Partner Tulsa Podcast

In this episode, Executive Director Ronita Wade and Chief Health Officer Dr. Jabraan Pasha discuss how health and economic development are inextricably tied together. Dr. Pasha first shares his journey from healthcare to becoming a key leader in Tulsa's health initiatives. We then explore the social determinants of health, innovative community programs, and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (...

In this episode, Mark Smith breaks down the rigorous, data-driven methodologies and technical frameworks that allow Housing Solutions to efficiently combat housing insecurity. He outlines his core professional philosophy that homelessness is not a permanent personal identity, but a temporary crisis that can be systematically resolved through targeted resources and infrastructure. The primary tacti...

This episode of Partner Tulsa Podcast explores the strategic growth and infrastructure development at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Oklahoma. Sherry Alexander, Director of Business Development & Communications at MidAmerica Industrial Park, joins Vickie and Jonathan in a discussion where they share insights on regional economic development, housing initiatives, and the future of Tulsa's indust...

In this episode of Partner Tulsa podcast, Josh Miller shares with Vickie his insights regarding how philanthropy and strategic economic development are reshaping Tulsa communities. Their conversation dives into housing initiatives, talent attraction efforts through projects like Tulsa Remote, and the revitalization of neighborhoods, which highlight how collaboration and community-drive planning ar...

This episode of Partner Tulsa podcast explores Tulsa's innovative Neighborhood Conditions Index (NCI) pilot program, featuring insights from city planners and neighborhood leaders. Our host, Vickie, has an in-depth discussion with John and Jeremy about how data-driven strategies and community engagement are reshaping urban planning and empowering local communities. Designed as a bridge between the...

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, Oklahoma State Representative Melody Blancet shares with Vickie and Jonathan her passion for housing and economic development, highlighting her efforts to address Tulsa's critical housing needs. With a rich background as a native Oklahoman, entrepreneur, and state representative, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the pressing issue of wo...

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, Amanda Swope, Director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships for the City of Tulsa, shares with Vickie her journey from being a representative in the Oklahoma House to her current role. She discusses her goals for enhancing community support, fostering relationships between the city and tribal nations, and promoting native entrepreneurship. Amanda also hig...

In this episode of the Partner Tulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders chats with Andy McMillan from Cherokee Nation Businesses to explore the intricacies of economic development in Tulsa. They discuss the importance of long-term strategies, the unique role of tribal enterprises, and the need for community support systems. The conversation emphasizes the significance of retention in economic developm...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa Podcast, our hosts Jonathan and Vickie get an opportunity to chat together about how housing and economic development work together to make Tulsa a great place to live. They get to ask each other questions on projects they are excited about, but also what it takes to develop and gain speed. Both hosts reflect on the conversations they had, what they learned, how...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders speaks with Luisa Krug, the Executive Director of Eastside Rise, about the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in East Tulsa. They discuss the unique multicultural aspects of the area, the challenges and opportunities for small businesses, and the initiatives being implemented to support entrepreneurs. Luisa shares her journey from p...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan chats with Andrea Frymire, President and CEO of Housing For Communities. The conversation explores the aging housing stock in Oklahoma, highlighting the average age of homes and the pressing need for weatherization, preservation, and new construction. It emphasizes the necessity for funding to address dilapidated housing and the diver...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders speaks with Michelle Barnett, SVP of Economic and Workforce Development for PartnerTulsa. The conversation focuses on the importance of not just creating jobs, but ensuring that these jobs contribute to economic mobility and overall quality of life for individuals. Michelle emphasizes a shift in perspective towards valuing the impa...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan chats with Brian Kurtz, CEO of Tulsa's Downtown Partnership. The conversation explores the pressing housing needs and shortages in urban areas, particularly in downtowns, and the significant changes in office space utilization post-COVID. It highlights the necessity of converting underutilized commercial spaces into alternative uses s...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan discusses housing with L.S. Fields, Secretary of Housing at the Muscogee Creek Nation. They explore the various housing programs available to Muscogee Creek Nation citizens, the challenges faced in providing affordable housing, and the ongoing projects aimed at addressing the needs of the community. The conversation highlights the imp...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders chats with Erran Persley, Chief Economic Development Officer fro the City of Tulsa. Jonathan and Erran discuss the unique cultural essence of Tulsa, emphasizing the importance of intentional growth while preserving the city's identity. They both reflect on how Tulsa maintains its distinct feel and supports individuals in bringing t...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders speaks with Dan Regan, the director of real estate and development at the Tulsa Airport Improvement Trust. They discuss Tulsa's transition from being known as the oil capital to becoming a hub for renewable energy and innovation. Regan highlights the significant economic development projects, including the relocation of Norwegian s...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan speaks with Josh Kunkel, owner of Method Architecture, about the principles of new urbanism. They discuss the importance of walkability, community connectivity, and the role of amenities in urban design. Josh shares insights on transportation systems, examples of new urbanist developments, and the health benefits associated with these...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Jonathan Sanders has a fun and enlightening conversation with Brian Bigbie and Andrew Ralston with the Tulsa Ports. They explore the often-overlooked power of "elimination" as a tool for internal progress and the harsh reality of project failure, where a 90% failure rate is common in large endeavors. Jonathan, Brian and Andrew discuss how one missi...

In this episode of the PartnerTulsa podcast, host Vickie Jordan discusses the pressing housing crisis in Tulsa with Gene Bulmash, the senior advisor to the mayor on housing issues. They explore the current state of housing, the need for nearly 13,000 new units, and the factors contributing to the shortage, including rising costs and the impact of COVID-19. The conversation highlights the importanc...