Tulsa Premium Outlets Fuels Jenks' Growth: A Year of Economic Boom

A year after its grand opening, the Tulsa Premium Outlets in Jenks has significantly boosted the city's economy, leading to a substantial increase in sales tax revenue. The development has been a catalyst for improvements in public services and infrastructure, with further commercial growth on the horizon.

Economic Impact

• Jenks has experienced a more than 38% increase in sales tax revenue in the year since the Tulsa Premium Outlets opened.

The outlet mall, a 340,000-square-foot development by Simon Property Group, has been a game-changer for Jenks. The increased revenue allows the city to invest in crucial areas like street improvements and the hiring of additional police officers and firefighters. Mayor Cory Box noted that while some of these expansions were planned, the mall's success has accelerated these initiatives, marking the first significant growth in the Jenks Police Department in over two decades and leading to the hiring of six to nine new firefighters.

Development and Future Plans

The outlet mall, which features over 75 retailers and several eateries, also includes a children's play area, a fire pit, and a fountain. The mall is situated within a tax-increment financing (TIF) district, which captures a portion of the sales tax for development purposes over 25 years.

Beyond the mall itself, several new developments are planned for the surrounding areas. These include a restaurant concept, a fresh food or smoothie spot, a medical spa, and multiple hotels. Simon Property Group is also working on restaurant developments on the west side of the mall, further enhancing the commercial landscape.

Community and Tourism

Local business owners in downtown Jenks are optimistic about the mall's impact, anticipating that visitors to the outlets will also explore the city's existing shops and attractions, such as the Oklahoma Aquarium. The goal is to encourage these visitors to venture beyond the mall and contribute to the local downtown economy. Efforts are underway to enhance downtown Jenks, with new boutiques and restaurants opening, aiming to create a symbiotic relationship between the new development and the established local businesses.

The long-term vision for Jenks includes addressing infrastructure needs, as much of the city's foundational infrastructure is aging. The increased sales tax revenue is seen as essential for funding these future improvements and ensuring the city's financial sustainability without burdening future generations with higher taxes.

Sources

• How Tulsa Preimum Outlets has been a boon for Jenks, Tulsa World.

• Jenks community excited for Tulsa Premium Outlets after long wait, KJRH.

• Jenks Chamber provides deeper look at Tulsa Premium Outlets, KJRH.