Destination Districts By Laura Dennis
In an effort to imbue new life and vitality into some of the lesser-known, yet significant parts of the city, Tulsa Planning Office has added a new initiative to its roster. Since 2019, Destination Districts has looked to increase economic growth, support cultural representation and create a deep sense of community in areas of Tulsa with historical and cultural importance. In doing so, TPO aims to retain talent, attract new residents and increase tourism opportunities within these neighborhoods, according to TPO’s website.
“Our purpose is to create vibrant places in Tulsa where people want to be,” said Luisa Krug, former manager for TPO’s Destination Districts program. In short, Destination Districts is a commercial revitalization program, intended to help struggling areas in Tulsa realize their full potential, she said. As the liaison between TPO and approved districts, Krug assists them through the process of becoming their own entity by offering technical support, guidance and marketing expertise. After identifying a district,
the manager guides a steering committee through the process to become a Main Street organization, which includes an application to the Oklahoma Main Street Center, creating a board and incorporating with the State of Oklahoma, applying for 501(c)(3) status, and creating a strategic plan and goals for the organization. All of this is supported through seed funding from the City of Tulsa. The steering committee is made up of community leaders, advocates, business owners and property owners. “The idea is that these districts will eventually be self-
GREENWOOD: MICHELLE POLLARD; GREG BOLLINGER
Kendall Whittier Main Street
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