Mayor Monroe Nichols told News On 6 that the passage of the hotel guest tax proposition in Tuesday’s election gives Tulsa a “significant development” to reinvest in tourism and major event facilities. The tax, which has not been raised in 40 years, is intended to fund the BOK Center and the Arvest Convention Center, as well as marketing efforts that promote Tulsa nationally and internationally.
City Council Chair Karen Gilbert said the council began a formal review of the proposal, noting that the process will include stakeholder and community feedback before the measure is placed on the August ballot. Council Vice Chair Christian Bengel added that councilors will compare Tulsa’s tourism investments to peer cities, assess economic impact, and examine the capital needs of the venues.
According to the council’s briefing, the tax would apply only to guests staying in Tulsa hotels and short‑term rentals, not to residents who do not use those accommodations. A November 2025 proposal circulated by city leaders suggested raising the rate from 5% to 9.25%, which would be the first increase in more than four decades. Oklahoma City voters approved a similar hike in August 2024.
Mayor Nichols highlighted additional benefits tied to the tax revenue. He cited recent progress on homelessness, noting that 820 people who were homeless at the same time last year have since been housed and supported, part of a broader effort that has placed more than 1,000 people into housing across the community. The upcoming Harbor shelter, a 180‑bed low‑barrier facility backed by the Zarrow Family Foundation, is expected to further address homelessness while easing related public‑safety concerns.
What’s next: The council will continue its public‑outreach plan and hold additional hearings before finalizing the ballot language. Voters will see the hotel guest tax measure on the August ballot, giving Tulsa residents the chance to decide on the proposed increase that could fund the city’s tourism strategy and venue upgrades.
Sources: newson6.com, newson6.com, newson6.com
