Study finds economic development consensus among Tulsans

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City),  Jul 16, 2008  by Kirby Lee Davis

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A new study suggests Tulsans have more common economic development views than recent elections might suggest - which offers hope for government leaders to craft a new comprehensive plan for Oklahoma's second-largest city.

Outside of the countywide Vision 2025 initiative approved in 2003, which will deliver its linchpin project in two months with the 18,000-seat BOK Center, Tulsans have voted down every development project government leaders have sought over the last decade, in sharp contrast to actions by Oklahoma City voters over the same period.

But a survey by the Austin-based research and planning company Collective Strength found 89 percent of Tulsans surveyed - which included 23-minute phone interviews with more than 90 community leaders as well as 1,000 other area residents - thought now was the time citizens should come together and act.

Chief Executive Robin Rather said that result came from each region of the city, both with whites and non-whites.

"The polling results are potentially powerful," said Rather, whose survey was commissioned by Fregonese Associates of Portland, Ore., the city's consultant on redrafting its comprehensive plan under the PLANiTULSA program.

Rather said that call to arms reflected widespread fear over Tulsa's economic future, with 79 percent backing efforts to find new economic opportunities and jobs. Support for small business and entrepreneurs drew 64-percent favorable responses, while 66 percent backed finding ways to keep the city's young people in the city.

Ironically, those key issues were touted by those supporting last year's Tulsa County effort to raise $282 million in new sales tax revenue for construction of two Arkansas River dams, as well as other projects designed to encourage commercial development along its banks.

Since the new study was not designed or intended to analyze past elections, Rather could not address such specifics. But the data could reflect on sentiment behind that election and failed efforts preceding the Vision 2025 vote.

Only 35 percent of Tulsans polled by Collective Strength thought the metropolitan area needed more entertainment venues, while only 31 percent named Arkansas River development as a priority. Collective Strength found only 31 percent considered more local independent retail a key issue, equaled by those backing more parks.

Another indicator came with the individual issue that drew strongest support, repairing and maintaining streets. That factor, cited by some vocal opponents to the river tax, drew 84-percent support in the Collective Strength survey. Improving public education garnered 80 percent, just above new economic opportunities and jobs.

Rather said those differing views suggest the city could use education and visualization programs to better communicate the role entertainment venues and riverfront development play in attracting and retaining Tulsa's youth, not to mention in creating new economic opportunities and jobs.

"It may have been too big a leap for people," she said of the river tax failure. "I think the regular person on the street didn't necessarily see how this was going to make their lives better. I think it's very hard to cut through unless you have a very precise message.

"People have a broad-based service agenda," she said. "They need to better understand a multitude of things."

Perhaps the biggest roadblock identified by the survey: the perception that Tulsa, while a friendly city with a generous spirit, remains intolerant and resistant to change, led by a wealthy "oligarchy" out of touch with problems faced by lower classes. The survey identified some fragmentation of views along racial, class and geographic lines, with inclusivity considered a significant problem.

Despite this chasm, Rather said the underlying consensus provides key building blocks for progress in crafting the city's new comprehensive plan. Fregonese Associates intends to hold public forums into January to not just gather information, but to listen to residents' concerns.

Collective Strength may repeat its survey within 12 to 18 months for comparative analysis.

"I'd be really excited," she said of reading the survey results, "because this tells me almost the whole town recognizes the economic precipice you're on. They recognize the key economic issues."

Issues drawing strongest support in Collective Strength survey

* Repairing and maintaining streets: 84 percent

* Improving public education: 80 percent

* New economic opportunities and jobs: 79 percent

* Clear air and water: 78 percent

* Improving public safety: 76 percent

* Health care: 71 percent

* Renewable energy sources: 68 percent

* Keeping young adults in Tulsa: 66 percent

* Support for small business and entrepreneurs: 64 percent

* Housing that is affordable: 63 percent

* Harmony among the races: 61 percent

Copyright 2008 Dolan Media Newswires
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