Vanessa Hall-Harper has represented District 1 on Tulsa City Council since 2016. She's facing three challengers as she seeks reelection.
Vanessa Hall-Harper has represented District 1 on Tulsa City Council since 2016. She's facing three challengers as she seeks reelection. Credit: Courtesy of Vanessa Hall-Harper

Tulsa City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper is running for reelection for the District 1 seat she’s held since 2016.

So far, three challengers have announced their plans to run for the seat that covers a large swath of north Tulsa. You can confirm which district you live in by using the city’s Council District Finder Map.

With the filing period ending June 10 and Election Day on Aug. 25, we asked Hall-Harper about her successes and the work she wants to continue if reelected. Her responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

Why are you running for reelection?

Hall-Harper: Because the work is not finished.

Over the last several years, I have fought every day to ensure that north Tulsa and District 1 have a strong voice at City Hall. Together, we have advanced initiatives focused on housing stability, economic development, public safety, historic preservation, food access, youth opportunities, and protecting the legacy of Greenwood.

I have worked to help families stay in their homes through programs like Save Our Homes, advocated for the preservation of Greenwood’s history and culture, supported the mass graves investigation, expanded opportunities for expungement and second chances, and fought to ensure that north Tulsa receives the investment and attention it deserves.

This is not a time to start over. It is a time to build on the progress we have made. 

I am running because I love this community, I believe in its future, and I remain committed to doing the hard work necessary to move District 1 forward.

What were some successes of your time in office so far?

Hall-Harper: One of the things I am most proud of is that we have been able to move from simply talking about issues to delivering real results for the people of District 1.

Perhaps most importantly, I have never stopped showing up. Whether the issue was

housing, economic development, public safety, historic preservation or neighborhood

concerns, I have worked to make sure District 1 has a strong and consistent voice at

City Hall.

Here’s what we’ve done:

Economic development and entrepreneurship 

  • Helped bring Oasis Fresh Market to north Tulsa after promising District 1 a grocery store in 2018 — opened in 2021
  • Fought against the overconcentration of dollar stores in north Tulsa with a moratorium and Healthy Neighborhood Overlay
  • Cofounder of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce and helped launch the Black Wall Street Power Group
  • Championed and advanced the Evans Fintube redevelopment vision for Greenwood (more to come)
  • Supported the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM) by securing $4 million towards the preservation and building a business incubator honoring the history and legacy of Moton Hospital while creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurship

Housing, land use and community development 

  • Created and supported the District 1 Housing Committee
  • Worked to pay back property taxes for homeowners in District 1 through the Save Our
  • Homes Initiative
  • Fought against harmful development practices, displacement and inequitable land-use
  • policies impacting north Tulsa
  • Advocated for transparency and accountability surrounding development in Greenwood and north Tulsa

Justice, equity and government accountability 

  • Helped establish and support the Greater Tulsa African American Affairs Commission and Beyond Apology Commission
  • Led seven successful Expungement Expos resulting in over 800 Tulsa citizens having criminal records expunged to help create better opportunities and quality of life
  • Led City Council hearings on Equality Indicators to address disparities impacting Tulsa communities
  • Advocated for reparations, transparency and accountability surrounding Greenwood and the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Advocated and pushed for the mass grave investigations and helped establish the 1921 Tulsa Mass Graves Oversight Committee to ensure transparency, accountability and descendant representation.

Food security, health and quality of life

  • Advocated for food justice and food security in north Tulsa
  • Helped bring fresh food access to underserved communities through Oasis Fresh Market
  • Organized and supported North Tulsa Clean Up Campaigns
  • Advocated for public health, housing stability, and equitable investment in District 1

Parks, community spaces and cultural investment

  • Revitalized B.C. Franklin Park
  • Helped secure Ben Hill Park as the new home for Coach Reed’s Boxing Gym, expanding access to youth mentorship, recreation, and community wellness in north Tulsa.
  • Worked to preserve and honor the legacy of Greenwood and Black Wall Street through community investment and development initiatives.

What more do you think needs to be done in the district?

Hall-Harper: Housing remains one of our greatest challenges. We must continue protecting longtime residents from displacement, expand affordable housing opportunities, and ensure that families can remain in the neighborhoods they helped build.

Economic development must also remain a priority. We need more support for small businesses, more pathways to homeownership, greater access to capital, and investments that create jobs while benefiting existing residents — not pushing them out. Food access continues to be a concern for many families, and we must build on the progress we’ve made to ensure every resident has access to healthy, affordable food close to home.

Public safety is another area that requires continued attention. That means investing … in prevention, youth programs, mental health resources, workforce development and community-based solutions that address the root causes of crime.

We must also continue preserving and protecting Greenwood’s history and legacy. As development continues, it is critical that we safeguard historic sites, honor descendants and ensure that the story of Greenwood remains at the center of decisions affecting the community.

Finally, I believe we must continue strengthening opportunities for our young people. 

What do you see as positives about the district?

Hall-Harper: One of the greatest strengths of District 1 is its people.

It is built on a legacy of resilience, innovation, faith, and community. From Greenwood and Black Wall Street to the neighborhoods throughout north Tulsa, our residents have consistently demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges, support one another and build opportunities for future generations.

District 1 is rich in history, culture and leadership. We are home to entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, community advocates, artists and families who care deeply about the future of this community. That sense of pride and commitment is something special.

I also see tremendous potential. We have strong community organizations, growing economic opportunities, important cultural and historic assets, and residents who are actively engaged in shaping the future of our neighborhoods. We are seeing renewed investment, increased attention to housing and economic development, and a growing recognition of Greenwood’s national significance.

What are the places (restaurants, churches, etc.) that define north Tulsa?

Hall-Harper: I think about the organizations, churches, businesses, and community spaces that have shaped generations and continue to strengthen our community today.

Our churches have always been anchors in north Tulsa. Historic Vernon A.M.E. Church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and survival in Greenwood. Paradise Baptist Church, my church home, has played an important role in serving families and strengthening our community. 

Our restaurants and small businesses are equally important because they bring people together and represent the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been part of north Tulsa. Places like Mack’s Wings, Wanda J’s Next Generation, C’est Bon, Sweet Lisa’s, Janet’s Restaurant, Rubicon Restaurant and Retro’s are more than restaurants — they are gathering places where families celebrate milestones, friends reconnect and community happens every day.

I would also point to Greenwood Rising, the Greenwood Cultural Center, John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, Langston University Tulsa, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa and Historic Greenwood itself. These institutions preserve our history, educate future generations and remind us of the extraordinary legacy of Black Wall Street.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Tulsa?

Hall-Harper: That’s a tough question because Tulsa has so many great restaurants, but if I had to choose, my favorites would be Rubicon, Retro Grill, Mack’s Wings, Wanda J’s Next

Generation and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

What I love about Rubicon, Retro, Mack’s, Fixin’s and Wanda J’s is that they represent the heart and soul of Tulsa’s local food culture. Wanda J’s, in particular, is one of those places that feels like home. 

And when I’m looking for a special occasion or a great steak, Ruth’s Chris is always a favorite.

Shaunicy Muhammad is the northside reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle. She focuses on stories about the people, places and events that make north Tulsa an integral part of the community.