Tulsa's Tech Boom, Neighborhood Concerns, and Community Updates - Tulsa Local Pulse for January 19, 2025

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for January 19, 2025. We're starting the day with a mix of news and updates from around our city. First off, let's talk about the tech boom in Tulsa. Our city 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 still 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. Moving on to our job market snapshot, the tech industry is leading the way with significant hiring announcements. Major companies like Boeing and PwC are actively searching for talent in cloud security, networking, and risk assessment. The average salary for tech jobs in Tulsa is around $88,000, well above the city's average income. We're also seeing a surge in remote work opportunities, thanks to programs like Tulsa Remote, which offers a $10,000 grant to eligible remote workers. 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 Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission has been reviewing rezoning requests, including a proposal to rezone a property near East 4th Place and South Harvard Avenue from RS-3 to RM-2. 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 changes in the long-term forecast, so stay tuned for updates. A skiff of snow caused slick roads in northern Green Country earlier this week, but conditions have improved since then. In new business activity, we're seeing a surge in local events and exhibitions. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is hosting a production of "Oliver!" until January 26, and the Tulsa Theater is presenting a stand-up comedy show with Jo Koy tonight at 7:30 p.m. The American Finals Rodeo is also coming to the Ford Truck Arena at Tulsa Expo Square from January 23 to 25. In community news, the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., starting at North Detroit Avenue and John Hope Franklin Boulevard. We're also seeing a renewed focus on public safety, with Muskogee County voters set to decide on a s This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.