Tulsa, Oklahoma—once a city symbolizing the boom-and-bust cycle of the oil and gas industry—is now undergoing a major economic transformation. The metropolitan area has a population of about 1 million, with roughly 410,000 residents within the city limits. While population decline had persisted in recent years, mirroring broader Midwest trends, recent data shows a shift toward growth. Tulsa accounts for the largest share of the state’s overall population growth, with notable inflows particularly from California and Texas.  Through investments in digital infrastructure and community-focused innovation initiatives, Tulsa is redefining a new model demonstrating how a mid-sized city can thrive in the 21st century.

At its core are three institutions: “Tulsa Remote,” which attracts remote workers; “Atlas School,” which trains digital talent; and “Tulsa Innovation Labs,” which shapes the city’s tech strategy. Washington Core spoke with these organizations to explore how Tulsa is rebuilding its economic identity and establishing itself as a hub where history and innovation intersect.