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The latest in Tulsa's economic crisis.
It seems that the global economic crisis has come to Tulsa late. But, unfortunately, this is not a case of better late than never. “Budget cuts,” “layoffs” and “furloughs” are becoming commonplace terms during water cooler discussions and in the local media. A lot of people are hurting right now. And this is where things get tricky. We are fully invested in a newer and more vibrant downtown, which — when it is rocking and rolling — could create many new jobs and will certainly be an economic stimulus. However, a vibrant downtown tends to drop a few points on the importance scale during an economic recession, at least for the general public.
A few days ago, in the midst of the drama surrounding the departure of Ron Palmer as chief of police, an officer was interviewed on one of the local newscasts and specifically blamed the current economic problems on Kathy Taylor, singling out the BOK Center as an example of the city’s misplaced priorities. Another downtown project — the new ballpark — is two months away from opening. And although Eric Clapton is making a triumphant return to town (via the BOK Center), will people be able to afford it?
These are problems of perception. And while I don’t totally agree with the truth behind these perceptions, I completely understand them. Fortunately, there has been some good news over the past few days — well, not good news, but it does appear that the layoffs won’t be as widespread as originally thought.
This is as much of a public relations problem as it is anything else. The city must appear to be as worried about jobs, the economy and basic infrastructure as it is about shiny buildings, the national pastime and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Do you think we have our priorities in order?
