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Tulsa selected by AARP as one of the top 10 places in America to retire
City featured in upcoming issue of AARP the Magazine
Tulsa has been selected as one of the 10 most affordable places to retire in America, according AARP the Magazine – the largest circulation magazine in the world.
Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett Jr. and AARP State President Marjorie Lyons made the announcement last Friday at a joint press conference held at City Hall.
“We’re excited to tell the rest of the country what we’ve known all along – Tulsa is a great place to live,” Lyons said. “From the low cost of housing, tax rates to fantastic recreation and climate to arts and culture, Tulsa is a city that is both affordable and livable, which is key for retirees.”
“This recognition from AARP is only the start for Tulsa. We are seeing our city transform into an intergenerational city that is building upon legacies and educating the younger generation,” Mayor Bartlett said. “With the amenities, cost of living and quality of life, not only is Tulsa a destination to retire, but a great city to be born, grow up, have a career and raise a family.”
When compiling its list of the most affordable places to retire, AARP looked at more than 350 cities, Lyons said. Among criteria weighed were cost of living, state tax rates on pension and social security and the stability of the economy. Other criteria used included restaurants, museums, recreation and proximity to airports.
Transportation sees attention locally and at federal level
Top OneVoice priority takes step forward
Oklahoma Transportation Secretary Gary Ridley testified before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last Thursday encouraging the delegation to support long-term transportation funding reauthorization plans, similar to those seen in Congressman John Mica’s and Senator Barbara Boxer’s recently-unveiled proposals.
“Transportation is a top priority for the Chamber and for our regional OneVoice partners,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “It is always a top agenda item for discussion when we visit our federal delegation in Washington, D.C., and we hope to see a long-term funding plan put in place soon to support Oklahoma’s eight-year transportation plan.”
For a recap of the Senate and House bills, click here. To read more about Ridley’s testimony, click here.
Locally, the Regional Transit System Plan, also known as Fast Forward, was released to the public last Thursday to start the process of creating a strong regional transit system in the Tulsa metro, a top priority of the OneVoice agenda.
The plan first focuses on what research identifies as the most integral piece of good regional transport systems - buses.
"We realized early in this discussion that a well-performing basic bus system is the essential backbone of any successful transit system around the country or around the world," said Mike McAnelly, a consultant with the Jacobs engineering firm. "To focus on the higher-capacity, more exciting things, like rail, without paying attention to a bus system, we'd be doomed for failure."
The 25-year draft plan breaks progress into nine sets of shorter-term goals and projects. Over the long-term, the plan calls for the creation of seven “foundation” corridors to support high-capacity transit like rapid bus or commuter trail.
To see the draft plan, click here. Comments will be taken by INCOG for the next 30 days. To read the full story, click here.
Partners In Education pairs with TPS, Project Elf for uniform drive
In response to a recent announcement from Tulsa Public Schools requiring uniforms of all elementary, middle and junior high students for the 2011-12 school year, Partners In Education, TPS and Project Elf are holding a uniform drive to assist those affected by the new policy.
New white polo shirts without logos or pockets and non-cargo khaki pants, shorts, skirts or jumpers will be accepted in all sizes at all metropolitan Oklahoma National Bank and Salvation Army locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning today and ending September 30, 2011.
The new uniform policy is effective the first day of classes for the 2011-12 school year. For more information visit www.tulsaschools.org or contact Paula Wood at (918) 746-6304.
Port of Catoosa agreement could double activity
The Port of Catoosa and the Kansas Logistics Park of Newton, Kan., signed an agreement last Tuesday that could result in double the tonnage activity at the port in as little as seven years.
The pact is designed to generate business for the Port by developing trade and transportation links between the Port of Catoosa and the Kansas Logistics Park, a long-time major rail center.
“The Port of Catoosa will be a hub with spokes going out to different areas of the region,” said Chris Benge, incoming senior vice president of government affairs for the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “Newton will attract grain and steel products like wind turbines and we will benefit from their strong logistics center.”
Click here to read the full story.
This week’s top priorities:Executive
• Attend monthly meeting with Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Terry Simonson and Mike Bunney.
• Present at Tulsa City Council Urban & Economic Development Committee meeting.
• Attend American Chamber of Commerce Executives annual meeting.
Tulsa Sports Commission
• Create and submit BID proposals for future sporting events, 2012-2014.
• Perform operations and marketing functions for fundraising event.
• Attend the United States Swat Championship meeting.
VisitTulsa
• Attend the Museum Coalition meeting.
• Host the VisitTulsa advisory council meeting.
• Welcome the Palomino Horse Breeders Association to Expo Square.
Economic Development
• Participate in planning session for the Oklahoma Unmanned Aerial Systems Conference scheduled for October.
• Continue with site visits to Tulsa area aerospace-related businesses.
• Submit RFP for industrial project.
Downtown Development
• Meet with new downtown development prospect.
• Participate in the CDFA-TIF Webcast Series: How to Avoid “Subprime” TIF.
Small Business
• Meet with local energy manufacturers.
• Host Small Business Forum featuring experts on earned media.
• Attend Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting.
Education/Workforce
• Plan the final health care forum for 2010-2011, “The Economic Impact of Graduate Medical Education.”
• Recruit new college and career coaches for Tulsa Public Schools.
TYPros
• Meet with new employees at Magellan Midstream Partners to give DIVE presentation.
• Coordinate city council summit with KRMG and Leadership Tulsa.
• Plan Diversity & Dialogue event for the fall.
Government Affairs
• Host OneVoice taskforce meetings.
• Present to Tulsa City Council Urban & Economic Development Committee.
• Present to Tulsa’s Future II Investor meeting.
Chamber welcomes new businessesEach month the Tulsa Metro Chamber's Hospitality Club welcomes new businesses and new Chamber members to the community by assisting with ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking announcements.
New Members:
Big Bear Xchange.com
Composure
Interworks Inc.
Jeffrey D. Stoermer, PC
National American University
Pelco
Utmost Enterprises, Inc.
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