To learn about the pillars of Tulsa’s economic development plan to make itself a globally-competitive city. See the city, hear from dynamic speakers, and engage with your peers. You’ll discover what Tulsa is doing to make itself more prosperous, skilled, innovative and livable. Take good notes, because these are all practices that you can adapt for your community. 

Don’t spend two days indoors. Sign up for these chances to see Tulsa’s economic development plan at work: 

Reclaiming Historical Treasures 

Date: Sunday, June 12 

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Price: $55 

Much of Tulsa’s revitalization has been centered on the redevelopment of the city’s treasured architectural gems from the early twentieth century. Thanks to the leadership of developers willing to take risks on what have oftentimes been dilapidated, long-unused structures, buildings such as the Atlas Life and the historic Mayo Hotel, among others, have been turned into key areas of activity and commerce for the city. This walking tour will explore the redevelopment of Tulsa’s East End Village, the core Central Business District and the Atlas Life Building, and the Mayo Hotel, finishing with impressive views from the Mayo’s rooftop bar. 

Spurring Private Development through Public Investment 

Date: Monday, June 13 

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Price: $55 

Built in the 1920s and 1930s during the oil boom, much of Tulsa is characterized by its historic architecture and Art Deco buildings. While the downtown has “good bones”, continuous efforts are needed to rebuild and revitalize the urban core. Since 2008, downtown Tulsa has been home to a resurgence of development, with over $1 billion in public and private investments announced, under-construction, or completed. Development was spurred by major public investment projects – the BOK Center and ONEOK Field – and has been further fostered by a growing number of investors and developers committed to rebuilding Tulsa’s urban core. Experience the change first hand and see the city as the perfect balance between the old and the new. The bus tour stops will include the BOK Center, ONEOK Field, Guthrie Green, and Glacier Chocolate. 

Inland to International – Port of Catoosa 

Date: Tuesday, June 14 

Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 

Price: $55 

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is the biggest in Oklahoma, and the furthest inland, ice-free port in the United States. In 2014 alone, barges moving in and out of the port brought in nearly 2.5 million tons of cargo to the region. A product of federal infrastructure funding and visionary community planning, the Port of Catoosa stands as a significant asset to northeast Oklahoma by providing existing and potential new businesses with significantly lower transportation costs, and serving as a major employment base for the region. The bus tour will kick off from Port headquarters and include a full tour of the Port’s assets and industry located at the Port.