Tulsa's Tech Hub Designation, Chili Bowl Races, and Community Resilience | Tulsa Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Tulsa Local Pulse for Monday, January 13, 2025. We're starting off the week with some exciting news from the tech sector. Tulsa has been designated as an official Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with projections indicating 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade. This is huge for our city, with an average salary of $67,000 for these positions, significantly above the local average. The Tulsa Remote program has already brought in over 1,200 remote workers, contributing to a massive economic boost with projections showing $500 million in new local earnings by 2025[2]. In other news, the 2025 Tulsa Shootout has just wrapped up, setting records with nearly 1,800 entries, over 700 drivers, and representation from 43 states and four countries. This annual event at the SageNet Center near 21st and Yale brings folks of all ages together to compete on an indoor dirt track[5]. Moving on to real estate, the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) met on January 8 to discuss various zoning matters, including a rezoning request from Tekton Homes, LLC for a property east of the northeast corner of East 4th Place and South Harvard Avenue. These decisions can have a significant impact on our daily lives, shaping the future of our neighborhoods[3]. In terms of job market updates, the focus on autonomous systems and AI development is creating a surge in tech job postings, particularly in cybersecurity and full-stack development. Local initiatives like Atlas School and Tulsa Innovation Labs are ensuring that everyone has access to practical skills training that leads to real jobs[2]. From city hall, efforts are underway to address the issue of homeless individuals seeking shelter in vacant buildings due to the cold weather. The health department is also urging safety precautions as respiratory illnesses spike, offering prevention resources to the public[1]. Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly week, with temperatures in the mid-30s today and tomorrow. This cold spell is not only affecting our daily activities but also posing challenges for the homeless community. We urge everyone to stay safe and warm[1]. In new business activity, while there are no major openings or closings to report, the city's investment in tech infrastructure and education is expected to attract more businesses and startups in the coming months[2]. Looking ahead to community events, the Chili Bowl Nationals are kicking off today at the SageNet Center, promising an exciting week of racing. We also have various local school achievements and sports results to celebrate, including the success of Tulsa's boxing gym, which provides a safe place for teens to go after school[1][5]. On a feel-good note, a West Tulsa woman's home burning down sparked an unexpected act of kindness and generosity from the community, highlighting the resilience and compassion of our city[4]. In today's crime report, the Tulsa Police Department has a This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.