Greenwood Legacy Corporation Shares Progress Update and Next Steps for Community-Led Redevelopment
Greenwood Legacy Corporation recently hosted community-wide public meetings to share updates on the organization’s first 100 days, current readiness work, and next steps tied to implementation of the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan.
The meetings, held at Rudisill Library, provided residents, stakeholders, and community partners with an opportunity to hear directly from GLC leadership, including Board Chair Dr. Lana Turner-Addison and Executive Director John Hall, about the organization’s progress and near-term priorities.
GLC was established to help lead sustainable, inclusive redevelopment in the Kirkpatrick Heights and Greenwood area, guided by the community’s vision and the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan. During the meetings, GLC leadership reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to economic empowerment, cultural preservation, quality housing, vibrant public spaces, increased business opportunities, and long-term opportunities for ownership and intergenerational wealth creation for Black residents and North Tulsa.
First 100 Days: Building Organizational Readiness
Executive Director John Hall shared key updates from GLC’s first 100 days, including progress on organizational readiness criteria connected to future land conveyance and implementation activities.
Current work includes development of financial protocols, establishment of an operational bank account, continued governance planning, and creation of supporting resident and advisory structures, including a Council of Elders and Residents’ Council. GLC also continues work related to board expansion, IRS tax-exemption recognition, expanded community engagement, and ongoing coordination with the Haywood Burns Institute.
GLC is also working toward a cooperative agreement with Tulsa Development Authority and PartnerTulsa that is expected to memorialize funding and land conveyance covenants connected to GLC’s role in implementation.
TIFIA Grant and Planning Support
The presentation also included an update on the $990,000 Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, or TIFIA, grant awarded to Tulsa Development Authority and PartnerTulsa by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The grant term runs from January 2025 through January 2028 and will support work to identify infrastructure needs, financing models, capacity-building needs, implementation strategies, and development scenarios within the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan study area, including the Core, Stitch, and Plaza sites.
PartnerTulsa is coordinating the work of subcontractors focused on community engagement, needs assessment, capacity building for GLC, land and market analysis, financial analysis, master plan refresh work, transportation analysis, and capital improvement planning.
Next 100 Days: Priorities Through June 30
GLC’s next 100-day target is June 30, 2026. During this period, the organization plans to complete key readiness activities, coordinate additional community meetings with the Haywood Burns Institute, and begin public processes related to GLC board expansion, Council of Elders formation, and Residents’ Council creation.
GLC also plans to solicit support letters from the North Tulsa community as part of its continued effort to build trust, transparency, and community alignment around implementation.
Public Participation and Upcoming Opportunities
GLC announced that it will issue public calls for Council of Elders nominations and GLC board applicants. These opportunities are intended to broaden community participation and ensure that future governance structures reflect the history, wisdom, lived experience, and priorities of the community.
GLC also reminded attendees of upcoming Tulsa City Council public hearings related to the proposed Brown Ordinance amendment, scheduled for April 29 and May 13.
The next public community meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The meeting is expected to include GLC updates, induction of Council of Elders members, and additional information related to the TIFIA grant, with further community updates expected in July 2026.
Continuing the Work
Greenwood Legacy Corporation remains committed to transparent communication, community accountability, and implementation of the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan in a way that honors Greenwood’s history while advancing a stronger future for North Tulsa.
Community members are encouraged to stay engaged, attend future meetings, and participate in upcoming public nomination and application processes.