Tulsa Tech Boom, Safety Concerns, and Community Highlights - A Recap of Local News

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for January 17, 2025. We're starting the day with a mix of news and updates from around our city. First off, our local tech scene is booming. Tulsa has been designated as an official Tech Hub, with projections indicating 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade, averaging salaries of $67,000. This is huge news for anyone looking to break into tech, especially with major projects like an AI Center of Excellence and job opportunities spanning AI, drones, and cybersecurity. Companies are flocking to Tulsa, with over 150 new tech companies expected to set up shop in the next few years, bringing in over $1 billion in additional investment capital. In other news, residents are voicing safety concerns over a proposed halfway house in a west Tulsa neighborhood. This development has sparked a heated debate, and we'll be keeping an eye on how this story unfolds. Meanwhile, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission met on January 8 to discuss rezoning proposals, including one for a property east of the northeast corner of East 4th Place and South Harvard Avenue. Moving on to our job market snapshot, the tech industry is leading the way with significant hiring announcements. Major players like PwC, Cloudaction, and ONEOK are creating exciting opportunities across different tech specialties. The average salary for tech jobs in Tulsa is hitting $88,448, with a 27% growth in software developer roles. The Tulsa Remote program is also making waves, offering $10,000 grants to remote workers and enhancing community and job opportunities. In real estate news, there haven't been any major commercial or residential property sales announced recently. However, new development projects are on the horizon, and we'll be providing updates as more information becomes available. The weekly median home price in Tulsa is around $220,000, with inventory levels remaining steady. From city hall, new application fees for the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment took effect on January 14, 2025. These simplified fees aim to provide a more transparent and customer-friendly approach for applicants. Weather-wise, today is looking sunny with a high of 59 degrees. However, we're expecting some slick roads in northern Green Country due to a skiff of snow, so be sure to check the roads before heading out. In new business activity, the Tulsa High Performance Racing Auction Trade Show & Swap Meet is happening today at the Tulsa Expo Square. Vendors will be filling Central Park Hall with merchandise, new and used parts, and other hard-to-find items perfect for completing your latest car project. Upcoming community events include the Tulsa Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on January 20, 2025, and the American Finals Rodeo at the Ford Truck Arena at Tulsa Expo Square from January 23 to 25, 2025. In local school achievements, Theatre Tulsa is presenting "Oliver!" at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center until January 2 This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.