PLANiTULSA and Great Resets

I recently read Richard Florida's new book, "The Great Reset". In the book he writes about the major historical "resets," in particular, the great depressions of 1870s and 1930s that dramatically transformed the urban, economic and social environments of those periods.  He referenced how we might be poised for another "reset" today given current economic conditions. It was interesting reading the comparison of our present economic crisis to the one that began in 1873. That crisis centered around "a banking crisis brought on by insolvent mortgages, complex financial instruments and led to widespread long term unemployment". The major point of the book is Florida's discussion about the great innovation that occurred at that time and the major changes to city form that follow these economic downturns and how we may be at the beginning of such a positive period of arts, architecture and overall creativity.

I also read a blog or post - Edge Perspectives by John Hagel, and he too has read Richard Florida's book and has highlighted what I think are some key excerpts that bring out the essence of Florida's book and might be interesting things to contemplate as they relate to Tulsa's future and the next efforts of PlaniTulsa. (I encourage you to go to the Edge Perspective by John Hagel and read the entire post. http://www.edgeperspectives.typepad.com/)

Edge Perspectives by John Hagel, June 14, 2010

As Richard explains it:

"A true Reset transforms into simply the way we innovate and produce, but also ushers in a whole new economic landscape.  As it takes shape around new infrastructure and systems of transportation, it gives rise to new housing patterns, realigning where and how we live and work.  Eventually it ushers in a whole new way of life . . ". 

He goes on to emphasize that:

"Economic systems do not exist in the abstract; they are embedded within the geographic fabric of the society – the way land is used, the locations of homes and businesses, the infrastructure that ties people, places and commerce together . . . . A reconfiguration of this economic landscape is the real distinguishing characteristic of a Great Reset."

From a planning point of view, Florida references the work of David Harvey, a geographer and social theorist and his work that relates to these major resets containing a "spatial fix". Now that Tulsa has a new Comprehensive Plan, the next effort is to begin implementing and making the necessary changes to our development documents that will begin to make these "spatial fixes" possible. In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, a Strategic Vision was also prepared and sets forth the following key initiatives that now need to be addressed.

1. Revise the Zoning Code

2. Conduct Neighborhood and Small Area Planning in Targeted Areas

3. Create and Launch a Redevelopment Strategy

4. Develop PLANiTULSA Building Prototypes as Demonstration Projects

5. Draft and Launch a New Transportation Strategy

6. Organize Planning and Development Functions for Implementation  

Approval of the Comprehensive Plan is just the beginning, we need to take the next steps to  implement the above listed initiatives. However, one critical element is missing from the initiatives above and that is the City of Tulsa needs a Planning Director. This critical position has been vacant for more than two years. This should be initiative #1 and be the first undertaken. This person needs to be creative, energetic and tough because the six initiatives above will require considerable grit to complete. I encourage each of you to contact your councilor and advocate for this Planning Director position being filled immediately. The Mayor and some councilors were quoted in the paper this morning on their intent to fill this position. One councilor added a qualification that it would occur after the police and fire departments were staffed to "optimum levels". I understand monies were available for this director position, but were used for other purposes. While I am sure these other needs and the "optimum level" goal are important, the Planning Director is a major departmental position and I believe much more important. A top quality Planning Director, implementing the above initiatives so that our city can become more efficient in its' need for resources like police, fire and other city services is so important and needed now.

I love this city and look forward to the implementation of the Strategic Vision for our City.