Welcome to 2024, Downtown Tulsa! The New Year is here, and we are so pumped for all the things coming to Downtown. We're anticipating an exciting year ahead, packed with an array of delightful experiences that promise to make your 2024 truly memorable.
From more vibrant Midweek Markets to new Pop-Up shops, and from soul-stirring musical performances and entertainment t exciting new partnerships — and who can forget the buzz of all the upcoming grand openings of remarkable restaurants and businesses? — Downtown Tulsa is poised for greatness in 2024. Downtown Tulsa Partnership has been pondering what hopes, dreams, and resolutions we have for this year, and here are some words from our staff.
What are your hopes and dreams for Downtown Tulsa this year? Email us at Hello@DowntownTulsa.com.
Brian Kurtz
President and CEO
I look forward to big changes in 2024 that lead to a more welcoming, active, and walkable Downtown for all. I look forward to work getting underway to continue the conversion of one-way streets to two-way traffic and more initiatives to make Downtown more pedestrian friendly. I’m also hopeful that the City and partners at A Way Home For Tulsa will move forward with a low-barrier shelter to serve as a place of refuge and relief for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. After a much-deserved holiday break, our incredible team at DTP is ready to kick off 2024 with more and new programs, services, and initiatives to serve and support our Downtown residents, visitors, and employees. From music, public art, and the continuation of our Midweek Market to new programs that support small businesses and public realm investments, the best is yet to come for us in 2024.
Lisa Smiley
Operations Manager
Happy New Year! As this new year begins, I look around and see so many wonderful things to look forward to in the new year. I am looking forward to continuing to help the Downtown Ambassadors develop and hone their skills. I am excited about the outreach program in Downtown blossoming and continuing to help people get connected to the assistance that they need. Mostly, I am looking forward to the improvements that are coming this year!
Emily Scott
Director of Planning and Vitality
2024 is going to be another great year for Downtown Tulsa! My wish for this year is that we continue to see small businesses launch, locate, and grow Downtown as we continue to expand the retail, food and beverage, service, and entertainment options for our Downtown community. It’s been a long four years of COVID and COVID-impacted economies and communities — my hope for this year is that we emerge from the worst of those effects with a renewed understanding that our brightest days are ahead and we’ll get there by working together. It still take a village (even in a Downtown). Happy 2024!
Morgan Phillips
Director of Marketing and Experience
A new year is for new experiences! In 2024 I look forward to frequenting Downtown’s newest and soon-to-open establishments, including Wing Supreme Tulsa, Noche, Connor’s Corner Store, Archer Nail Salon, Isla’s Kitchen (opening January 4), and Baron’s on First (opening TBA). I’m also so excited for our DTP team to introduce several new events and activations in 2024 in collaboration with local partners and artists. Stay tuned for some exciting opportunities to experience and invest in Downtown in new ways!
Kirsten Dominguez
Marketing and Experience Manager
I can’t wait to get started on all the exciting plans we have in store for Downtown Tulsa this year, some of which are still top secret! I also anticipate writing more stories about our wonderful Downtown community, and I’m excited to continue to make new connections with partners across Tulsa (I love building relationships and community). One of my biggest goals is expanding our promotional services for all Downtown Tulsa businesses so they can continue to prosper. Downtown Tulsa is a place that embraces everyone and is for everyone, and I'm eager to continue contributing to its inclusivity and warmth.
Sophia Ton
Data and Programs Coordinator
Looking to 2024, my hope for Downtown is an expansion of resources for all people who live, work, and visit. For the residents of Downtown, I hope that they will have better access to fresh food and public transportation. For Downtown workers, I hope that they receive plentiful options for dining and recreation. Lastly for the visitors, I hope that every person who visits Downtown can feel the energy and community of a vibrant city center. I also hope that future investment into development of housing and providing resources to those who are unhoused will greatly help those in need.
Toni Foster
Outreach Coordinator
My hope is for Downtown Tulsa to be the trendsetter when it comes to collaboration within organizations. My dream is that we can be the change we would like to see, starting with Downtown Tulsa. We as a community have the ability to do great things within the great organizations of Tulsa. My resolution is to throw kindness and love around like glitter that sticks to you and won’t come off.
Olbin Romero
Operations Supervisor
2024 is going to be a great year for our team as I am looking forward to starting new initiatives that will involve everyone in our community, from our unhoused to corporations. I'm hopeful that we will get our volunteer program underway and showcase that we can all come together to make Downtown a better and more welcoming place for everyone. Volunteering isn't just a way for people to get credit for doing so, but it's a way for everyone to see how much of a difference planting flowers, removing graffiti and litter, and even weed abatement can make in our Downtown community.
Luis Garcia
Ambassador Clean Team Lead
My hope and dream for this year is to have Downtown Tulsa as clean as it has ever been, and to help the team learn and grow. This year I hope to make Downtown as safe and as vibrant as possible and to help the Downtown community out as much as I can.
Kenneth "Kenny" Harris
Ambassador Safety Team Lead
Happy 2024, everyone! I look forward to seeing a safer, cleaner Downtown with new businesses and excitement for everyone to enjoy, helping the homeless, and making sure the businesses feel safe and understanding their needs. I am so grateful for this opportunity with the exciting Ambassador program. 2024 will be a great year for the success and growth of Downtown Tulsa, and I am happy to be a part of it.