Northside Neighbors is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to fostering opportunity and prosperity in North Tulsa. Launched by GKFF’s InvestNorth initiative, the organization began by engaging over 500 residents in the Hawthorne and Whitman neighborhoods to understand local challenges and opportunities. Now, as a growing nonprofit, Northside Neighbors works alongside residents and partners to drive change in education, housing, wellness, and economic vitality.
Guided by a belief that every neighborhood should be worthy of the people who call it home, Northside Neighbors serves as a bridge—connecting community voices with investments, policy makers, and resources. As a prospective Purpose Built Communities Network Member, the organization is committed to a holistic, resident-first approach that ensures North Tulsa’s neighborhoods not only grow but thrive.
Greetings, North Tulsa!
To date, our work together has shown me that neighborhoods are more than just places where people live; they are the heartbeat of thriving communities. When neighborhood residents are empowered, involved in planning, and well-resourced, they nurture their overall health and prosperity.
A thriving neighborhood has everything residents need to prosper, including high-functioning schools that foster curiosity, stable and affordable homes, access to medical care, well-stocked grocery stores, parks, and a dynamic mix of commerce that brings people together. But beyond infrastructure, neighborhoods are fundamentally about the people who live there, the history they carry, and the culture they shape. For a neighborhood to be successful, it must be driven by the involvement of the people who call it home. This means residents must actively engage in its planning, growth, and long-term vision.
As we focus on revitalizing neighborhoods in North Tulsa, Northside Neighbors is committed to a place-based approach. We will continue to collaborate with local partners and build allies and stakeholders, but most importantly, we will engage neighborhood residents. This will increase the social and economic well-being of North Tulsa neighborhoods. Place-based initiatives are an investment in our future, and they require the collaboration of everyone. Our approach will reflect the needs of our residents—we will listen and respond.
At our core, Northside Neighbors is committed to uplifting the legacy of North Tulsa residents' and supporting their vision for a prosperous future. Our work aims to create high-quality, mixed-income housing, exceptional schools that prioritize student success, inclusive spaces for physical and mental well-being, and a thriving commercial core that sustains economic vitality. These efforts reflect the power of resident-led initiatives and are a testament to the resilience and spirit of North Tulsa neighborhoods.
Northside Neighbors will prioritize efforts to close the life expectancy gap between north and south Tulsa. This will be done by addressing historic issues of poverty, structural racism, and economic inequality. We must recognize that these systemic challenges cannot be solved by infrastructure alone; they require a comprehensive, coordinated effort that engages everyone in the process, especially the residents who are most directly impacted.
By combining strategies, partnerships, and a commitment to resident-centered revitalization, we can lay the foundation for neighborhoods that support healthy, thriving lives for generations to come. This is not an easy task, but it is one that we can accomplish together. I am confident that North Tulsa residents will continue to drive change that creates lasting, positive transformation.
I look forward to continuing to serve our community in this new chapter.
– Reggie Ivey
Have questions or want to get involved? Fill out the form below—we’d love to hear from you.