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.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa Podcast, our hosts Jonathan and Vickie get an opportunity to chat together about how housing and economic development work together to make Tulsa a great place to live. They get to ask each other questions on projects they are excited about, but also what it takes to develop and gain speed. Both hosts reflect on the conversations they had, what they learned, how important collaborative efforts are when making things happen- and how important a site is for both areas. This great reflective and informative episode also touches on Vickie's concerns about possibly encountering bears and mice during her upcoming trip to Montana.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders speaks with Luisa Krug, the Executive Director of Eastside Rise, about the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in East Tulsa. They discuss the unique multicultural aspects of the area, the challenges and opportunities for small businesses, and the initiatives being implemented to support entrepreneurs. Luisa shares her journey from public health to community development, highlighting the importance of holistic investment in neighborhoods. The conversation also touches on the future vision for Eastside Rise, the need for infrastructure improvements, and the significance of community pride in fostering economic mobility.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan chats with Andrea Frymire, President and CEO of Housing For Communities. The conversation explores the aging housing stock in Oklahoma, highlighting the average age of homes and the pressing need for weatherization, preservation, and new construction. It emphasizes the necessity for funding to address dilapidated housing and the diverse needs across different income levels.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders speaks with Michelle Barnett, SVP of Economic and Workforce Development for PartnerTulsa. The conversation focuses on the importance of not just creating jobs, but ensuring that these jobs contribute to economic mobility and overall quality of life for individuals. Michelle emphasizes a shift in perspective towards valuing the impact of jobs beyond mere numbers- that jobs help people thrive and provide economic mobility. Jonathan and Michelle highlight a shift in thinking about job creation and how sustainable economic growth is predicated on quality jobs.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan chats with Brian Kurtz, CEO of Tulsa's Downtown Partnership. The conversation explores the pressing housing needs and shortages in urban areas, particularly in downtowns, and the significant changes in office space utilization post-COVID. It highlights the necessity of converting underutilized commercial spaces into alternative uses such as housing and hospitality, a trend that has been ongoing for decades but has gained urgency in recent years. Their discussion emphasizes the role of local development agencies in supporting these transformations and the importance of innovative solutions for urban revitalization- plus you get to find out what Brian and Vickie are both currenetly reading.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders chats with Erran Persley, Chief Economic Development Officer fro the City of Tulsa. Jonathan and Erran discuss the unique cultural essence of Tulsa, emphasizing the importance of intentional growth while preserving the city's identity. They both reflect on how Tulsa maintains its distinct feel and supports individuals in bringing their ideas to life, fostering a community that values both growth and cultural integrity- highlighting that its possible to grow without losing who you are.

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan discusses housing with L.S. Fields, Secretary of Housing at the Muscogee Creek Nation. They explore the various housing programs available to Muscogee Creek Nation citizens, the challenges faced in providing affordable housing, and the ongoing projects aimed at addressing the needs of the community. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, federal funding, and strategic planning in tackling housing issues.