Tulsa’s Urban Renewal Project Receives Federal Funding Boost

Tulsa’s Urban Renewal Project Receives Federal Funding BoostTulsa’s Urban Renewal Project Receives Federal Funding Boost Tulsa, Oklahoma’s ambitious urban renewal project has received a significant boost from the federal government with the allocation of $100 million in funding. The project aims to revitalize the city’s historic Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, which was devastated by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will support the development of affordable housing, community infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. The project is a collaboration between the City of Tulsa, the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, and the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation. “This funding is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our city and our federal partners to rebuild and revitalize the heart of our community,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “It will allow us to create a thriving and equitable neighborhood that honors the legacy of Greenwood and its residents.” The project includes the construction of 250 new affordable housing units, the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and the creation of new green spaces and public amenities. It will also provide support for small businesses, job training programs, and community-based organizations. “Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive neighborhood that is accessible to all residents,” said Dr. Phil Armstrong, president of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. “This funding will help us achieve that vision and ensure that Greenwood continues to be a symbol of hope and resilience.” The project is expected to generate over $1 billion in economic impact and create thousands of new jobs. It is part of a larger effort by the City of Tulsa to address the legacy of racial injustice and economic inequality in the city. “This project is a powerful example of how we can use federal funding to invest in communities and create a more just and equitable society,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “We are proud to partner with the City of Tulsa and its residents to make this vision a reality.” The funding allocation is the latest in a series of federal grants that Tulsa has received to support its urban renewal efforts. In 2022, the city was awarded $50 million from the U.S. Department of Justice to create a community policing program. “These investments demonstrate the federal government’s recognition of Tulsa’s commitment to reconciliation and community empowerment,” said Rev. Dr. Robert E. Turner, Jr., director of the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation. “We are confident that this project will create a lasting legacy for the Greenwood District and the entire city.”