A trio of Tulsa City Councilors representing sections of eastside neighborhoods are moving forward with a shared vision of bolstering infrastructure, investing in Route 66 landmarks and developing businesses.
East Tulsa voters re-elected District 3 Councilor Jackie Dutton and District 5 Councilor Karen Gilbert Tuesday. District 6 Councilor Christian Bengel, who did not draw an election opponent, represents the bulk of eastside neighborhoods. Together they will shape the direction of east Tulsa during the next two years.
Two of the councilors hold top leadership positions on the council: Gilbert as council chair and Bengel as vice chair.
Bengel wants to prioritize bringing more development to the area, pointing to the opening of the city’s new Public Safety Center next year. The area will also see movement on the major master plan development in the Fair Oaks community in early 2027, he said.
“I don’t have all the details yet, and some of that still has to be ironed out, but there’s a lot that’s on the horizon for us in east Tulsa,” Bengel said.
Meanwhile, Gilbert wants to enhance the business incubator at Plaza Santa Cecilia. She has served on council for nine years, from 2011 to 2018, before being elected to her current role in December 2024.
“We have to work together and that’s what it’s all about — bringing positive to the district,” Gilbert said.
The councilors say they collaborate on projects to benefit the entire area.
“District 5 does have quite a bit of east Tulsa, but we continue our efforts out there and working with residents, all the residents, all the neighborhoods, and doing what we can to promote cohesiveness,” Gilbert said.
Dutton said she is concerned about the lack of city funds allocated for district infrastructure and capital improvements. Among her priorities is to bring a community center and library to the area. She also wants increased staff for the city’s code enforcement department and animal welfare services.
Enhancing Route 66 landmarks continues to be a top priority for councilors as the city rounds out centennial celebrations. Bengel said he wants more development along the eastern corridor.
“So it’s been a challenge for me this year, as the chair of the Route 66 Commission, to not be envious of other portions of the city,” Bengel said. “It’s a lot of work … As I promised the people of our district, I would advocate assertively for our district.”
Similarly, Dutton plans to seek Route 66 funds for the 11th Street and Yale Avenue corridor. She is working to boost lighting around the Route 66 Rising sculpture at the intersection of east Admiral Place and south Mingo Road and make improvements to the Route 66 Interpretive Plaza at 9397 E. 12th St., which is temporarily closed.
“I want to emphasize that it’s a super vibrant district, and it’s time that it be recognized, and it not just be recognized for its vibrancy, but also for its economic driver contribution to our budget,” Dutton said.
Flyer cost of living reporter Libby Hobbs contributed reporting.
This article was produced as part of a partnership between the Tulsa Flyer and La Semana, a Tulsa-based bilingual Spanish-English newspaper serving Latino communities in Oklahoma.
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