Local Study

LWV of Metropolitan Tulsa 2012 – 2014 Local Study

Poverty in Tulsa

Tulsa League members voted at the May 2012 annual meeting to the issue of poverty in our community with an eye to what policy changes might impact its prevalence in Tulsa and the surrounding area.  Because our discussion units took part in the state League (LWVOK) water study in the fall of 2012 and early spring 2013, the first study materials are available as of March, 2013.  Those materials are posted below. (Click the links below to download a PDF. You will need Adobe Reader , which is a free download).

Background papers

Discussion questions for March unit meetings

LWV of Metropolitan Tulsa 2010 – 2011 Local Study

Municipal Election Reform

Tulsa League members voted at the May 2010 annual meeting to study current City of Tulsa Charter provisions and ordinances on municipal elections. The study will include:

  • Current requirements for candidates’ filing to run in City of Tulsa elections
  • Non-partisan elections vs. partisan elections
  • Scheduling of municipal elections
  • Terms of office for Mayor, Auditor and City Council
  • Staggered terms for city councilors
  • Runoff elections, and instant runoff voting
  • Possible other issues that that may be discovered in the course of the study.

The study should include projections of costs to taxpayers for elections and any proposed reforms.

This study supports the League’s commitment to an election process that is fair, open and encourages citizen participation.

Statement on Charter Change

At the conclusion of the 2010 – 2011 study of municipal government a general membership meeting was held to reach consensus on charter change. The recommendation from this meeting was to oppose any change to the city’s charter at this time.  On June 28, 2011, the Board of Directors approved the following statement on charter change:

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa affirms its support of the current City of Tulsa charter and, therefore, opposes the proposed changes to the charter on the November 2011 ballot.  The structure of the current form of city government of Tulsa (strong mayor/council) is fundamentally sound and representative.  There are adequate checks and balances to the power wielded by the mayor and the council.  There is also sufficient separation of powers to require interaction and communication if both groups desire to faithfully and effectively govern.

Study Materials Used for 2010 – 2011 Local Study

May 2011 Election Cycle and Terms of Office for City Council

April 2011 City Manager Form of Government Study Materials

March 2011 At-Large Council Representation

January 2011 Partisan vs. Non-Partisan City Elections