Tulsa Comprehensive Plan - PLANiTULSA

Achieving the Vision
Matt Moff ett
How We Will Achieve
Our Vision
While creating the vision is a critically
important step, effective implementation
will be the measure of its success. How will
Tulsa make the vision a reality? Which policy
changes and strategic investments will be the
most important?
Several over arching, big-picture changes need to occur
as Tulsa transforms this vision into reality:
Remove Barriers to Desired Actions
Sometimes change occurs only when we consider and approach
things differently. For Tulsa, this means ensuring that the easiest
path is the right path. Tulsa’s land-use program and enforcement
regulations must be driven by the goals they are meant to achieve.
Owners, for example, must be able to determine easily and
efficiently how property can be developed. Variances should be
granted rarely if allowed uses are clear and support a community
vision. When something supports the vision — such as filling a
key niche along a main street or reusing a vacant building — it
should be encouraged.
Coordinate Public Investments
Infrastructure investments, particularly in roads, mass transit,
water, and sewer systems, have a tremendous impact on how land
is developed. The city will need to realign its public investments in
infrastructure, planning, and other basic functions of government
with the strategies outlined in the comprehensive plan. This means
ensuring that underdeveloped land within the city is served by
the infrastructure it will need to accommodate new businesses
or homes. New infrastructure for communities on undeveloped
land should be extended in a coordinated way — avoiding costly,
ineffective and unattractive “leapfrog” development.
38 | TULSA ViSioN- July 2010