Tulsa Mayor Bynum, Mayor-Elect Nichols Addressed Transition Plans, Goals For the City

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and Mayor-Elect Monroe Nichols held a news conference on Thursday at City Hall to outline their plans for the upcoming mayoral transition, which is scheduled for December 2. On that day, Nichols will be sworn in as Tulsa’s 41st mayor at 1:59 p.m.

A room full of city staff and leaders watched as Bynum and Nichols shared their vision for this transition. Both mayors emphasized the importance of starting this process promptly.

"I have been preparing for this for a year, studying presidential transitions because there isn't much research on mayoral transitions," Bynum stated.

He also sent a message to all city employees welcoming Mayor-Elect Nichols and the transition.

Nichols expressed his gratitude to Bynum for his leadership and guidance, noting, "Oftentimes, leadership transitions can be tricky. Tulsa is a shining example of how this should be done. It doesn't happen by accident; it occurs when you have a great leader, which Mayor Bynum has been."

Bynum mentioned that he compiled a memo containing essential information for the next Mayor. Nichols is already reviewing it.

"I'll spend the next evening and the following morning going through that, making notes to help shape the agenda for our meetings with department heads," he explained.

Nichols anticipates minimal changes to staff during this transitional phase. His focus in the coming weeks will be on building his administration and fulfilling his campaign promises. Bynum assured that Nichols would have a place at the table for meetings moving forward.

"He is welcome to participate, and no significant decisions will be made over the next 25 days without his involvement," Bynum added.

Nichols also took a moment to thank his opponent, Karen Keith and indicated that discussions regarding her potential role in his administration would take place.

Bynum will conclude his time at City Hall on the afternoon of Dec. 2, after handing over responsibilities to Nichols. He will begin a new role the following day at St. Francis Hospital.

Related Story: Tulsa's Mayor-Elect Monroe Nichols Talks Priorities And Transition Plans