including executing a purchase and sale agreement with WPA Development Partners LLC, an affiliated company of Pivot Project Development. This project will redevelop land along Cameron Street between Boulder Avenue and Main Street, bringing new energy and opportunity to this area of our city.
New Economic Investments: Agile Space Testing Center Expansion
We are also excited to share that the Agile Space Testing Center has announced a $20 million expansion to Tulsa, which will be located near the Tulsa International Airport. This expansion not only strengthens our city’s growing aerospace sector but also includes a significant focus on STEM education outreach.
Expanding Our Team and Our Reach
As we continue to grow and expand our impact, I’m pleased to announce the expansion of our team. We’ve promoted several staff members and made key new hires in areas critical to our ongoing success. These additions will strengthen our capacity to execute incentive projects and develop new programs that support economic growth in our city.
I also had the privilege of traveling with the team to the 2024 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Denver, where we had the opportunity to showcase Tulsa’s successes and learn from economic development leaders from across the country.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, we are in the process of developing a holistic strategic plan for 2025 to 2028. This plan will serve as our roadmap for continued growth and impact. I’m excited about the direction we’re headed and the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that’s already in place.
As I reflect on these first 90 days, I am more excited than ever about the future of Tulsa. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. I look forward to working with each of you to turn our shared vision into reality.
With gratitude,
Garry Clark
Chief Executive Officer
PartnerTulsa