Partner Tulsa Podcast

This episode explores Tulsa's strategic initiatives, the innovative consolidation of economic development entities, and the transformative Greenwood Master Plan. Our host, Jonathan Sanders, and our guest, Gary Hamer, TAEO Chief Strategy Officer, present valuable insights on how these efforts are shaping Tulsa's future and the importance of focus, collaboration, and community engagement.

This episode explores Tulsa's strategic initiatives, the innovative consolidation of economic development entities, and the transformative Greenwood Master Plan. Our host, Jonathan Sanders, and our guest, Gary Hamer, present valuable insights on how these efforts are shaping Tulsa's future and the importance of focus, collaboration, and community engagement.

In this episode, Executive Director Ronita Wade and Chief Health Officer Dr. Jabraan Pasha discuss how health and economic development are inextricably tied together. Dr. Pasha first shares his journey from healthcare to becoming a key leader in Tulsa's health initiatives. We then explore the social determinants of health, innovative community programs, and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to fund improved health outcomes. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Pasha lays out the city's vision for a healthier future.

In this episode, Mark Smith breaks down the rigorous, data-driven methodologies and technical frameworks that allow Housing Solutions to efficiently combat housing insecurity. He outlines his core professional philosophy that homelessness is not a permanent personal identity, but a temporary crisis that can be systematically resolved through targeted resources and infrastructure. The primary tactical tool driving this work is a centralized data tracking system that tracks housing metrics, inventory, and individual needs in real-time to eliminate fragmented outreach.

From an operational standpoint, Mark details the complex coordination required to execute broad housing programs like the landlord mitigation funds and targeted lease-up initiatives. Rather than relying on simple, short-term emergency shelter vouchers, his process focuses heavily on aligning landlords with the community's vision by providing financial safety nets and continuous support. This method lowers the barrier to entry for marginalized individuals while providing private property owners with the security required to participate in long-term housing placement programs.

Furthermore, Mark highlights the technical execution of severe weather shelter planning. Housing Solutions acts as the primary coordinating body during extreme environmental events, orchestrating the rapid opening of winter facilities and pop-up shelters to prevent hypothermia and protect vulnerable populations. By managing real-time bed capacity and deploying specialized street outreach teams, the organization ensures that immediate life-saving emergency services transition smoothly into long-term case management and permanent stability.

This episode of Partner Tulsa Podcast explores the strategic growth and infrastructure development at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Oklahoma. Sherry Alexander, Director of Business Development & Communications at MidAmerica Industrial Park, joins Vickie and Jonathan in a discussion where they share insights on regional economic development, housing initiatives, and the future of Tulsa's industrial ecosystem.

In this episode of Partner Tulsa podcast, Josh Miller shares with Vickie his insights regarding how philanthropy and strategic economic development are reshaping Tulsa communities. Their conversation dives into housing initiatives, talent attraction efforts through projects like Tulsa Remote, and the revitalization of neighborhoods, which highlight how collaboration and community-drive planning are essential to build a more vibrant and inclusive Tulsa.

This episode of Partner Tulsa podcast explores Tulsa's innovative Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) pilot program, featuring insights from city planners and neighborhood leaders. Our host, Vickie, has an in-depth discussion with John and Jeremy about how data-driven strategies and community engagement are reshaping urban planning and empowering local communities. Designed as a bridge between the city and its residents, NCI fosters mutual understanding to support more effective collaboration in neighborhood development.

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, Oklahoma State Representative Melody Blancet shares with Vickie and Jonathan her passion for housing and economic development, highlighting her efforts to address Tulsa's critical housing needs. With a rich background as a native Oklahoman, entrepreneur, and state representative, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the pressing issue of workforce housing in Oklahoma. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the housing market, it’s clear that addressing the workforce housing crisis is not just about building homes; it’s about creating a sustainable future for our communities.

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, Amanda Swope, Director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships for the City of Tulsa, shares with Vickie her journey from being a representative in the Oklahoma House to her current role. She discusses her goals for enhancing community support, fostering relationships between the city and tribal nations, and promoting native entrepreneurship. Amanda also highlights the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving these objectives, as well as her aspirations for the future, including the potential of attending law school.

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders chats with Andy McMillan from Cherokee Nation Businesses to explore the intricacies of economic development in Tulsa. They discuss the importance of long-term strategies, the unique role of tribal enterprises, and the need for community support systems. The conversation emphasizes the significance of retention in economic development, the value of inclusive growth, and the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders. McMillan shares his thoughts on the future priorities for Oklahoma, including education and infrastructure, and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve sustainable economic outcomes.