TULSA, Okla. — It was standing-room-only for Monroe Nichols’ inauguration ceremony at the Cox Business Center.
Several Tulsa City Councilors were sworn in as well, including Phil Lakin, who delivered opening remarks.
“Our work did not end when the campaign ended or the election, it began,” he said. “So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
Getting to work with an action plan was a focus during Mayor Nichols’ campaign and during the inauguration speech.
First, Nichols credited outgoing Mayor G.T. Bynum for giving the city the momentum it has now. He thanked family members who came to town for the event.
WATCH the full ceremony:
Nichols said Tulsans should expect to see a comprehensive plan in the coming weeks on how he envisions ending homelessness by 2030.
“We will lead with compassion for those living on the street but also be aggressive in cleaning up our city,” Nichols said.
He said his goal is to have 6,000 new affordable housing units by 2028.
“We must realize that this is not just a housing issue but also a moral issue,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to make sure every Tulsan has access to safe, affordable housing—always championing housing as a human right.”
He also reiterated his commitment to working with tribes.
“While we have issues that will challenge us, we want to be clear that this administration will always stand on the side of tribal sovereignty.”
Nichols also plans to launch an Office of Children, Youth and Families. During the speech, he called it a “cradle to career approach” to boost outcomes for students.
There was a standing ovation as he recognized that Mother Randall, one of two living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, was able to witness the inauguration of the city’s first black mayor.
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