Mayor Heikle declares April 2025 Fair Housing Month in Norman, Oklahoma

The City Council of Norman, Oklahoma, convened for a special meeting on April 15, 2025, to address several key proclamations and community initiatives. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of all council members except for Council member Holman.

The first item on the agenda was a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Norman. The council unanimously acknowledged the proclamation, which emphasizes the importance of fair housing rights as outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Mayor Heikle highlighted the significance of this month, marking the 57th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Law. Representatives from Metro Fair Housing were present to accept the proclamation, honoring the legacy of their founder, Kathy Solovsky, and reaffirming their commitment to providing safe and decent housing for all.

Following this, the council addressed a second proclamation designating the week of April 21-25, 2025, as National Community Development Week. This proclamation was also unanimously acknowledged. It celebrates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships programs, which have provided substantial funding to improve housing and living conditions for low- and moderate-income residents in Norman. Over the past four years, the city has received nearly $3.8 million in CDBG funds and over $1.6 million in HOME funds, which have supported various community projects.

Lisa Craig, the CDBG Manager for the City of Norman, provided an overview of the program's impact, noting that 35 projects have been completed this year alone, benefiting low-income citizens at no cost. These projects included essential home repairs and modifications, with an average cost of nearly $10,000 per project. Craig emphasized the program's role in empowering neighborhoods and enhancing citizen engagement.

The meeting concluded with council announcements, where members shared updates on their activities, including efforts to lobby for workforce housing and HUD funding in Washington, D.C. The council's commitment to community development and housing equity was evident throughout the discussions, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all residents in Norman.