Mayor G.T. Bynum announced today that Tulsa was selected as one of 25 Gateways for Growth Cities by the New American Economy and Welcoming America, joining the ranks of Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Des Moines, IA, Little Rock, AR, and Memphis, TN, among others.
As part of the Gateway for Growth Cities, Tulsa will receive a $15,000 matching grant from NAE and the Schusterman Family Foundation, as well as technical assistance in collecting data to better understand the social and economic impact of the local immigrant and refugee population. This customized data will identify opportunities that benefit both native born and immigrant residents of Tulsa.
“Tulsa’s greatest assets are its people, and immigrants are valuable members of our community that contribute to our city’s overall success,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Improving our citywide outcomes of educational attainment, economic growth, and a high quality of life requires that all Tulsans have clear pathways to prosperity. The NAE grant provides Tulsa with the data we need to make informed decisions relative to our immigrant and refugee community.”
Mayor G.T. Bynum also announced that his office will launch the New Tulsans Initiative, which will partner with local community organizations and businesses to develop a strategic plan focused on promoting socially responsible immigrant integration. Mayor Bynum said Christina Starzl Mendoza, Community Development and Policy Assistant in his office, will spearhead the effort.
“As a significant portion of our workforce and a growing segment of our population, it is key that we as a community work to remove barriers to integration for immigrants and their families, particularly in areas of education, development, and entrepreneurship.” Christina Starzl Mendoza said. “The New Tulsans Initiative is a local, comprehensive economic and social strategy that will allow Tulsa’s immigrants and refugees to quickly integrate into our community and contribute their best to our city’s success – excelling in school, starting businesses, and adding to the vibrant diversity that makes all Tulsans prosper. As a city that welcomes and promotes meaningful immigrant integration, Tulsa can better become a diverse, resilient world-class city.”
The New Tulsans Initiative will be a broad partnership between the City of Tulsa and partners impacting all levels of the community. Initial partners include the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Area United Way, Schusterman Family Foundation, Tulsa City-County Health Department, and the YWCA of Tulsa, with future outreach planned to educational, corporate and non-profit partners.