The rebates can be used only to reimburse retailers that build their own public infrastructure and would be paid over several years only if the retailer generates a certain amount of sales-tax revenue each year.

Clay Bird, director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, told councilors last year that the incentive program will help Tulsa compete with suburbs and other large cities, which offer similar programs or one-time incentives.

Tulsa's program would focus on what Bird called "destination" retailers — stores that would potentially draw shoppers from as far as surrounding states — and retailers that would be unique to Tulsa.

At the time, he named Costco and Cabela's as retailers the city would attempt to lure with the new program. He said stores such as Target would not be eligible because they are not unique to Tulsa.

A retail incentives committee made up of city staffers and a city councilor will judge whether rebate applicants meet the criteria.

Any incentive deal for Costco or any other companies considered in the future would need the approval of the mayor and council.