Mayor announces community builder pilot program to boost affordable housing efforts

The Tulsa Council Public Works Committee meeting on February 12, 2025, spotlighted the ambitious Community Builder Pilot Program aimed at addressing the city's pressing affordable housing crisis. Mayor's designee presented the initiative, emphasizing its goal to rehabilitate 6,000 housing units over the next four years, targeting developments for families earning 60% or less of the median income, approximately $34,000.

The program seeks to streamline permitting and code enforcement processes, making it easier for developers to bring properties back online. The Mayor highlighted the collaborative effort between city departments and builders, stating, “We hope to learn from this to improve our practices in permitting and housing development moving forward.”

Committee members raised critical points, including the need for bilingual resources to assist the Hispanic community in navigating permitting processes. Development Services Director Mike Skates assured that the city has Spanish-language materials and bilingual staff available to help applicants.

Additionally, discussions touched on the importance of accessible communication materials, with suggestions to simplify language for broader understanding. The Mayor acknowledged these concerns, promising to enhance communication strategies to better serve all community members.

As the pilot program unfolds, the city plans to track progress through a housing tracker, monitoring permit issuance and the availability of affordable units. The committee agreed to reconvene in two months to assess the program's impact and gather feedback from participants, ensuring that the initiative remains responsive to community needs.